It has been a year since the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic really hit Colorado. When the lockdowns first went into place, the streets and highways around the Denver metro area were pretty quiet. As more people are receiving vaccinations and the number of infections and hospitalizations continue to fall, traffic has increased noticeably. With increased traffic comes increased auto accidents. 

Uber and Lyft Accidents in Denver

Denver has also seen an increase in the number of Lyft and Uber vehicles back on the road. Ridership for ridesharing apps dropped after the beginning of the pandemic but has steadily been increasing since. Lyft's CEO is confident in the company's post-pandemic recovery. Logan Green said pent-up demand for leisure travel in the U.S. could result in increased ridership that Lyft could capitalize on, with an expectation to be profitable by the end of the year. 

Unfortunately, more rideshare vehicles may also be associated with more traffic accidents. Lyft and Uber drivers don't have specialized training or oversight. Rideshare drivers are just regular people trying to earn some extra money. These drivers may only have a year of driving experience and do not have to even show knowledge of Colorado's traffic laws. 

Rideshare driving may also be more dangerous because of how these drivers operate. Lyft and Uber drivers are regularly looking at their phones for directions, addresses, or ride opportunities. These drivers may also be more likely to stop in the middle of traffic, or block bike lanes when picking up or dropping off riders. 

Traffic Violations and Car Accidents

Many drivers have gotten used to fewer cars on the road and lax traffic enforcement. Unfortunately, this can enforce bad driving habits. When more cars, pedestrians, and cyclists are back on the roads, these bad driving habits can increase the chance of an accident. Dangerous driving that causes accidents can include: 

• Speeding
• Running stop signs
• Failing to yield to pedestrians in an intersection
• Not giving cyclists room to pass
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving

Unfortunately for accident victims, bad drivers usually can't recognize that they are bad drivers. After an accident, the at-fault driver may try and blame everyone but themselves. Even the insurance companies may not want to take on a dangerous driver to make sure they pay for the accident. This is where an experienced Denver accident attorney can make a big difference. 

The trial attorneys at accidentdenver.com are experienced in taking on big insurance companies because they have inside knowledge of the playbook tactics these companies use to lower the value of your claim. 

Street Racing and Speeding Accidents

There seems to have been an increase in street racing over the past year. Nearly empty roads around Denver may have made it more tempting for drivers with “fast” cars to show off their speed. According to Aurora Mayor Pro Tem Francoise Bergan, “I don't know if COVID contributes to people wanting to be out, but certainly it's on the increase.”

Street racing and exhibitions of speed are dangerous for all people who share the road, including cyclists and pedestrians. Many of these drivers like to think they could be in the next Fast and Furious movie but any slip up could cause a serious injury. 

In a street racing accident, the speeding or street-racing driver may be considered negligence per se. Any injury victims may have a claim against the speeding driver for damages, including: 

• Property damage
• Medical bills
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering

Colorado Car Accident Injury Lawyer

The Denver Legal Eagles have successfully represented drivers and passengers in Denver, Boulder, and throughout Colorado who were injured in a car accident. Our experienced attorneys will fight to get the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.