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Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Colorado Springs?

At Pribila & Fields, we know rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a daily part of life in Colorado Springs. While these apps make transportation convenient, accidents involving rideshare drivers can create confusing legal questions. One of the most important questions we help clients answer is, who is liable after an Uber or Lyft accident? Understanding how liability works in Colorado can help passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians protect their rights and recover compensation after a crash.

How Rideshare Accidents Differ From Regular Car Accidents

Uber and Lyft accidents are not like typical car accident cases. In most car accidents, liability is determined by identifying the at-fault driver and filing a claim against their insurance. With rideshare accidents, multiple parties and insurance policies may be involved, depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, actively transporting a passenger, or using the car for personal reasons at the time of the crash.

This complexity often creates disputes between insurance companies. That is why having experienced car accident attorneys is critical when dealing with rideshare claims in Colorado Springs.

When the Rideshare Driver Is Liable

If an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident while not logged into the app, the crash is treated like any other accident, and the driver’s personal insurance policy applies. However, once the driver is logged into the app, even if they have not yet accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide additional insurance coverage to protect accident victims.

If the driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. This coverage is meant to protect passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians who are injured in a rideshare accident. However, accessing this coverage is not always simple, and insurance companies may try to deny or minimize valid claims.

When Another Driver Is Liable

Not all rideshare accidents are caused by the Uber or Lyft driver. If another driver causes the crash, that driver’s insurance policy is typically responsible for covering damages. However, if that driver does not have enough insurance to fully compensate injured victims, Uber and Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply when a passenger is injured during a ride.

Our attorneys at Pribila & Fields carefully review the facts of each accident to determine which insurance policies apply. By holding the right parties accountable, we make sure our clients receive the maximum compensation available under Colorado law.

What About Uber and Lyft Themselves?

Many clients ask whether they can sue Uber or Lyft directly after an accident. These companies classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which makes it harder to hold the companies themselves responsible. In most cases, liability is limited to the insurance coverage Uber and Lyft provide for their drivers. However, in certain situations—such as if the company failed to properly screen a dangerous driver—there may be grounds for pursuing a claim directly against the rideshare company.

While these cases are rare, our attorneys explore every possible avenue for recovery. We know that serious injuries often require significant compensation, and we fight to make sure no potential source of recovery is overlooked.

What Insurance Coverage Applies to Rideshare Accidents?

The amount of insurance coverage available in an Uber or Lyft accident depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:

  • Driver offline (not logged into the app): Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
  • Driver online, waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage ($50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage).
  • Driver accepted a ride or has a passenger: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

These distinctions are critical in determining how much compensation is available and which insurance company is responsible for paying. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters often dispute these details to avoid paying full benefits. At Pribila & Fields, we know how to challenge these tactics and protect our clients’ rights.

What Evidence Helps Prove Liability?

Proving liability in an Uber or Lyft accident requires strong evidence. This may include:

  • Police reports documenting the crash
  • App data showing the driver’s status at the time of the accident
  • Eyewitness statements from passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers
  • Photos of the vehicles, accident scene, and injuries
  • Medical records linking injuries to the crash

Our attorneys obtain the necessary records and evidence, including rideshare app data, to show exactly what happened and which party is responsible. This evidence often makes the difference in securing fair compensation for our clients.

Why You Need a Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorney

Rideshare accident claims can quickly become complicated, especially when multiple insurance companies are involved. Passengers often assume Uber or Lyft will take care of everything, only to find themselves caught between insurance disputes and denied claims. Our attorneys at Pribila & Fields know how to cut through the confusion, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight for the full compensation our clients deserve.

We handle every aspect of the claim, from filing with the correct insurance companies to negotiating settlements and taking cases to trial if necessary. Our experience with both car accident law and rideshare liability ensures our clients are never left facing insurance companies alone.

Contact Pribila & Fields Today for Help With Uber and Lyft Accident Claims

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Colorado Springs, you may have the right to file a claim for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Determining liability can be complex, but you do not have to figure it out on your own. At Pribila & Fields, we are here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to recover.

Do not let confusion about liability stand in the way of your recovery. Contact us today to speak with our Colorado Springs car accident attorneys about your Uber or Lyft accident case.

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Pribila and Fields, P.C. has successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases and tried scores of cases where an insurance carrier refused to pay fair compensation for injuries, losses or damages.

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18 E. Monument Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
reception@pribila.com

Phone: (719) 888-3720
Fax: (719) 473-2542

The information provided on this website is offered purely for informational purposes. It is not intended to create or promote an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute and should not be relied upon as legal advice. It is not intended to seek professional employment in any state where lawyers in the firm are not admitted to practice, or in any state where this website would not comply with applicable requirements concerning advertisements and solicitations.

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