Highlands Ranch is one of the newest communities in the Denver metro area, beginning development in the early 1980s. Over the past few decades, the area has continued expanding, with more than 100,000 residents. With good schools and lots of outdoor space, residents can enjoy a suburban life while still being close to the benefits of a big city.
Most residents have to rely on a vehicle to get around, go to work, and go shopping. However, even for vehicle owners, there are plenty of reasons why residents and visitors may call for a Lyft or Uber ride. However, riding in a Lyft or Uber may still put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk of an accident.
What to Do After a Lyft or Uber Accident in Highlands Ranch
After an accident in a Lyft or Uber, or in any auto accident, your safety should be your top priority. If anyone is injured in an accident, call 9-1-1 for help. It is important to understand that car accidents can be deceptive. With the adrenaline running, you may not notice an injury or underestimate the injury. This is especially common with head, neck, and back injuries.
The symptoms of head or neck injuries may be delayed for hours or even days. Possible symptoms of a head or spinal cord injury may include headache, dizziness, numbness or tingling, nausea or vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Talk to your doctor if there is any risk of an injury after a car accident.
Medical Care After an Uber or Lyft Accident
There are a few emergency departments (EDs) in and around the Highlands Ranch area, including:
- UCHealth Highlands Ranch ER
- Littleton Adventist Hospital ER
- Children's Hospital Colorado Highlands Ranch ER
Reporting a Rideshare Accident in Highlands Ranch
If you are involved in an accident in Colorado, the law requires drivers to report the accident. 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 law enforcement office.
Law enforcement offices around Highlands Ranch include:
If the police do not show up to take an accident report, the driver can report the accident online with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
Notify the Insurance Company and Notify the Rideshare Company
A driver's auto insurance policy requires reporting any accident. Reporting an accident begins the process for making a claim for coverage in the event of vehicle damage or an injury. When speaking with the insurance adjuster, it is important to be careful about what you say. If the insurance company is making it difficult to get compensation for your injuries, or you believe the company is about to make it difficult, it is best to consult with an experienced accident attorney.
If the accident involves a Lyft driver or Uber driver, the rideshare company also requires reporting any accidents. Uber and Lyft also want passengers to report any injuries on the app. However, if you experience any problems or delays getting coverage after your injury, contact a Denver rideshare accident attorney for help.
Highlands Ranch and Uber and Lyft Rides
There are not a lot of public transportation options for people who live or work in Highlands Ranch. The closest RTD rail stop is the Littleton/Mineral Station. The bus is the primary public transportation option. Some people can walk or bike to where they need to go but most people need a car.
For people without a car or when someone does not want to drive, Lyft or Uber may be the best option. This includes individuals who are unable to drive because of their health or disability, people with a license suspension, or when someone wants to go out and have some drinks without worrying about getting into an accident.
First-and-Last-Mile and Light Rail
The light rail does provide a convenient way to get to Downtown Denver and residents of Highlands Ranch may be able to take a short Lyft or Uber ride to the Littleton station to avoid traffic or the costs of parking in Denver.
Night Out in Denver
Highlands Ranch does have a movie theatre and occasional concerts in the park but for other entertainment options, residents may have to venture into Denver. Denver also has a lot more bar and restaurant options for people in the surrounding towns.
Going out for the night may include getting drinks at a wine bar, brewery, or craft distillery. Drinking can make it a problem at the end of the night when driving can lead to an accident or DUI arrest. Lyft or Uber is an option for going out and getting drinks without worrying about having to drive home later.
Denver International Airport
For business trips or vacations, Highlands Ranch residents generally have to make the trek to Denver International Airport (DIA). Friends and family may not be too excited about getting up at 4 a.m. for a 6 a.m. flight, so a Lyft or Uber ride may be a better option.
Even for people with a car, the costs of parking at DIA can be expensive, even in the economy parking lot. If the trip is for a week or more, it may be less expensive to pay for a roundtrip Lyft or Uber ride than parking at the airport.
Common Causes of Lyft and Uber Accidents
Lyft and Uber are convenient but they still come with the risk of an accident. There are some inherent risks of rideshares, including distracted driving with the Uber or Lyft app. Drivers have to use the app to accept a ride, pick up a passenger, route the trip, and end the trip. Drivers may also be looking at their phones for mapping, playing music, or sending messages. Distracted driving increases the risk of an accident.
Rideshare drivers get paid for each trip and have an incentive to complete as many trips as possible. Lyft and Uber also have bonuses available for completing multiple trips in a limited time, which could increase the likelihood of speeding or traffic violations.
Kids on the Streets and Sidewalks
One of the things Highlands Ranch residents appreciate is how safe and open the area is. Families with young children feel safe letting their kids walk or bike to school and play outside. Unfortunately, rideshare drivers may not be watching for kids playing outside or crossing the street, causing injury accidents to pedestrians or cyclists.
Injured After a Lyft or Uber Ride in Highlands Ranch
If you were injured in a Lyft or Uber accident in Highlands Ranch, 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.