The popularity of ridesharing has exploded in recent years and offers many environmental, financial and safety benefits, including the ability to help keep intoxicated motorists off the road.
However, an increasing number of injuries continue to be reported as a result of these services, from traffic collisions to physical and sexual assault. 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 personal injury attorney vital when it comes to protecting the rights of victims.
Ride Share Car Accident Attorney in Denver
Injury claims against Uber of Lyft are the most common, as they are by far the two most popular ridesharing services in Colorado. However, Turo, the private vehicle rental service, and a number of other services, continue to grow in popularity.
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 Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Ken Caryl, Columbine, Golden, Lakewood, Broomfield, and Arvada.
Uber and Lyft Injury Claims
Claims against Uber and Lyft have included:
- 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.
- Hiring drivers with criminal backgrounds.
- Hiring drivers who were homeless and living in their vehicles.
- Wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits after serious and fatal auto accidents.
- 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.
Ridesharing traffic accidents are complex claims involving both a ridesharing driver’s personal auto insurance policy, as well as the corporate liability policy of the ridesharing service. In addition, claims may be made against another at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, and even a victim’s own insurance company under optional uninsured-underinsured motorist coverage.
Ridesharing Car Accident Injury Claims
- Rideshare driver’s Insurance: Most private insurance companies exclude coverage when driving for hire. This means unless a rideshare driver notifies the insurance carrier that he or she is driving for hire, private insurance may attempt to reject a claim. 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, however both claim it is subordinate to a driver’s insurance policy. 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 determine available insurance coverage based on status of the ride app at the time of a collision. Lyft, for example, carries $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. Uber carries similar third-party liability coverage.
- 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.
- Shared fault: It is not unusual for insurance companies to argue among themselves about the extent of shared liability after a serious or fatal accident. 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.
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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