Like other cities in Colorado, Boulder continues to grow in population. With an increased population, traffic and the number of cars on the road also increase. Ridesharing is also on the increase for many in Boulder who don't own a car or are planning on drinking and don't want a DUI. A Lyft or Uber ride to the airport may also be less expensive than airport parking for a few days.
Using Lyft and Uber may avoid the need for a car and relieve any parking worries but it may not reduce the number of car accidents. The way rideshare drivers operate may even increase the risk of an accident in some situations. Rideshare accidents are still relatively new for most people, and anyone involved in the accident may be unsure about what to do next. An injured pedestrian, cyclist, passenger, or even the Uber driver may not know who will be responsible for covering the costs of the injuries.
If you were injured in an accident while using Lyft or Uber, talk to a rideshare accident lawyer about your rights. The attorneys at accidentdenver.com can investigate your case and work to get you the maximum compensation after an injury accident in Boulder, Denver, Aurora, or anywhere in Colorado. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Where Boulder Uber and Lyft Rides Occur
Boulder rideshare trips take place all over town, including trips to Denver, hiking in the Flatirons, or a ride to the airport.
CU Rideshare Trips
A lot of the Lyft and Uber activity in Boulder involves going to or from the University of Colorado. Many students do not have cars and have to rely on rides from friends, public transportation, or biking around town. Shopping trips and going out with friends may be best done with a Lyft or Uber. Getting on and off campus during a sporting event like a football game, can be a nightmare when traveling by car, and many riders pick up or drop off just off campus to avoid the traffic.
Pearl Street Mall or Brewery Hopping
Students, residents, and tourists often take an Uber or Lyft to go out for dinner and drinks in the Pearl Street Mall area. Boulder is also home to some great breweries, which may be spread across town, including Avery, Upslope, or the Oskar Blues Taproom. Visiting more than a couple of these breweries may mean a drinker's BAC is over the limit.
Using a taxi or rideshare can not only avoid parking hassles but also avoid the risk of a DUI. However, it is important for riders to be aware of the possibility of violence or sexual assault at the hands of a rideshare driver if the rider appears impaired. When going out drinking, travel with a friend when possible.
Denver International Airport
A few days of parking at DIA can really add up. Even the economy lot charges $17 a day. If you are going on a trip for a couple of weeks, it may make more sense to take a Lyft or Uber instead of driving and paying for parking. A Lyft or Uber between Boulder and the airport may cost about $60. However, the price may go up when there's traffic or the driver takes a different route.
Are Lyft and Uber Drivers More Prone to Accidents in Boulder?
Car accidents in Boulder can be caused by any number of reasons but rideshare drivers may be more likely to cause certain types of accidents based on how they operate. Some of the common causes of rideshare accidents are due to:
- Distracted driving
- Rideshare driver inexperience
- Drowsy driving (early in the morning or late at night)
- Speeding or Traffic violations
Rideshare drivers may be more likely to be distracted because they have to use the ride-hailing app while picking up and dropping off passengers. They also often rely on a map app or music app that they may adjust or change while they are driving.
A lot of rideshare drivers in Boulder did not learn to drive in Colorado. They may have learned to drive decades earlier in a different state and may be unfamiliar with some of Colorado's unique traffic laws, like chair requirements, one-way left turn on red after a stop, or U-turn restrictions.
Many Lyft and Uber drivers use the app to make some extra money in addition to working a regular job. This leaves a lot of drivers operating early in the morning hours or late at night, when they may be tired. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving and the rideshare companies don't check how many hours a driver is working at other jobs, only limiting the time they are driving.
Dangerous Intersections in Boulder and Accident Fatalities
According to the 2019 Safe Streets Boulder Report, there are four intersections with more than 100 crashes between 2015 and 2017. These are some of the most dangerous intersections in Boulder for rideshare vehicles and other drivers:
- Baseline Road and Broadway
- Arapahoe Avenue and 28th Street
- Arapahoe Avenue and 30th Street
- Arapahoe Avenue and Foothills Parkway
In 2017, 31 people were killed in traffic accidents in Boulder County. That number dropped to 21 in 2018, and rose slightly in 2019 with 26 traffic fatalities in Boulder County. COVID-19 has greatly reduced the number of cars on the road in 2020, and through June, the number of traffic fatalities in Boulder County was only 3. However, the number is likely to rise again when things get back to normal.
Reporting a Rideshare Accident in Boulder
Under Colorado Statute 42-4-1606, all motor vehicle accidents must be reported, even minor fender benders. When a driver is involved in an accident they must also report the accident to their insurance company. When a rideshare driver is in an accident, the driver must also report the accident to Lyft or Uber.
If the accident involves an injury, significant damage, or a vehicle is not driveable, you should call law enforcement. Police will investigate the accident and write up an accident report that you can request a copy of at a later date. The responding officers may include:
Medical Care After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Boulder
If you or someone else is injured in a car accident in Boulder, seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel injured at the time, you should see a doctor to make sure there are no underlying problems, like a head injury or spinal cord injury. There are a few emergency departments (EDs) or Urgent Care Facilities in Boulder, including:
- Foothills Hospital Emergency Department
- Boulder Medical Center Urgent Care
- Rocky Mountain Urgent Care
- Boulder Community Health Urgent Care Centers
Injured After a Lyft or Uber Ride in Boulder
If you were injured in a Lyft or Uber accident in Boulder, contact accidentdenver.com. Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys will fight to get the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.