After getting injured in a rideshare accident, you may have several pressing questions: Who is at fault? Who can cover my medical bills? Which insurance company will help me? In typical accident scenarios, the answers to these questions are straightforward. But when another driver and a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft are involved, the situation quickly becomes more complex.
Fortunately, the rideshare accident lawyers at McDivitt Law are here to help. We’ll explain how insurance coverage works after a Colorado rideshare injury accident:
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Rideshare Accident Injuries in Colorado?
To understand how insurance coverage works after a Colorado rideshare accident, you need to know who’s at fault. Common at-fault parties include:
- The driver of the other vehicle: If the accident involves another vehicle, the other driver may be at fault. In this situation, the fault is determined by investigating who broke traffic laws or caused the accident through negligence.
- The rideshare company: Most of the time, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will cover your injury costs. Colorado law requires rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to carry commercial liability coverage for this purpose. This coverage can pay for damages up to $1 million.
- The rideshare driver: It may be surprising, but your driver is the least likely person to cover your injury expenses. Rideshare companies have robust insurance policies in place when a fare is active. Unless your driver fails to log in to the app while driving, they will be covered by the rideshare policy.
Ultimately, when you’re injured while using a rideshare service, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will likely cover it. However, this won’t always be the case.
When is a Rideshare Driver Not Covered by Company Insurance?
Rideshare companies cover their drivers whenever they are logged into the app. If they are using the application while transporting you, the rideshare company’s policy is active. The coverage also applies while the driver is on their way to pick up another customer.
Should an accident occur while a rideshare driver is disconnected from the app, they’ll have to use their own insurance coverage for your damages.
Rideshare drivers are also not covered when they pick you up and cancel the fare. Although it’s uncommon, drivers sometimes do this to receive payment from you directly. If your driver logs out and then gets into a crash that injures you, the company’s insurance won’t cover them.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Rideshare Accident?
Yes. You can file a personal injury claim for a rideshare accident that was caused by negligence. Some common examples of rideshare driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving: Uber and Lyft drivers often look at their phones while ferrying passengers. Usually, they do this to select new trips and pickups. However, doing this while the vehicle is moving is illegal and dangerous. If they get into a crash while attempting to use their phone, it could constitute negligence.
- Excessive speed: More trips equals more money for the driver. Some operators will break speed limits to make more trips in a single workday. Driving at high speeds increases the risk of an accident and could make the driver liable for your injuries.
- Illegal parking: Rideshare drivers often pull into no-parking zones to pick up and drop off passengers. Even though the vehicle isn’t in motion, this maneuver is extremely dangerous. Drivers who park illegally and are rear-ended could be deemed liable for the crash.
If your rideshare driver engaged in any of these actions while giving you a ride, consider filing a personal injury claim.
Were You Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Call McDivitt Law for Help
Colorado rideshare accident injuries are becoming more common as these services continue to grow. If you were hurt in an accident caused by the negligence of a rideshare driver, you deserve compensation.
Luckily, the rideshare accident lawyers at McDivitt have helped countless people get financial relief after a crash. They’ll do the same for you. Click the button below to schedule your free consultation.
