Table of contents
Why Choose Matlin Injury Law
When you are up against large companies like Uber or Lyft, having a knowledgeable legal team on your side makes all the difference, and Matlin Injury Law provides the personal attention and strategic focus your recovery deserves. Our firm handles motor vehicle accident claims throughout Colorado, bringing the experience needed to challenge insurance companies and counter the tactics they use to minimize payouts, while our deep understanding of the Colorado Transportation Network Company (TNC) Act allows us to identify the correct insurance coverage and pursue every possible source of recovery. You will work directly with attorney Brian Matlin, not a junior staff member, ensuring clear communication and experienced oversight at every stage of your case.
We also operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and we only get paid if we recover money for you. With offices in Littleton and Colorado Springs, we proudly serve clients across the state, including Parker, with a strong knowledge of the local courts and legal environment.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Claims in Colorado
Rideshare accidents differ from standard car crashes. This is because of driver status and commercial insurance. In Colorado, companies often call drivers independent contractors. However, state law (C.R.S. § 8-70-115) often presumes they are employees. This distinction affects liability and insurance.
A Colorado rideshare accident lawyer handles your legal case. We investigate the crash and secure digital evidence. Our team also talks to insurance providers. This support helps several groups:
- Passengers: People injured during a trip.
- Other Motorists: Drivers hit by a rideshare car.
- Pedestrians and Bicyclists: People struck by a rideshare vehicle.
- Rideshare Drivers: Drivers injured by another person’s negligence.
These cases are important because insurance limits are often high. However, you must prove the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Our legal team helps you through this process.
Understanding the Three Phases of Insurance Coverage
In Colorado, insurance depends on the driver’s app status. The law (C.R.S. § 40-10.1-604) sets specific rules for each phase.
Phase 1: The App is On, but No Request is Accepted
The driver is waiting for a ride. Personal insurance often denies these claims. Colorado law requires the rideshare company to provide coverage. This includes $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries. It also includes $30,000 for property damage.
Phase 2: A Request is Accepted
The driver is on the way to pick up a passenger. Insurance coverage increases at this point. Uber and Lyft usually provide $1 million in liability coverage. This covers other drivers and pedestrians if the rideshare driver is at fault.
Phase 3: A Passenger is in the Car
The $1 million policy stays in effect until the trip ends. This coverage applies to the passenger’s injuries. It works even if another driver caused the crash. Colorado requires at least $200,000 per person in uninsured motorist coverage.
Handling these phases is difficult. Companies may claim the driver was on a personal errand. We use digital data to prove the driver’s status.
How Matlin Injury Law Builds Your Case
We take a proactive approach to every case. Our team builds your claim from the start. We want to show the full impact of your losses.
- Digital Evidence: Rideshare companies have data that proves your case. We send letters to save this data. This includes GPS info and app logs. It shows speed and braking at the time of the crash.
- Accident Reconstruction: We work with experts to recreate the crash. They look at skid marks and car damage. This provides proof of who was at fault.
- Damage Assessment: We work with medical and financial experts. They help calculate the lifetime cost of your injuries. We look at future surgeries and lost earning capacity.
- Negotiation: Insurance adjusters often offer low settlements. We handle all talks with them. If they do not offer a fair amount, we are ready for trial.
Contact a Colorado Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
The time after a crash is hard. You deal with pain and bills. You should not handle the legal work alone. Matlin Injury Law provides the local knowledge you need. We hold large companies and negligent drivers accountable.
We focus on the law so you can heal. Our goal is to get the best results for every client.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, contact us. We offer a free consultation. We will review your case and explain your options.
Call or Text Matlin Injury Law at (303) 854-6078
Common Injuries in Colorado Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare crashes often cause serious injuries. This is common on highways like I-25 or I-70. We help clients with:
- Brain Injuries: These range from concussions to permanent issues.
- Spinal Injuries: This includes herniated discs and paralysis.
- Broken Bones: These often need surgery and therapy.
- Soft Tissue Damage: This includes whiplash and muscle tears.
- Internal Trauma: This includes organ damage or bleeding.
We understand the recovery path for these injuries. This helps us value your claim correctly. We work to cover your long-term needs.
FAQs
What should I do after an Uber or Lyft accident?
Your health is the first priority. See a doctor even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Also, report the accident in the rideshare app. Call the police for an official report. Take photos of the cars and the scene. Collect witness contact info. Do not talk about fault with insurance adjusters. Speak with a lawyer first.
Who is responsible for my injuries?
Liability depends on the facts of the case. The rideshare driver might be at fault. Another driver could also be liable. Sometimes, a car maker or the government shares fault. Uber and Lyft provide insurance, but they may deny direct responsibility. A lawyer helps find all liable parties. This helps you pursue the compensation you need.
How does Colorado’s "at-fault" system work?
Colorado uses an “at-fault” insurance system. The person who caused the crash pays for damages. However, the state also uses modified comparative negligence (C.R.S. § 13-21-111). If you are partially at fault, your money is reduced. If you are 50% or more at fault, you get nothing. We work to protect your rights.
What if the driver’s personal insurance denies my claim?
The value of your claim depends on your injuries. You can recover “economic damages” like medical bills and lost wages. You can also seek “non-economic damages” for pain and suffering. Rideshare policies are large. This helps victims with serious injuries get the support they need.
What is the time limit for filing a lawsuit?
In Colorado, you usually have three years to file a car accident lawsuit. This is set by C.R.S. § 13-80-101. However, some cases have shorter deadlines. If a government vehicle is involved, you must act within 182 days. Missing a deadline means you lose your right to sue. Start your case early to save evidence.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Suing the corporation is hard. Drivers are often called independent contractors. This protects the companies from some lawsuits. However, you might sue if the company failed a background check. You could also sue for safety issues or app defects. We look at every path for your case.
What if the driver’s personal insurance denies my claim?
This happens often. Most personal policies do not cover “driving for hire.” A denial often starts the rideshare company’s coverage. We manage this process for you. We make sure your claim stays on track.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Be careful with early offers. These are often much lower than the case is worth. Once you sign, you cannot ask for more money. Always have a lawyer review any offer. We help you understand your long-term needs.
Do I have a case if I was partially at fault?
Yes, you can still pursue a claim. Your fault must be less than 50%. Your money will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you get 80% of the award. We work to lower the fault assigned to you.
