Uber & Lyft (Rideshare) Accidents in Denver

Rideshare claims aren’t ordinary car crashes. Multiple insurance layers, changing “app states,” and out-of-state policy language can complicate who pays—and how much. This page explains Colorado’s coverage rules in plain English, what evidence matters most, and how our team helps riders, drivers, and other motorists after an Uber or Lyft collision in Denver and across the Front Range.

Need help now? Call 303-762-9500 or request a free consultation.

On this Page:

• Why rideshare crashes are different
• Insurance layers in Colorado (simple chart)
• Who pays—and when
• Evidence to collect immediately
• Colorado deadlines you can’t miss
• Common damages & how we prove them
• What to do right now (checklist)
• FAQs 

Why Rideshare Crashes are Different

Unlike a typical fender-bender, rideshare collisions can involve three or more insurers at once: the rideshare company’s policy, the rideshare driver’s personal auto policy, and your own UM/UIM or MedPay, and any person that you live with that is a relative that has car insurance. Which policy applies turns on the driver’s status in the app at the moment of the crash and Colorado’s specific TNC insurance requirements. During a “prearranged ride,” Colorado law mandates $1,000,000 in primary liability coverage, plus UM/UIM protection for drivers and riders.

Insurance Layers in Colorado

Translation: if you’re a passenger injured during a trip, there is significant coverage available under Colorado law; if another motorist caused the crash, the TNC UM/UIM coverage can still help bridge the gap.

Who Pays—and When

• Your Uber/Lyft driver is at fault during a trip: the TNC’s $1M liability coverage is primary.
• A third-party driver is at fault during a trip: their liability insurance is primary; if it’s not enough or they’re uninsured, TNC UM/UIM for drivers and riders becomes crucial
• Driver was logged in but had not accepted a ride: the 25/50/15 coverage applies.
• Driver was offline: the driver’s personal auto policy applies (TNC coverage doesn’t trigger when offline).
• Hit-and-run during a trip: statutory TNC UM/UIM can step in for drivers and passengers. 

Evidence to Collect Immediately

Strong evidence shortens fights and improves outcomes:

• In-app proof: screenshots of your trip receipt, driver profile, pick-up/drop-off times, and any in-app incident report.
• Scene documentation: photos or video of vehicles, roadway, signals, skid marks, and debris; note weather and lighting.
• Contacts: driver and passenger info, witnesses, responding officers, and nearby businesses with cameras.
• Medical records: ER/urgent care notes, imaging, treatment plan; keep all bills and mileage.
• Work impact: pay stubs and employer letters for lost wages or missed gigs. 

If you can’t gather everything, don’t worry—we can help reconstruct the timeline with app data, trip logs, and independent video.

Colorado Deadlines You Can’t Miss

• Motor-vehicle injury lawsuits: Generally 3 years from the date the claim accrues for tort actions arising out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle (different rules apply for property-only claims). Don’t wait—evidence and notice obligations can be much shorter
• Claims involving cities/counties/state agencies: Colorado’s Governmental Immunity Act typically requires a written notice of claim within 182 days of the injury’s discovery. If a government vehicle or road condition is involved, get legal guidance immediately. 

Deadline rules are fact-specific and missing one can end your claim. When in doubt, call 303-762-9500 now.

Common Injuries & How We Prove Damages

Rideshare crashes often involve side-impacts and multi-vehicle chain reactions—leading to concussions/TBI, neck and back injuries, fractures, and traumatic joint damage. We document:

• Medical needs: current treatment and future care (surgery, PT, pain management).
• Permanent Impairment: if you have fully treated but a permanent injuries like pain or a limp.
• Scarring/disfigurement: If your injury has left you with a scar or other marking you can recover for this as well.
• Wage loss & earning capacity: pay history, vocational analyses for salaried and gig-economy workers.
• Pain, suffering & lifestyle impact: day-to-day limitations, family/caregiver needs, loss of enjoyment.
• Property damage: vehicle and personal items (phone, eyeglasses, etc.).

Our Process

1. Coverage map: We identify every liable party and coverage layer—third-party BI, TNC liability, TNC UM/UIM, and any personal UM/UIM or MedPay.
2. Evidence build-out: We secure app data, video, scene measurements, medical proof, and wage documentation.
3. Negotiation strategy: We present a well-supported demand and sequence recoveries across policies to avoid gaps.
4. Arbitration/litigation when needed: If an insurer low-balls, we’re prepared to press the claim in court. 

See our Verdicts & Settlements to understand our approach and results.

What to Do Right Now

• Report in-app and save confirmation emails/receipts.
• Get medical care and follow your treatment plan.
• Do not give a recorded statement to the opposing insurer without counsel.
• Preserve evidence: photos, receipts, damaged items, rideshare screenshots.
• Call Harding & Associates at 303-762-9500 or request a free case review.

Related Resources

• Car Accident Attorneys in Denver (parent practice page) ? overview of claims & next steps.
• FAQs ? answers to common personal-injury questions.
• Blog: Navigating car accident claims in Denver (helpful background article).
• Contact Us ? directions to our downtown office at 730 17th Street #650, Denver, CO 80202.

FAQs: Denver Uber & Lyft Accidents

Does Uber’s $1,000,000 policy always apply?
It applies when the driver is on a prearranged ride—en route to a pick-up or carrying a passenger—because Colorado law requires at least $1,000,000 in primary liability coverage for that period.

What if another driver caused the crash while I was a passenger?
The at-fault driver’s insurer is primary. If their limits are too low or they’re uninsured, the TNC’s UM/UIM coverage for drivers and riders can help cover the gap during a prearranged ride.

What coverage applies if the driver was “online” but hadn’t accepted a trip?
Colorado requires at least $50,000/$100,000/$30,000 coverage while logged in but not yet on a trip.

Am I covered in a hit-and-run as an Uber/Lyft passenger?
Yes—during a prearranged ride, Colorado mandates UM/UIM protection for drivers and riders.

How long do I have to file?
Most motor-vehicle injury lawsuits must be filed within three years, but some notice requirements (like government claims) are much shorter—act quickly.

Call to Action

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash on I-25, I-70, Colfax, Speer, or anywhere in Denver, Arvada, Aurora, Lakewood, or nearby, get clear answers and a plan today. Call 303-762-9500 or request a free consultation.

Required Legal Notice

This information is for general education only, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; coverage and deadlines depend on specific facts and policy terms.