Uber and Lyft are increasingly popular options for traveling around the Denver metro area.
Young people and seniors are among those most likely to choose rideshare as a routine way to get around. The environmentally friendly, convenient, low cost option of ridesharing has many advantages. However, when an accident or injury occurs, these types of cases quickly become among the most complex a Denver personal injury law firm can handle.
Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney in Denver
Because these services rely on independent contractors operating private vehicles, multiple insurance companies and their defense lawyers are typically involved in damage claims, making early consultation with an experienced Denver car accident attorney vital when it comes to protecting the rights of victims.
Injury claims against Uber of Lyft are the most common, as they are by far the two most popular ridesharing services in Colorado. In addition to traffic collisions, worrisome reports of physical and sexual assaults by drivers with criminal records continue to make the news on a weekly basis.
Uber and Lyft Injury Accidents
Claims against Uber and Lyft have included:
- Hiring drivers with criminal backgrounds.
- Hiring drivers who use unsafe vehicles, and even homeless drivers living in their vehicles.
- Wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits after serious and fatal auto accidents.
- Uber paid a $25 million settlement in connection with its “safest ride on the road” marketing campaign after it was alleged drivers in California underwent inferior screening to those of taxi drivers.
- Lawsuits over categorizing drivers as independent contracts to limit the cost of employee benefits and limit accident liability.
- Uber’s own data reveals more than 1,000 sexual assaults, including kidnapping, rape, stalking and false imprisonment.
Identifying all of the insurance policies responsible for compensating victims can be complicated in traffic collisions involving Uber of Lyft because of competing insurance carriers. Most carriers prohibit driving for hire. So, unless a driver has disclosed, he or she is working as a rideshare for hire, an insurance company may attempt to deny a claim in the wake of a traffic collision.
Insurance Policies
- Rideshare driver’s Insurance: Even if a driver’s insurance does not exclude coverage when driving for hired, Drivers who carry only the minimum required coverage in Colorado of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability may not have enough coverage to compensate victims for damages.
- Corporate insurance: Both Unber and Lyft carry additional insurance. Lyft, for example, maintains third-party liability insurance of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident, but indicates it is only available if a driver does not have insurance with similar limits.
- Ride Status: Both Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in third-party liability coverage if a driver is in an accident while en route to pick up a passenger, or while a passenger is in the vehicle.
- At-Fault driver: When the other driver is at fault, his or her insurance carrier may be partly or completely responsible for damages. That does not mean coverage should not be available through the rideshare company, particularly if the at-fault driver’s insurance is exhausted.
- Victim’s insurance coverage: A victim may also have a claim through optional uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on his or her own policy.
Why Hiring an Experienced Uber and Lyft Accidents Lawyer Is Important
However, it’s common for the insurance companies to wage protracted arguments about which company is responsible for paying damages, and in what order. It is the job of your Denver rideshare injury lawyer to hold each of them accountable and to obtain all of the damages to which you are entitled under the law.
FIEDLER Trial Lawyers provides passionate, principled and proven representation to victims and families looking for an experienced personal injury lawyer in Denver or the surrounding areas, including
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Motor Vehicle Accidents FAQ
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Frequently
Asked Questions
If you’ve been injured in an accident, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights
- Dial 911 – Emergency Services. Get checked out by emergency responders, even if you think injuries are minor, you should always get evaluated. If the accident involved a motor vehicle, file a report with the police This documentation could be important later on.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles or property. Collect contact information from witnesses and others involved in the accident READ MORE…
When involved in a personal injury claim, the process can be very intimidating. Many individuals facing this situation are often dealing with life-altering injuries, high medical bills, financial hardships and find themselves feeling very vulnerable.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in a variety of situations, particularly when you have sustained significant injuries or damages due to someone else’s negligenceREAD MORE…
After being injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you actually need to hire a personal injury lawyer. You would want to consult with an attorney, because in most cases, there will be an opposing party in your case that will be working against you. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case is important to ensure you receive the best possible representation and outcome. Hiring a Denver Personal injury lawyer that specializes in that area of law is crucial, to ensure that you are getting proper representation, and your case is in good hands. Having an experienced lawyer like FIEDLER Trial Lawyers is helpful and provides powerful representation.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right lawyer:READ MORE…
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer and the specifics of your case. However, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Here’s how the contingency fee structure typically works and other potential costs to consider:
Contingency Fees: Percentage of Recovery: If the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, they will take a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount you receive if you win your case. This percentage is typically around 33% to 40% but can vary depending on the lawyer and the jurisdiction.
No Win, No Fee: If you do not win your case, the lawyer will not charge you for legal fees. However, there may still be other costs you could be responsible for (discussed below).RAED MORE…
In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, also known as damages, to address the losses and injuries you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. The types of compensation typically fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Here’s an overview of each:
Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate you for actual financial losses resulting from the injury:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatment. READ MORE…
The value of a personal injury case can vary greatly depending on several factors unique to your situation. Since each case is different, there is no standard formula to calculate the exact value. However, here are some key factors that generally affect the worth of a personal injury case:
Severity of Injuries: The more serious and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the potential value of your case. This includes considering whether your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement.
Medical Expenses: Your case will take into account all medical expenses you have incurred, as well as future medical costs related to your injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: The case can include compensation for lost income due to time off work and any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.READ MORE…
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