Denver Lyft Accident Attorney

Lyft Car Accident Attorney

You and your spouse have taken a long-awaited vacation to Denver. You’ve enjoyed hiking through Red Rocks Park and are now ready to soak in the atmosphere of the heart of Denver in Larimer Square. Your Lyft driver picks you up outside your hotel, and you are on your way. Your driver is friendly and driving safely, so you relax as you watch the sights of Denver. Suddenly, a driver runs a red light, slamming into the side of the Lyft vehicle. Your immediate concern is to assess the injuries to all those involved and seek medical treatment.

Once everyone is treated you realize that you and your husband both have serious injuries that may require time away from work as well as significant medical expenses. The Lyft driver has also sustained injuries. Who will pay for your medical treatments? Should you file against the driver who hit your vehicle or against the Lyft driver’s insurance? Should you notify your own insurance company? All these questions can be resolved more quickly and to your advantage when you speak to a knowledgeable Denver Lyft accident attorney from the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya.

About Lyft

Based in San Francisco, Lyft was launched in the summer of 2012 by John Zimmer and Logan Green—both computer programmers. Lyft was initially called Zimride but changed the name to Lyft in May 2013. Regulatory hurdles in New York City resulted in alterations to the Lyft business model. In 2017, Lyft expanded into Canada. Lyft is now the second-largest ridesharing company in the United States, after Uber, with 28 percent of the market share. 

Why You Should Choose a Denver Lyft Accident Attorney from the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya

You may hear some law firms say they “really care about clients.” When you hear those words from attorney Dianne Sawaya, you can bank on it being 100 percent true. At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we understand that you are going through a difficult time, and we stand behind you as we fight for justice. We will protect your financial interests as we help you get the medical treatments you need.

We will talk to you so we can really understand your life before the accident so we can help you navigate a full recovery and get back to the life you enjoy. When you choose the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, you have chosen a firm with a stellar reputation for doing what needs to be done to assist clients—and now you. Our attorneys are smart, aggressive, and compassionate, offering the following benefits:

• We have more than 200 positive Google Reviews
• The settlement you receive will always be maximized
• Your consultation is always 100% free
• If we do not recover a settlement on your behalf, you pay us nothing
• We will help you get the medical treatments you need to recover
• With 25 years of personal injury experience, you can rest easy knowing your rights are protected
• We serve all of Colorado

What Should You Do Immediately Following a Lyft Accident?

Just as you would do with an accident in your own vehicle, as a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, you should ensure that the police are notified. It is always important to have a police report when establishing liability for injuries and other damages. A police report can be particularly helpful in protecting your legal rights when you must prove that—as a passenger—you were uninvolved with the actual cause of the accident. Everyone involved in the Lyft accident must seek medical attention immediately—even if you are uncertain whether you have suffered injuries. Having a medical professional check you out following an accident will protect your interests and strengthen your case.

It is also extremely important to document the accident whenever possible. Many insurance companies—and attorneys—use photos and videos as the primary form of evidence in an auto accident claim. If you are able, take photos at the scene of the accident, including all those involved, and the vehicles involved. If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain contact information from those witnesses. Once they are gone, you are unlikely to ever find them again, so this is something that needs to be done quickly.

Obtain the name, contact information, and insurance information from your Lyft driver and the third-party driver. Snap photos of the license plates, driver’s licenses, and insurance information of both drivers, since at this point it is unclear whether you will be filing a claim against the Lyft driver, Lyft, or the other driver. Once you are home after receiving medical treatment, report the accident to your own insurance company. This is important in the event that one of the drivers is uninsured or underinsured—and you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Write down everything you can remember about the accident. No detail is too small and could turn out to be extremely important. Finally, contact an experienced Denver Lyft accident attorney from the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya. Our highly knowledgeable rideshare attorneys will ensure you are fully protected from beginning to end and that your damages are fully covered.

Do Lyft Drivers Have to Have a Separate Insurance Policy in Colorado?

2014 Colorado legislation titled “Transportation Network Companies” was passed in an attempt to ensure all rideshare drivers are adequately insured. The TNC designates three different categories of insurance responsibilities for TNCs and their drivers:

• When the Lyft driver is not logged into the app, he or she is considered “offline,” meaning they are not at work and there is no obligation by Lyft to provide insurance coverage. If the driver has an accident while offline, his or her own personal insurance policy will apply to the injuries and other damages.
• When the Lyft driver has picked up a passenger and is transporting them, either Lyft or the driver must provide liability coverage of $1 million per occurrence.

What Are the Lyft Requirements for Colorado Lyft Drivers?

In the state of Colorado, Lyft requires that the driver’s vehicle be a 4-door, with 5-8 seats, 2007 or newer. The Lyft driver must have a valid driver’s license, must be 25 years or older, and must pass a driver screening. The driver screening reviews the driver’s driving history and criminal background. The driver must also have a smartphone that can download and run the Lyft driver app. The driver’s car must have an updated Colorado vehicle inspection and a current Colorado registration.

The driver must submit a driver profile photo, proof of personal vehicle insurance, any necessary permits and business license, and a Colorado TNC Driver Fitness Self-Certification. Prior to gaining approval as a Lyft driver, the driver’s vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection, then must undergo the same inspection annually. The Colorado TNC Driver fitness Self-Certification document certifies the driver is both mentally and physically fit to drive. 

Should You Notify Your Own Insurance Company Following a Denver Lyft Accident?

You should always notify your own insurance company following an auto accident. Even though it is unlikely your insurance company will be required to pay for your injuries and other damages, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your insurance company could potentially be required to pay for your damages. If both drivers were partially at-fault for the accident, you might be required to file a claim with both insurance companies. If your damages are extensive, you may be required to file a claim with Lyft.

Getting the Help You Need from a Denver Lyft Accident Attorney from the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya

If you or a loved one have been involved in a Denver rideshare accident, you need attorneys who are highly skilled, aggressive, compassionate, and knowledgeable. The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya can offer you all those attributes and more. We represent those who have been injured through the negligence of another. We zealously and fully represent every client and will do the same for you. Our goal is to get you on the road to recovery physically while ensuring we secure a fair and full settlement on your behalf to facilitate your financial recovery. Contact the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya today.