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Why Choose Matlin Injury Law
When you are recovering from an injury, you need a legal team that provides clear direction and strong advocacy, and Matlin Injury Law represents injured Coloradans with a results-driven, personalized approach that recognizes a rideshare accident is a life-altering event affecting your health, finances, and family. Our deep knowledge of Colorado law, including the Colorado Transportation Network Company (TNC) Act, allows us to understand how companies like Uber must operate and what insurance coverage they are required to carry, while our experience with rideshare claims enables us to navigate the unique insurance tiers involved and identify whether the driver’s personal policy or Uber’s corporate coverage applies. We prioritize direct communication, giving you direct access to your attorney, not a case manager or office assistant, and keeping you informed at every stage, from the initial investigation through settlement or verdict. To keep justice accessible, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery while we handle the legal and financial risk.
Understanding Uber Accident Claims in Colorado
An Uber accident claim is fundamentally different from a typical two-car collision. Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. Because of this, the company often attempts to distance itself from liability when a crash occurs. However, Colorado law requires specific insurance coverage levels. These levels change depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Understanding liability in rideshare accidents is critical to your case.
This legal service is designed for individuals whose lives have been disrupted by a rideshare vehicle. This includes:
- Uber Passengers: Passengers are almost always innocent victims in a crash. You have a right to seek compensation for your injuries. This is true whether your driver or another motorist caused the collision. Passenger injury claims require specialized knowledge of rideshare insurance tiers.
- Other Motorists: If an Uber driver struck your vehicle, the details of your claim depend on their status. Specifically, we must know if that driver was “on the clock” at the time. Hit-and-run accidents involving rideshare vehicles present unique challenges.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: Vulnerable road users struck by a rideshare vehicle often suffer catastrophic injuries. These cases require immediate investigation. We must preserve digital evidence from the Uber app. Pedestrian accident victims have specific legal protections under Colorado law.
- Uber Drivers: You may be an Uber driver injured by the negligence of another motorist while working. In this case, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. You may also receive uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) benefits through Uber.
Securing legal representation matters because insurance companies for rideshare platforms often offer low settlements early on. They hope victims will accept these offers quickly. This often happens before the full extent of injuries is known. This includes traumatic brain injuries or internal damage.
Common Injuries in Colorado Uber Accidents
Rideshare accidents in Colorado can result in a wide range of injuries. These range from minor bruising to life-altering conditions. Many Uber accidents occur at high speeds on highways like I-25 or I-70. Because of this, the physical impact can be severe. At Matlin Injury Law, our legal team represents clients dealing with:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even a minor “fender bender” can cause the brain to strike the skull. This leads to concussions or long-term cognitive impairment. TBI cases often require expert medical testimony.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the neck or back can result in chronic pain or herniated discs. In extreme cases, it can cause paralysis. Spinal injury claims require comprehensive medical documentation.
- Bone Fractures: The force of a collision often leads to broken arms, legs, ribs, or pelvic bones. These injuries require surgery and extensive physical therapy.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in rear-end Uber accidents. It often causes persistent pain that may not appear until days after the crash.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding or organ damage. These issues require emergency medical intervention. Catastrophic injury cases often involve these types of severe trauma.
Handling the Challenges of Rideshare Liability and Insurance Tiers
The most important factor in a Colorado Uber accident case is the “period” of the ride. Colorado law and Uber’s corporate policy divide coverage into three distinct phases. Understanding these phases is key to determining which insurance company is responsible for your bills.
Period 1: The App is Off. The driver is using the vehicle for personal use. In this scenario, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies. However, many personal policies exclude coverage for “commercial use.” This can lead to issues if the driver was running errands between shifts.
Period 2: The App is On, Waiting for a Request. The driver is available for hire but has not yet accepted a trip. Colorado law requires Uber to provide contingent liability coverage if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim. This typically includes $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. It also includes $25,000 for property damage (C.R.S. § 40-10.1-604). Insurance denial claims require experienced legal representation.
Period 3: Trip Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle. This is the highest level of coverage. Uber provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage from the moment a driver accepts a request. This lasts until the passenger is dropped off. This period also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This protects you if another driver hits the Uber vehicle and does not have enough insurance.
These tiers exist to protect the corporation. However, they can make it incredibly difficult for a victim to know where to file a claim. At Matlin Injury Law, we investigate the digital logs of the accident. We make sure the correct insurance pool is accessed. Our legal team looks at the exact timestamp of the crash. We compare it to the driver’s app activity to prevent the insurance company from wrongly denying coverage. Insurance claim investigations are critical to maximizing your recovery.
Building a strong case against a multi-billion-dollar company like Uber requires careful evidence gathering. We do not just take the insurance company’s word for what happened. Instead, we conduct our own investigation to uncover the truth. This process is especially important in Colorado. Weather conditions like snow and ice often play a role in accidents. We investigate whether the Uber driver was operating safely under the conditions. We also check if they were rushing to complete a trip.
- Digital Evidence: We work to secure the GPS data and app logs. These show exactly what the driver was doing at the moment of impact. This data can prove if a driver was speeding or distracted by the app. It also shows the specific insurance period. We also look for dashcam footage from the Uber vehicle or nearby cars. Evidence preservation is critical in rideshare cases.
- Medical Documentation: We help make sure your injuries are fully documented by medical professionals. This includes gathering records from emergency rooms, doctors, and physical therapists. We make sure that the “invisible” costs of your accident are accounted for. This includes things like chronic pain or emotional distress. Medical documentation requirements strengthen your claim significantly.
- Professional Consultation: When necessary, we utilize accident reconstruction professionals to prove liability in disputed cases. These professionals can use skid marks, vehicle damage, and digital data to recreate the crash. We may also consult with vocational professionals. They help determine how your injuries will affect your ability to work in the future. Additionally, we use life-care planners to estimate the cost of long-term medical needs.
Our goal is to build a case so strong that the insurance company is forced to offer a fair settlement. If they refuse to provide the compensation you deserve, we are prepared to take the matter to court. We handle the heavy lifting of the legal process. This allows you to focus on your health and your family. Personal injury litigation requires experienced courtroom advocates.
Contact a Colorado Uber Accident Attorney at Matlin Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of an Uber accident alone. The legal team at Matlin Injury Law understands the stress of mounting medical bills. We also understand the uncertainty of the legal process. We provide the clarity and advocacy you deserve during this difficult time.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us today to discuss your options. We will review your case and explain the insurance tiers involved. Additionally, we help you understand the right path forward for your recovery. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable. Our attorneys pursue the maximum compensation available under Colorado law. Free consultations are available to discuss your case.
Call Matlin Injury Law at (303) 854-6078 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
FAQs
Who is legally responsible for my Uber accident?
Liability depends on who caused the crash. It could be the Uber driver, another motorist, or even a vehicle manufacturer. In Colorado, we use a “modified comparative negligence” system (C.R.S. § 13-21-111). This means you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 10% at fault, you receive 90% of the total damages. Determining fault in accidents requires thorough investigation.
Does Uber's $1 million insurance policy apply to my case?
The $1 million liability policy typically applies when the Uber driver has accepted a ride request. It also applies when they are actively transporting a passenger. This is known as “Period 3.” If the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a trip (“Period 2”), lower coverage limits apply. If the app is off (“Period 1”), the driver’s personal insurance is the primary source of recovery. Understanding Uber’s insurance coverage is essential for your claim.
What should I do immediately after a rideshare crash in Colorado?
First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Second, make sure the police are called and a report is filed. Third, take screenshots of your Uber app. This proves the status of the ride and the driver’s identity. Finally, do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster until you have consulted with a lawyer. For detailed guidance, see our post-accident steps guide. Proper documentation after an accident can significantly strengthen your claim.
How much compensation can I recover for an Uber accident injury?
Compensation, known as “damages,” is split into economic and non-economic categories. You may be entitled to recovery for medical bills and future rehabilitation costs. You can also seek lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages include “pain and suffering,” emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The total amount depends on the severity of your injuries. It also depends on the impact on your daily life and the available insurance coverage. Learn more about types of damages in personal injury cases. Average settlement amounts vary based on injury severity and liability.
How long do I have to file an Uber accident lawsuit in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for most motor vehicle accident claims is three years. This starts from the date of the accident (C.R.S. § 13-80-101). This is longer than the standard two-year limit for other personal injury cases (C.R.S. § 13-80-102). However, if the claim involves a government entity, you must act faster. You must file a formal notice of claim within 180 days under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (C.R.S. § 24-10-109). It is important to act quickly to preserve evidence. Statute of limitations deadlines are strictly enforced by courts.
What happens if the Uber driver was at fault, but their personal insurance denies the claim?
This is a common occurrence because many personal insurance policies have “business use” or “livery” exclusions. If the driver was logged into the Uber app, Uber’s supplemental insurance is designed to step in. It provides coverage during Period 2 or Period 3. We handle the negotiations between these companies. We make sure you are not left without a source of recovery. Bad faith insurance claims can be challenged with proper legal representation.
Should I speak with Uber's insurance adjusters before hiring a lawyer?
It is not in your best interest to speak with adjusters. They are trained to find reasons to devalue or deny your claim. They may ask leading questions designed to get you to admit fault. They also try to get you to downplay your injuries. Anything you say can be used against you later in the process. Let your attorney handle all communications to protect your rights. Attorney-client privilege protects your communications with our firm.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Under Colorado’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you are 49% or less at fault. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovery. We work to minimize your percentage of fault. We do this by presenting clear evidence of the other party’s negligence. Partial fault scenarios still allow for recovery in Colorado.
Will my Uber accident case have to go to court?
Most personal injury claims are settled through negotiation before a trial becomes necessary. Settlements are often faster and less stressful for the victim. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to litigate. We will take your case to a Colorado courtroom to make sure you receive justice. Settlement vs. litigation decisions depend on your specific circumstances.
