Centennial is ranked as one of the safest cities in Colorado. However, residents still have to worry about bad road conditions, traffic, and car accidents. Centennial continues to grow in population, like other parts of the Denver metro area. With continued growth comes an increase in traffic and accidents. A car is a necessity for most Centennial residents but many are opting for an Uber ride or Lyft ride for getting around.
Even with a car, there can be times when using Lyft or Uber is more convenient, including a trip to the airport, when the car is in the shop, or for a night out. Unfortunately, a Lyft or Uber will not reduce the risk of a car accident. Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved in an accident with a ride-hailing vehicle may have questions about who is responsible for covering the costs of the injuries.
After an Accident in Centennial
In any type of traffic accident, your priority should be safety. If you, another passenger, or anyone else is injured in an accident, call 9-1-1 for help. If you are able to do so, get to a place of safety and wait for emergency responders.
Medical Care After an Uber or Lyft Accident
There are a few emergency departments (EDs) or Urgent Care Facilities in Centennial, including:
- Centennial Medical Plaza ER
- Parker Adventist Hospital ER
- Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children ER
- Centura Health Meridian ER
However, even if you do not think you need emergency care, it is a good idea to get a medical evaluation. Many auto accident injuries, including neck, back, and head injuries, can be tricky and may not show signs or symptoms of an injury until hours or days later. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the chances of long-term injuries after a car accident.
Reporting a Rideshare Accident in Centennial
All motor vehicle accidents in Colorado have to be reported, even minor accidents. Under Colorado Statute 42-4-1606, the driver of a vehicle involved in a traffic accident resulting in injury or any property damage shall give immediate notice of the location of such accident and other information to the nearest office of the duly authorized police authority and, if so directed by the police authority, shall immediately return to and remain at the scene of the accident until said police have arrived at the scene and completed their investigation.
In an accident in Centennial, the responding officers may include:
Calling the Insurance Company and Notifying Lyft or Uber
The driver's insurance policy requires reporting the accident. Failure to report the accident to the insurance company may result in having your claim denied.
If the accident involves a Lyft or Uber driver, the rideshare companies may require reporting the accident and going through their claims department. Passengers are also supposed to report any accident or injury to Lyft or Uber. However, if you have any questions or concerns about an injury accident, you can get answers from your Denver rideshare accident attorney before you contact Uber or Lyft.
Uber and Lyft Rides in Centennial
Centennial is a relatively new city, incorporating in 2000. Since that time, it has grown to more than 110,000 people, with a 10% increase in population over the last decade. Those residents need to get around for work, school, medical care, and shopping. For people who do not have a car, public transportation options can be limited.
First-and-Last-Mile and Light Rail
Centennial has a dial-a-ride service for seniors and disabled residents who cannot drive. Unfortunately, it can be inconvenient and require planning far in advance. Centennial tried a pilot program with Lyft to offer more rides. However, the city ended the program after only 6-months because they were getting fewer riders and the rides were costing twice as much. Many people still use rideshare services on their own to get to and from the light rail.
IKEA Runs
IKEA is a popular option for college students and apartment renters looking for an affordable way to outfit a new place. Centennial is home to Denver-area's IKEA and the second largest IKEA in the country. Without a car, it can be tough to get a Malm bed or Kallax shelf on the bus. Many people do their shopping and call Lyft or Uber to transport them and their new furniture to their apartment, house, or dorm.
Night Out for Dining and Drinks
Car owners may still opt for a Lyft or Uber to go out to dinner or get drinks. Rideshares provide an option for drivers to safely get home after having a few drinks.
Denver International Airport
A Lyft or Uber ride to Denver International Airport (DIA) is usually around $50 to $60 but can vary greatly based on surge pricing. However, this can be a cheaper alternative to parking at the airport. The economy parking lot is about $17 a day, making it cheaper to ride-hail a car if you are going out of town for a week or so. Even if someone is willing to give you a ride, it may be a tougher sell for a 6 a.m. flight when they have to get up at 4 a.m.
Causes of Lyft and Uber Accidents
An Uber ride or Lyft ride still comes with the risk of an accident. In some cases, accidents in Centennial may be more likely in a rideshare vehicle. There are some inherent risks or ridesharing because of the way the companies operate. For example, drivers are required to use the app to accept a ride and end a ride, which means having to look at their phone. Distracted driving is a common cause of car accidents and using a phone for Lyft or Uber and mapping destinations can increase the risk of an accident.
Rideshare drivers may also be at risk of speeding or traffic violations in trying to maximize their earnings. Lyft and Uber even have bonus programs that encourage drivers to get as many rides as possible. Many rideshare drivers are inexperienced or unfamiliar with Colorado traffic laws because they got their licenses in another state.
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.
Pedestrians and Cyclists in Centennial Rideshare Accident
Centennial has more than 100 parks and over 100 miles of trails for walking and cycling. This makes the city ideal for walking, hiking, and biking for recreation. Unfortunately, other drivers passing through the city may not properly yield for pedestrians and cyclists. This can be especially dangerous when rideshare drivers are distracted and looking at the Uber app on their phone.
Injured After a Lyft or Uber Ride in Centennial
If you were injured in a Lyft or Uber accident in Centennial, contact accidentdenver.com. Our experienced Colorado rideshare accident attorneys will fight to get the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.