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Why Choose Matlin Injury Law for Your Rideshare Claim?
Choosing the right legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case, and at Matlin Injury Law, our experienced attorneys focus on personal injury law with a deep understanding of Colorado’s rideshare regulations and insurance requirements. We believe in truly personalized service, which is why you will work directly with your attorney, Brian Matlin, not a case manager or office assistant, ensuring your case receives the individual attention it deserves while maintaining clear and consistent communication. Our firm stays current on the evolving rules governing Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies, including the commercial insurance policies that apply to these claims, and with a strong local commitment to the Denver Metro area, Colorado Springs, and surrounding communities, we understand the local courts and the specific challenges Colorado drivers face. We also operate on a contingency-fee model, meaning you owe no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation, and with over 300 reviews from satisfied clients, our reputation reflects both strong results and compassionate service.
Understanding Lyft Accident Claims in Colorado
A Colorado Lyft accident lawyer does more than just file paperwork. We conduct thorough investigations, negotiate with multi-billion dollar insurance corporations, and, if necessary, litigate your case in court to protect your rights. Whether you’re dealing with a rear-end collision or a more complex multi-vehicle incident, our team has the expertise to navigate the unique challenges of rideshare liability.
Handling the Complexity of Rideshare Insurance Tiers
Colorado law (C.R.S. § 40-10.1-604) and Lyft’s corporate policy divide insurance coverage into three distinct periods. Understanding which period applies is critical to your claim.
Period 1: App Off: The driver is using the vehicle for personal use. Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
Period 2: App On, Waiting for a Request: The driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride. Lyft provides limited liability coverage ($50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage) if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply.
Period 3: Trip in Progress: From the moment a driver accepts a request until the passenger is dropped off. Lyft provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage. Additionally, Colorado law (HB 22-1089) mandates Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage of at least $200,000 per person and $400,000 per accident during this period.
Legal Issues: Independent Contractors
Lyft classifies its drivers as independent contractors, not employees. Rideshare companies often use this classification to try to distance themselves from liability for a driver’s negligence. We are familiar with these tactics and work to hold the appropriate parties accountable regardless of their employment labels. This is similar to how we handle commercial vehicle accidents, where liability shifting is common.
Common Rideshare Accident Situations
We handle various scenarios, including:
- Rear-end collisions caused by drivers distracted by the Lyft app.
- Sudden stops in traffic to pick up or drop off passengers.
- Fatigued driving by operators trying to maximize their earnings.
- Multi-vehicle pileups on Colorado highways like I-25 or C-470.
If you’ve been injured in any of these situations, our team can help you understand your legal rights after an accident.
How We Evaluate and Strengthen Your Lyft Accident Claim
Building a strong case against a company like Lyft requires immediate and decisive action. We don’t just take your word for what happened; we prove it with evidence.
- Digital Evidence: We can subpoena app data to determine the driver’s exact status, speed, and location at the time of the crash.
- Visual Proof: We look for dashcam footage, nearby surveillance video, and take professional photos of the scene and vehicle damage.
- Expert Testimony: When necessary, we work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to demonstrate the full extent of the negligence and your injuries.
Strengthening Your Claim
You can help your case by seeking medical attention immediately after the crash, even if you feel fine. Documentation of your injuries starting from the day of the accident is one of the strongest pieces of evidence we can use. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters or giving recorded statements until you have consulted with Matlin Injury Law. Our guide on what to do after a car accident provides critical steps to protect your claim.
Contact a Colorado Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
You do not have to face the insurance giants alone. The legal team at Matlin Injury Law is ready to provide the representation and personalized support you need to move forward. We handle the legal details so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, contact us today. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward.
Call Matlin Injury Law at (303) 854-6078 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
FAQs
Who Needs This Service?
Rideshare accidents can affect anyone on the road. We represent:
- Lyft Passengers: You have a right to a safe ride. If your driver or another motorist caused a crash, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Other Motorists: If a Lyft driver collided with your vehicle, the insurance situation changes depending on the driver’s app status at the time of the impact.
- Pedestrians and Bicyclists: Vulnerable road users are often the most severely injured in rideshare collisions. We also handle pedestrian accident claims and bicycle accident cases.
Why Rideshare Cases Are Different?
Rideshare cases are legally distinct from standard car accidents. While a typical accident involves two private insurance policies, a Lyft accident involves commercial-grade insurance. This coverage changes based on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash. This situation makes professional legal guidance important. Understanding the difference between a standard car accident claim and a rideshare claim is essential to protecting your rights.
Who is responsible for my injuries in a Lyft accident?
Liability depends on the facts of the crash. If the Lyft driver was at fault, Lyft’s commercial insurance or the driver’s private policy may apply. If another driver hit the Lyft vehicle you were in, that driver is responsible. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. This is similar to determining fault in hit-and-run accidents or head-on collisions, where establishing clear liability is critical to your recovery.
Does Lyft's insurance cover my medical bills?
Lyft provides substantial liability coverage, but it only applies in specific circumstances. If you were a passenger during an active ride, you are typically covered by a $1 million liability policy. However, accessing these funds requires proving negligence and handling the claims process correctly. Many victims don’t realize that insurance companies often deny claims or offer inadequate settlements without proper legal representation.
What if the Lyft driver was "off the clock" during the crash?
If the driver did not have the Lyft app open and was not logged in as a driver, their personal auto insurance policy applies. This works just like any other standard car accident. Lyft’s commercial coverage does not apply when the driver is using the vehicle for personal reasons. In these situations, you may need to pursue a claim similar to a drunk driving accident or aggressive driving incident.
How much is my Colorado Lyft accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. There is no “average” settlement, as every case is unique. We evaluate all economic and non-economic damages to pursue the recovery possible. Understanding the types of damages available in your case is essential to maximizing your compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits is three years from the date of the accident (C.R.S. § 13-80-101). However, if the claim involves a government entity, you must file a written notice of claim within 182 days under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (C.R.S. § 24-10-109). Consult a lawyer early to help you meet these deadlines. Time is critical in rideshare accident cases, as evidence can disappear and witness memories fade.
What happens if the other driver was uninsured?
If you were in a Lyft during Period 3 (an active ride), Colorado law requires Lyft to provide UM/UIM coverage (minimum $200,000/$400,000). This protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your total damages. Learn more about uninsured motorist protection and how it applies to your rideshare accident claim.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
Generally, no. The first offer is often a “lowball” amount designed to make the claim go away quickly and cheaply. It rarely covers the long-term costs of medical care or the full extent of your pain and suffering. We review all offers to help you determine if they are fair before you sign anything. Understanding how to deal with insurance companies is crucial to securing fair compensation.
Will I have to go to court for my Lyft accident case?
Most rideshare accident claims are settled out of court through negotiation. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our priority is your interest, whether that means a settlement or a verdict. We have extensive experience litigating car accident cases in Colorado courts.
Do I still have a case if I was partially at fault?
Colorado follows a “50% bar modified comparative negligence” rule (C.R.S. § 13-21-111). You can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your $100,000 award would be reduced to $80,000.
