Fort Collins Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Fort Collins, offering convenience and flexibility. However, when accidents happen, the aftermath can leave you dealing with injuries, expenses, and uncertainty about what to do next. If someone else’s negligence caused your rideshare accident, you shouldn’t have to face these burdens alone. A Fort Collins rideshare accident attorney at Franklin D. Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers can guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you deserve. With a free case evaluation, our team stands ready to help you move forward.
Rideshare accidents are becoming more common as services expand across Fort Collins. Heavily trafficked areas like College Avenue, Harmony Road, and the Old Town district see increased rideshare activity, which often leads to accidents. Whether you were a passenger, a driver, or a pedestrian, having skilled legal representation can make all the difference in pursuing justice and recovering damages.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Rideshare Accident Scenarios
Rideshare accidents can happen in various ways, often involving multiple parties and intricate circumstances. Fort Collins residents experience crashes in high-traffic areas like Mulberry Street and intersections near CSU. Below are some common scenarios where injuries occur:
Passenger Injuries
Rideshare passengers trust their drivers to prioritize safety. Unfortunately, not all drivers exercise caution. Collisions, sudden stops, or reckless driving can lead to passenger injuries ranging from whiplash to more severe trauma. Passengers may feel unsure about how to seek compensation, especially with the added layer of dealing with the rideshare company’s policies.
Collisions with Rideshare Vehicles
Drivers sharing the road with rideshare vehicles often find themselves in accidents caused by distracted or fatigued rideshare drivers. These collisions frequently happen during busy hours or in congested areas like Prospect Road, where rideshare drivers are more likely to make sudden stops or illegal turns to pick up passengers.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Incidents
Fort Collins has a vibrant outdoor culture, with many cyclists and pedestrians enjoying the city. Unfortunately, rideshare drivers can cause harm when they fail to yield at crosswalks or bike lanes. Incidents on streets like Laurel or Remington are particularly common during high-traffic periods.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Rideshare drivers who rush to meet tight schedules or accept multiple rides at once can contribute to multi-vehicle accidents. These crashes often occur at major intersections like Timberline and Harmony, leading to complex cases involving multiple drivers and insurance companies.
Unique Aspects of Rideshare Cases
Rideshare accidents differ from typical car crashes because of the added layers of liability and coverage. Understanding these unique aspects can help you appreciate why legal representation is crucial.
Complex Insurance Coverage
Insurance policies for rideshare accidents often depend on whether the driver was logged into the app, actively transporting passengers, or driving off-duty. Coverage may come from the driver’s policy, the rideshare company’s policy, or both, creating a maze of coverage disputes.
Driver Status Considerations
Whether the rideshare driver was waiting for a ride, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone can significantly impact your claim. Each stage comes with different insurance considerations, and understanding these distinctions is critical for determining liability.
Multiple Liable Parties
Rideshare accidents frequently involve more than one responsible party. Liability may extend to the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company itself. These complexities make it essential to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the crash.
App-Related Distractions
Rideshare drivers often rely on apps for navigation, ride management, and communication, which can lead to distractions. This type of negligence contributes to accidents, especially in busy areas like the CSU campus, where distracted driving has severe consequences.
Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident
Being involved in a rideshare accident can leave you with many questions about how to move forward. Knowing your rights can make a significant difference in recovering the compensation you deserve. Laws surrounding rideshare accidents in Fort Collins often involve multiple layers of insurance policies and time-sensitive requirements. Below, we break down key rights and steps to protect your claim after such an incident.
Insurance Coverage Options
Colorado law mandates insurance coverage for rideshare drivers, but the coverage available depends on the circumstances of the accident. If the driver was actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy typically applies. When the app is on, but the driver is not engaged in a ride, the driver’s personal policy and a smaller contingent coverage from the rideshare company might come into play. If the app was off, only the driver’s personal policy is likely relevant.
Victims injured in rideshare accidents may also seek compensation from their own insurance policies if they carry uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Understanding which policy applies can be complicated, but an experienced attorney can identify all possible sources of coverage.
Time Limits for Claims
Colorado has a statute of limitations for motor vehicle accident claims, including those involving rideshare vehicles. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Failing to act within this timeframe may prevent you from recovering any compensation. However, certain factors, such as government-related claims or minors involved in accidents, can adjust these deadlines. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.
Available Compensation Types
If another party’s negligence caused the accident, you have the right to seek compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Immediate treatment costs and future care, such as physical therapy or surgeries.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to missed work and reduced earning capacity if injuries limit your ability to work long-term.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional strain caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your belongings, including your vehicle or personal items damaged in the crash.
Rideshare accidents often involve high stakes because of commercial insurance policies, and the insurance company may try to minimize what they owe. An attorney can push back and demand full compensation for your losses.
Steps to Protect Your Rights
Taking certain steps after a rideshare accident can protect your right to pursue fair compensation:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor at first, visiting a healthcare provider ensures you receive proper treatment and creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to photograph vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and anything else that might illustrate how the crash occurred. Take screenshots of rideshare trip details from your app to confirm the driver’s status.
- Obtain Contact Information: Gather details from everyone involved, including the rideshare driver, other drivers, and witnesses. This includes names, phone numbers, and insurance information.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies often try to get victims to settle quickly for less than their claim is worth. Let an attorney handle these discussions to protect your interests.
- Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney: Early legal guidance can help ensure every potential source of compensation is pursued. A rideshare accident attorney can also manage communication with insurance companies and gather evidence to support your claim.
By understanding your rights and taking proactive steps, you improve your chances of securing fair compensation for the hardships caused by a rideshare accident.
Why Choose Our Firm
Choosing the right law firm to handle your rideshare accident claim is one of the most important decisions you can make. Franklin D. Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers bring unparalleled experience and dedication to your case.
Track Record with Rideshare Cases
Our team has successfully handled numerous rideshare accident cases, helping clients recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We know how to handle the unique challenges these cases present.
Local Fort Collins Knowledge
As Colorado’s largest personal injury law firm, we understand the nuances of Fort Collins, from its traffic patterns to the common accident hotspots. This local knowledge allows us to approach your case with insight and precision.
Resources for Investigation
We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, including access to accident reconstruction experts, witnesses, and technology to review app data. These tools strengthen your case and hold negligent parties accountable.
Client-Centered Focus
At Franklin D. Azar, we prioritize your needs above all else. From the moment you reach out to us, we focus on your recovery and ensure that you feel supported throughout the legal process.
No Fees and Free Consultations
We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Our free consultations allow you to explore your options without financial risk.
With more than 30 years of combined legal experience and a driving passion for justice, the personal injury attorneys at Franklin D. Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers offer the highest level of representation for your rideshare accident claim.
The Rideshare Claims Process
Rideshare accident claims involve several key steps. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Investigation
Our attorneys start by gathering evidence, reviewing app data, interviewing witnesses, and examining police reports to build a strong foundation for your claim.
Insurance Negotiations
We communicate directly with the insurance companies to ensure your claim receives fair consideration. If the insurer refuses to offer reasonable compensation, we are prepared to escalate your case.
Documentation Requirements
Your claim must contain accurate and thorough documentation. We help you compile medical records, proof of lost income, and any other relevant materials to support your claim.
Timeline Expectations
Rideshare claims often take several months, but each case varies depending on the complexity of the accident and the willingness of insurers to cooperate. We keep you informed at every stage.
Fort Collins Rideshare Accidents FAQs
What should I do immediately after a rideshare accident?
Focus on safety first by checking for injuries and calling emergency services. Document the scene with photos, gather contact information from everyone involved, and report the incident to the rideshare company.
Can I sue the rideshare company directly?
In most cases, rideshare companies are not liable for accidents unless they acted negligently, such as failing to vet a driver properly. Liability usually rests with the driver and their insurance.
Do rideshare drivers have insurance if they’re off the clock?
When drivers are off the clock, their personal insurance policies typically apply. Coverage from the rideshare company only activates when the driver is logged into the app.
Will my rideshare settlement cover all my medical bills?
Settlements often cover medical expenses, but the total amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the insurance policies involved, and the skill of your legal team in negotiating.
Get Help from an Experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer Now
If a rideshare accident in Fort Collins disrupted your life, you don’t have to handle the aftermath on your own. Franklin D. Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (970) 423-5820 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation and let us help you take the next step toward recovery.
Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers – Fort Collins Office
1730 S College Ave Unit 202
Fort Collins, CO 80525
P: 9704235820
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
We Fight to Win Your Case or It Is FREE!
YOUR RIGHTS TO COMPENSATION
-
Payment of Medical Bills
-
Ongoing Medical / Care Expenses
-
Lost Income
-
Loss of Earning Capability
-
Pain and Suffering
-
Property Damage and Loss
-
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
We Can Help You With:
-
Free telephone, home or hospital consultation that carries no obligation to you
-
Compiling evidence for your case
-
Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf and setting up claims
-
Fighting for the best settlement for your injury claim
-
Assisting you to arrange temporary transportation and getting your car fixed
-
Assisting you to receive timely medical treatment for your accident injuries
-
Helping you understand every step throughout your case