Fort Collins Uber and Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Peer-to-peer services such as ridesharing have enjoyed a rise in popularity in recent years, thanks to low costs and ease of use. While convenient, these modes of transportation are not without controversy. Over the years, Uber and Lyft drivers have commanded headlines claiming everything from assault to involvement in fatal accidents. What happens if you’re involved in an accident with a ridesharing driver?
These types of car accidents can be complex and demand the experience of a personal injury attorney. Contact the Fort Collins car accident attorneys at Cannon Law to schedule a free review of your legal options. Fort Collins residents choose our firm because:
- We use a team-centered approach to personal injury, applying everyone’s unique skills and abilities to achieve success on behalf of our clients
- We employ an individualized approach. We know your case is not one-size-fits-all, so we work with you to establish goals and execute a specialized strategy for your case.
- We exercise transparency and communication, so you always know what to expect.
Types of Ridesharing Accidents and Liability Laws in Fort Collins
Several different types of accidents involving ridesharing drivers exist. Your form of legal recourse will depend on the unique circumstances of your accident. Some of the most common types of ridesharing accidents include:
- Accidents involving pedestrians. Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft drivers have struck and severely injured pedestrians on roadways.
- Accidents as a passenger. If you sustained injury as a passenger in a ridesharing accident, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- Accidents as another driver. If you’re in another vehicle and get in a car accident with a ridesharing driver, your legal recourse will depend on whether the driver was “on the clock” at the time of the accident.
Liability Basics for Ridesharing
As a victim of a ridesharing accident, your claims process will largely depend on whether a ridesharing driver was actively on duty when an accident occurs. According to the laws of the state of Colorado, Uber and Lyft drivers must all carry insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum standards established by Colorado law. However, most insurance companies do not offer liability coverage when a person operates their vehicle for income or hire. As a result, Ridesharing companies offer their drivers a special kind of coverage when they actively transport passengers. The liability basics for these car accidents are as follows:
- When a driver does not log into the Uber or Lyft app, the company will not provide liability coverage. As a result, any accidents with an off-duty ridesharing driver will function like a normal car accident claim.
- When a driver logs into an app but is not actively transporting a passenger, both Uber and Lyft provide up to $50,000 per person/ $100,000 total liability coverage and $25,000 in property damage.
- When a driver is in the process of actively transporting a passenger, ridesharing companies offer up to $1 million in both liability and property damage in the event of an accident.
Why You Need an Attorney
Ridesharing accidents can be difficult to navigate. Determining whether a driver was on duty requires a thorough investigation into an accident and an advocate willing to negotiate with an insurance company. Hiring a Fort Collins personal injury lawyer at Cannon Law helps assure maximum compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
If you or a loved one recently suffered harm in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation today. We help Fort Collins residents hold negligent drivers accountable and work closely with our clients to keep them informed throughout the claims process.