Rideshare services, Uber and Lyft, have dramatically changed the way we think about getting around Denver, but what happens if your rideshare driver is involved in an auto accident or if you are hit by a rideshare driver? Depending on who caused the accident, the rideshare company, rideshare driver, or the other party involved may be held responsible.
It is important to follow these steps after an Uber or Lyft accident to protect yourself and document the incident. If you are injured in a rideshare accident in Denver, you need the Uber and Lyft attorneys at the Frickey Law Firm on your side. With our experience, resources, and dedication, we can help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries.
Who is At Fault?
A major piece of the rideshare accident liability puzzle is determining who was at fault for the accident. The at-fault party’s insurance will apply to your injuries and damages. If the at-fault party has insufficient coverage, the rideshare company’s liability insurance will apply.
- If your rideshare driver caused the accident, his or her personal insurance coverage applies first. If his or her personal insurance denies the claim, the rideshare company’s liability insurance coverage applies to your injuries.
- If a third party driver was responsible for the accident, his or her insurance coverage applies. If a third party driver does not have insurance or has a policy that does not cover the total cost of your injuries, the rideshare company carries coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists.
Uber and Lyft Coverage
Uber and Lyft provide different coverages depending on what a driver is doing at the time of the accident.
- If a driver is logged into the app awaiting a ride request and causes an accident, the driver’s insurance applies first. If the driver’s personal insurance does not apply, Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance provides third party liability coverage for bodily injuries up to $50,000 per person with a $100,000 per accident limit. Property damage liability coverage caps at $25,000.
- Once a driver accepts a ride request and is en route to collect a passenger, Uber’s or Lyft’s coverage provides up to $1 million in third-party liability.
- Once a passenger is in the car and throughout the ride, Uber’s or Lyft’s coverage provides up to $1 million in liability and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Rideshare Driver Coverage
Lyft and Uber drivers must have personal insurance coverage that meets or exceeds Colorado minimum coverage requirements. However, most personal insurance policies do not cover accidents that occur as part of business use. A rideshare driver must disclose use of a vehicle for rideshare purposes in order to have coverage for accidents that occur while working for Uber or Lyft.
Uber and Lyft do not require drivers to have rideshare coverage, and rideshare drivers may not be aware that they need to request specific coverage. As a result, a rideshare driver’s personal insurance may not cover your injuries, and Uber or Lyft may be held liable.
Call Us for a Free Consultation in Denver
Recuperating from the physical and emotional trauma of an accident is hard enough without adding the stress of dealing with insurance companies. This is where the experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys at the Frickey Law Firm can help. We know how to get to the bottom of who is at fault and how to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Call us at 303-237-7373 for your free consultation. We serve the greater Denver area, including Lakewood and Boulder.