Rideshare Accidents Attorneys in Durango, Colorado

Long gone are the days when people called a cab to get somewhere. Today, it’s all about ridesharing. Rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft have become incredibly popular in and around Durango, Colorado.

While ridesharing offers a plethora of benefits, accidents involving rideshare vehicles often create a complicated puzzle when it comes to determining fault and seeking compensation. Not that our attorneys at Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC don’t like solving puzzles!  

If you or someone you love has been involved in a ridesharing accident, our team can help you recover fair compensation for all of your damages and losses. Our rideshare accidents attorneys in Durango, Colorado, understand the unique challenges faced by those involved in collisions with Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies and will work tirelessly to secure the highest compensation available to you.  

Types of Rideshare Accidents

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transport, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis. Rideshare platforms connect drivers using their vehicles with passengers needing a ride—with everything facilitated through a smartphone app.

These services provide unmatched convenience but come with legal challenges, especially when accidents occur. Rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees, complicating liability and insurance processes. Rideshare accidents can involve various scenarios, such as: 

• Rideshare driver: Accidents where you are driving for a rideshare service. 

• Non-rideshare driver: Instances where you, as a non-rideshare driver, collide with a rideshare vehicle. 

• Passenger: Accidents occurring while you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle. 

• Pedestrian or bicyclist: Incidents in which you get hit by a rideshare vehicle while on foot or cycling. 

Each scenario presents unique challenges in terms of liability and compensation and necessitates a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks involved. Our Durango rideshare accidents attorneys at Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC, can help work through the challenges to secure appropriate compensation to which you are entitled.

How Do Ridesharing Accidents Happen? 

Rideshare accidents can occur in many different ways, including: 

• Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers may be distracted by navigation systems or passenger interactions, which increases the risk of an accident.  

• Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue and slower reaction times. This tends to be a common problem among rideshare drivers.  

• Speeding: In a rush to complete rides quickly, some rideshare drivers may exceed speed limits. 

• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, though intoxication isn’t as common among rideshare drivers. 

• Aggressive driving: Tailgating, frequent lane changes, and road rage can contribute to accidents, and such aggressive driving behaviors aren’t uncommon among rideshare drivers who spend a lot of time driving.  

• Weather conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can make driving conditions hazardous, but many rideshare drivers continue to drive in adverse weather conditions (in fact, they may even have the potential to earn more money when weather gets bad).  

• Poor vehicle maintenance: Many rideshare vehicles aren’t properly maintained. This coupled with the fact that rideshare drivers spend long hours on the road can result in equipment malfunction.  

• Traffic violations: Running red lights or speeding to get to the destination faster, failing to yield, and other violations can cause collisions. 

• Inexperienced drivers: While many new drivers may be tempted to make quick money through ridesharing, they may lack the skills needed to handle real-world traffic challenges. 

• Unfamiliar routes: Drivers operating in unfamiliar areas may make navigation errors or unknowingly violate traffic laws.  

Our attorneys at Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC, can investigate how your rideshare accident happened and identify your options for compensation.  

Three Levels of Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare companies provide three tiers of insurance coverage: 

1. Offline mode: When the app is off, only the driver's personal insurance applies. 

2. Available mode: When waiting for a ride request, limited coverage applies, with up to $50,000 per injury and $100,000 per accident. 

3. En route/on-trip: Comprehensive coverage, including up to $1 million in liability, is active when a ride is accepted or in progress. 

Understanding these levels ensures that you know what coverage is available during each phase of the rideshare process.  

Potential Complications in Rideshare Accident Claims

Navigating a rideshare accident claim can be challenging and daunting due to: 

• Multiple insurance companies: There will most likely be coordination between the driver’s insurance and the rideshare company’s policy. 

• Independent contractor status: It may be challenging to hold the rideshare company accountable for the driver's actions. 

• Liability issues: There may be disputes over fault and the distribution of responsibility. 

• Policy limits: Insufficient coverage may not fully compensate for damages. 

• Time constraints: Statute of limitations may impact filing deadlines. 

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for filing personal injury and property damage claims after a rideshare accident is generally three years from the date of the accident.  

Why Choose Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC?

At Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC, our team brings over 75 years of combined experience to fight for your rights: 

• Strive for excellence: We are committed to exceeding client expectations through thorough preparation and personalized service. 

• Knowledgeable: Our attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of laws affecting rideshare accidents. 

• Proven success: We’ve recovered millions for our clients, demonstrating our ability to deliver results. 

• Client-centric approach: Your case is our priority—and we work hard to secure the best possible outcome for you.  

Reach out to our office in Durango if you think our law firm is a good fit for your situation. We can handle your case with compassion and care and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.