Your Essential Checklist After a Denver Rideshare Accident

The rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has transformed transportation in Denver, offering convenience and accessibility. However, with more rideshare vehicles on our roads, the unfortunate reality of rideshare accidents has also become more prevalent. When an accident occurs, particularly one involving a rideshare vehicle, the aftermath can be disorienting and complex. Knowing precisely what steps to take in the immediate moments and days following the incident can significantly impact your health, your legal rights, and your ability to secure the compensation you deserve. This comprehensive checklist provides a roadmap for navigating the critical period after a Denver rideshare accident, helping you protect your interests and build a strong foundation for any potential claim.

For tailored legal assistance following a rideshare accident in Denver, consider reaching out to the experienced team at Treviño Law. Our firm has a deep understanding of Colorado’s rideshare regulations and the nuances of these complex claims.

Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene: Prioritizing Safety and Information

Your safety and the safety of others should always be your absolute priority. Even if you feel shaken but uninjured, adrenaline can mask pain. Taking immediate, decisive action at the scene is crucial for both your well-being and the integrity of any future legal claim.

1. Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Immediately after the collision, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Move to a safe location away from traffic, if possible. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, it’s vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some serious injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not manifest symptoms until hours or even days later. A prompt medical evaluation creates a crucial record of your injuries, which is invaluable for your health and for supporting any personal injury claim.

2. Call 911: Report the Accident and Request Police Presence

Contact emergency services immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, a police report provides an official, unbiased account of the incident. The police report will document key details such as the date, time, location, parties involved, and sometimes, preliminary fault assessment. This official documentation is incredibly important for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

3. Exchange Information with All Involved Parties

Gather contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, including the rideshare driver and any other vehicles. Specifically for rideshare accidents, try to obtain the rideshare driver’s personal insurance information, their driver’s license number, and the vehicle’s license plate number. Also, note if the rideshare driver was actively on a trip, en route to pick up a passenger, or simply logged into the app awaiting a request, as this status significantly impacts insurance coverage. If possible, ask to see their rideshare app details that confirm their “on-trip” status.

4. Document the Scene: Photos and Videos are Your Allies

With smartphones readily available, documenting the accident scene visually is easier than ever and incredibly impactful. Take numerous photos and videos from various angles. Capture:

  • Damage to all vehicles involved.
  • The position of the vehicles on the road.
  • Skid marks, broken glass, or debris on the road.
  • Traffic signs, signals, and road conditions.
  • Weather conditions at the time of the accident.
  • Any visible injuries you or your passengers sustained.
  • The rideshare vehicle’s identifying marks, like the rideshare emblem.

These visual records can provide irrefutable evidence of how the accident occurred and the extent of the damage.

5. Identify and Speak with Witnesses

If there are any bystanders who witnessed the accident, politely ask for their contact information. Independent witnesses can offer objective testimony that can corroborate your account of events, which is particularly helpful if there are conflicting statements or disputes over fault.

Post-Accident Steps: Navigating the Aftermath and Legal Landscape

The actions you take in the days and weeks following a rideshare accident are just as critical as those taken at the scene. This period often involves dealing with insurance companies, managing medical care, and considering legal options.

6. Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance Companies Without Legal Counsel

It’s common for insurance adjusters, including those from the rideshare company’s insurer or the driver’s personal insurer, to contact you quickly after an accident. While it may seem helpful to provide them with details, it’s crucial to understand that their primary goal is to minimize payouts. They may try to get you to say something that could be used against your claim. You are not obligated to give a recorded statement. Politely decline and inform them that your attorney will be in touch. Speaking with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer before discussing your case with any insurance company is a cornerstone of protecting your rights.

7. Keep Detailed Records of Everything

Organization is key. Maintain a meticulous record of all documents and communications related to your accident, including:

  • Medical bills and records, including emergency room visits, doctor appointments, physical therapy, and prescriptions.
  • Receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments or assistive devices.
  • Lost wage statements from your employer if you missed work due to injuries.
  • Correspondence with insurance companies or other parties.
  • A journal documenting your pain, discomfort, limitations, and how the injuries are affecting your daily life. This can be a powerful tool for demonstrating the non-economic impact of your injuries.

8. Follow Through with All Medical Treatment and Recommendations

Consistent medical care is not only vital for your recovery but also for strengthening your legal claim. Gaps in treatment or failure to follow doctor’s orders can be interpreted by insurance companies as a sign that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. Adhere to all prescribed therapies, medications, and follow-up appointments. If a particular treatment isn’t working, discuss alternatives with your doctor rather than discontinuing care altogether.

9. Understand Colorado’s Rideshare Insurance Specifics

Colorado law has specific requirements for rideshare insurance, which often involve a tiered system of coverage depending on the driver’s “status” on the app. This is a complex area, but generally:

  • Offline: When the driver’s app is off, their personal insurance applies.
  • App On, Awaiting Request: When the driver is logged in and waiting for a ride request, a lower level of rideshare company insurance (e.g., $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage) may apply as secondary coverage.
  • Accepted Ride, En Route, or On Trip: Once a ride is accepted until the passenger is dropped off, significant liability coverage (often $1 million) from the rideshare company applies.

Understanding these distinctions is critical to identifying the responsible parties and the applicable insurance policies. This is an area where experienced legal counsel is invaluable, as navigating these policies can be challenging for someone without specific legal knowledge.

10. Avoid Social Media Posts About Your Accident

While it might be tempting to share your experience online, anything you post on social media could potentially be used against your claim by opposing counsel or insurance adjusters. This includes photos, comments, or even status updates about your activities. It’s best to refrain from discussing your accident or injuries on any public platform until your case is resolved.

11. Consult with an Experienced Denver Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Perhaps the most critical step on this checklist is consulting with a legal professional who specializes in rideshare accident claims. The legal landscape surrounding Uber and Lyft accidents is often more complex than traditional car accidents due to the involvement of multiple insurance policies, corporate liability questions, and evolving regulations. An attorney can:

  • Investigate the accident thoroughly, gathering all necessary evidence, including rideshare company data and driver logs.
  • Determine all potentially liable parties and the applicable insurance policies.
  • Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, protecting you from tactics designed to undervalue your claim.
  • Accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
  • Negotiate for a fair settlement.
  • Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

At Treviño Law, we are well-versed in the specifics of Colorado rideshare accident law. We can help you navigate the complexities of your claim, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way. Our commitment is to securing the maximum compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery. The initial consultation is often free, allowing you to understand your options without financial obligation. For further reading on the broader impact of ridesharing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers valuable data and reports on traffic safety trends, including those that may indirectly involve rideshare services.

Taking these essential steps after a Denver rideshare accident can make a profound difference in the outcome of your case. While the aftermath of an accident is stressful, a methodical approach, combined with expert legal guidance, can help you rebuild and move forward with confidence.