Rideshare vs. Private Car Crashes: Legal Differences in Colorado Springs
If you were injured by a rideshare driver, you’ll want to explore your options for seeking compensation to cover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses. While traditional car crashes between private drivers follow well-established insurance rules, rideshare collisions involve multiple layers of insurance coverage and unique legal challenges.
Timothy Bussey is an experienced Colorado Springs rideshare accident lawyer at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., where we help clients manage the complex world of rideshare claims. Whether you were injured as a rideshare passenger, you were a pedestrian struck by a rideshare driver, or a rideshare driver crashed into your car, our experienced attorneys know how to handle the nuances of accident liability.
Car Accident Liability
In a traditional car crash, liability usually comes down to one key question: Did a driver act negligently and cause the accident? Examples of driver negligence include speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield.
Once fault is determined, your attorney can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Your attorney may have to take your case to trial if the insurance company tries to deny your claim, or if they question the extent of you injuries.
If insurance limits are insufficient, victims may turn to their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for additional compensation. This process follows well-established rules under Colorado law.
How Rideshare Accidents Are Different
When a crash involves an Uber or Lyft vehicle, the situation becomes more complicated. That’s because multiple parties and their insurance carriers may come into play. It’s important to remember that rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees. And this affects how liability is assigned.
Uber Insurance and Lyft Coverage Explained
Uber and Lyft drivers are required to carry their own commercial driver’s insurance, which provides a certain level of coverage. And if the driver in another vehicle is at-fault for the accident, they can also be liable.
Additional compensation may be available because both Uber and Lyft provide insurance for drivers, but the level of coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
Factors such as whether the driver was logged in, actively transporting a passenger, or between rides significantly affect which coverage applies.
App Off / Not Logged In
- If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance applies.
- Uber and Lyft provide no coverage during this period.
App On / Waiting for a Ride Request
- Limited liability coverage is provided by Uber and Lyft: up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Victims may still pursue a third-party claim against the driver’s personal insurance, depending on circumstances.
En Route to Pick Up a Rider or During a Trip
- This is where Uber insurance and Lyft coverage are strongest.
- Both companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also apply if another driver is at fault but lacks sufficient insurance.
Rideshare Accident Liability in Colorado Springs
Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complicated because it may involve:
- The rideshare driver’s personal insurance
- Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy
- Another negligent driver’s insurance
- The injured party’s own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Common Scenarios in Rideshare Collisions
- Passenger Injured in a Rideshare Vehicle
Uber or Lyft’s $1 million policy typically applies if the driver was on duty. - Other Motorist Hit by Rideshare Driver
Liability may fall on the rideshare company’s policy, depending on the driver’s app status. - Rideshare Driver Injured by Another Driver
The at-fault driver’s insurance is primary, but Uber/Lyft coverage may fill gaps. - Pedestrian Struck by Rideshare Vehicle
Coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and had accepted a ride.
Proving Driver Negligence
Your attorney will investigate the accident and file a claim against all negligent parties. Whether it’s a private driver or a rideshare operator, driver negligence must be proven to establish liability. Evidence may include:
- Police accident reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance and dash cam video
- Phone records (to show distraction)
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Accident scene photos
Why Rideshare Cases Can Be Complicated
- Multiple insurers: Rideshare cases often involve both the driver’s personal policy and Uber/Lyft’s commercial coverage.
- Insurer denial: Companies may dispute whether the driver was logged in or on a trip to avoid liability.
- Complicated timelines: Establishing exactly when the app was in use is critical to determining which policy applies.
- Third-party claims: Victims may need to file against more than one policy to cover their damages.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Colorado Springs
- Seek medical attention immediately: Document all injuries, no matter how minor.
- Call the police: An official police report is essential for any insurance or legal claim.
- Gather evidence: If you feel up to it, take photos of the accident scene, skid marks, vehicles, and injuries.
- Get driver and witness information: Note whether the driver was logged into Uber or Lyft.
- Report the accident to Uber or Lyft: This can help establish coverage status.
- Contact an attorney promptly: Early legal guidance ensures that your rights are protected.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Pursuing compensation in a rideshare accident without legal help is risky. Insurance companies often delay, deny, or offer lowball settlements. An experienced attorney can:
- Identify the correct insurance policies involved
- File and manage third-party claims
- Negotiate aggressively for full compensation
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Reasons to Choose The Bussey Law Firm
At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we understand Colorado traffic laws and the insurance strategies used in rideshare cases. Our firm is a Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Gold Award winner, and Expertise.com named us the Best Car Accident Lawyers in Colorado Springs. Our proven track record demonstrates our ability to secure justice for accident victims.
Speak With a Trusted Rideshare Accident Attorney in Colorado Springs
If you have been injured in a rideshare crash, you don’t have to face the insurance battle alone. You may be entitled to significant compensation, but finding the right lawyer can make a big difference.
Call (719) 475-2555 to schedule your free consultation today.
Our legal team is ready to stand by your side, navigate the complexities of Lyft and Uber claims, and fight for the money you deserve.
