Colorado Springs Rideshare Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer

Your Trusted Legal Partner for Rideshare Accident Claims

If you suffered injuries while traveling as a passenger in an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service, you may be eligible for compensation. A Lyft accident attorney in Colorado Springs can help you determine if your injuries resulted from the negligence of a rideshare driver. While Uber and Lyft are widely used, drivers must exercise great care when transporting passengers under Colorado law. Rideshare drivers transport millions of riders nationwide every day.

According to Uber’s US Safety Report and Lyft’s Community Safety Report:

• Lyft reported 105 fatalities between 2017 and 2019[1]
• Uber reported 97 fatal crashes with 107 total deaths between 2017 and 2018[2]

If you are hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft, you need to protect your rights and pursue recovery for any serious injuries you suffered.

At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., our rideshare accident attorneys in Colorado Springs can help determine if you have a valid claim and if you may seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

How Insurance Coverage Works in Colorado Rideshare Accidents

Understanding insurance coverage after an Uber or Lyft accident in Colorado is crucial. Colorado law requires rideshare drivers to carry special levels of insurance, which depend on whether a driver has a passenger, is en route to pick up, or is logged into the app without a ride. If you are injured while the rideshare driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft typically provide up to $1 million in liability coverage in addition to uninsured and underinsured motorist protection. When the driver is available for rides but does not have an active fare, lower coverage requirements from Colorado law apply. Navigating these insurance policies can become confusing because more than one policy—yours, the rideshare driver’s, or the rideshare company’s—could apply to your circumstances. Our experience with insurance carriers in Colorado shows that claims are sometimes denied or undervalued. We can help clarify your coverage options under Colorado’s unique insurance structure, ensuring you stay informed at every stage.

What Makes Colorado Springs Unique for Rideshare Passengers

Colorado Springs attracts military families, tourists, students, and local residents year-round. Destinations like Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak Highway cause surges in traffic, especially during local events and ski season. Rideshare services fill gaps left by limited public transportation, but high-altitude roads, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather can increase accident risks compared to other cities. Crashes often occur near major highways, military bases, or campus areas. When accidents happen, Colorado Springs Police Department or state troopers investigate and create reports, which can affect how claims proceed. Our knowledge of regional accident patterns and procedures enables us to guide clients through the local legal process efficiently and effectively.

Understanding the Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Colorado Springs

Car accidents can cause long-term trauma, especially if you did not cause the crash. You may not know immediately what triggered your wreck, but rideshare accidents typically stem from:

• Inexperienced drivers who lack familiarity with city roadways.
• Failure to follow company policies for safety and conduct.
• Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers face unique risks as they must use mobile apps while transporting passengers, which increases the risk of auto crashes.
• Ignoring traffic rules: Disregarding the rules of the road exposes both drivers and passengers to unnecessary danger.
• Fatigued driving: Many rideshare drivers juggle multiple jobs or work long shifts, which can lead to slower reflexes and poor decision-making behind the wheel.
• Reckless driving or speeding: To maximize earnings, some drivers may speed, change lanes abruptly, or make unsafe driving choices, raising the risk for everyone on the road.

Many rideshare accidents in Colorado Springs occur in high-traffic areas such as downtown, the University of Colorado, or along the I-25 corridor, where congested roads and rapid changes in traffic patterns create hazards. Colorado Springs' mountain climate means snow, ice, and sudden weather changes also play a role. We address these regional factors as part of our overall legal strategy for those injured in local rideshare wrecks.

Common Injuries Sustained in Rideshare Accidents

Crash victims often face a range of injuries. The severity can depend on speed, the number of vehicles involved, and other factors unique to the accident scene.

The most common injuries after a vehicle accident include:

• Spinal, back, and neck injuries: High-speed collisions can cause whiplash, torn muscles, herniated discs, and serious neck or back trauma that often require intensive therapy and recovery time.
• Fractures: Broken bones may need surgery, pins, rods, or lengthy rehabilitation. These injuries can affect mobility for months or years and sometimes leave lasting impairment.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Even a mild concussion can interfere with memory and concentration. Severe TBIs may cause long-term physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. See our head injuries page for more on TBI.
• Death: Tragically, some accidents result in fatal injuries due to ejection, crushing, or violent impact forces.
• Tearing of tissues, muscles, and ligaments: Soft tissue damage, burns, deep cuts, and torn ligaments require documented care and can result in lasting pain.

Emergency rooms and healthcare providers in Colorado Springs frequently treat accident victims for these and other trauma injuries. Mountain roads, sudden weather shifts, and the city’s varied elevations make local collisions particularly complex. We help our clients document their injuries with reputable medical providers and take the specific local factors into account throughout the case.

FAQs

Who pays for my medical bills after a rideshare accident in Colorado?

If you are injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, the rideshare company's insurance may cover your medical costs if the driver was at fault. Depending on the situation, the at-fault driver’s policy, your own insurance, or other available coverage might also apply.

How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare accident in Colorado Springs?

Colorado law generally gives injured parties three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long could hurt your ability to recover damages, so contacting an attorney as soon as possible can help protect your rights.

Can I recover damages if another driver—not the rideshare driver—caused the crash?

Yes, if a third-party driver was responsible for your injuries during a rideshare trip, you may pursue a claim against their insurance. In some cases, you may also have claims under the rideshare company’s uninsured or underinsured coverage, depending on the specifics of the accident.