Superior is known as “The Gateway to Boulder Valley.” Superior can be a great place to live, situated between Boulder and Denver, but far enough away to have somewhat of a small town feel. However, Superior continues to grow, like many other communities in the Denver-metro area, which can increase traffic and traffic accidents.
As traffic continues to increase around Superior, some residents are looking for alternative modes of transportation. The lightrail systems have not made it all the way out to Superior, so commuting by public transit requires taking the Flatiron Flyer bus service. Bikes can be another option for getting around locally but may be more difficult over long distances or in bad weather. Increasingly, individuals are using rideshare services to get around.
Lyft and Uber can be an option for limited trips, going out for an evening of dinner and drinks, or for a ride to the airport without having to deal with airport parking. Unfortunately, taking a ride-hailing service does not eliminate the risk of getting into an accident. Rideshare vehicles can be involved in accidents with pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, or even other drivers.
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 Superior, Denver, Boulder, or anywhere in Colorado. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Using Lyft and Uber in Superior
Many of the people who live in Superior work in nearby Boulder or further out in Denver. As a commuter town, Uber and Lyft rides are often on-off trips to go out for the night, one-car households when the other person needs to use a car, or a trip to the airport.
Evening Out in Boulder or Buffs Game
CU Boulder is one of the larger employers in the area, and while many of the people who commute from Superior to CU for work or school use a car, they may choose a different option when going out to watch a football game or basketball game. Parking and traffic can be a nightmare during big games and a Lyft or Uber can help avoid some of the parking hassle.
On a weekend night, friends or couples may want to go out for dinner and drinks in Boulder. Drinking and driving is dangerous and the criminal charges for a DUI can be severe. A Lyft or Uber allows people to get a ride to and from a night on the town without having to worry about having one too many and getting into an accident.
Denver International Airport
Parking at DIA can be expensive, especially if you are rushing and don't have time to park and shuttle from the economy lot. Getting a ride in the early morning hours can be difficult and it may just be easier to take an Uber or Lyft, especially for longer out-of-town trips. A Lyft or Uber trip between Superior and the airport may cost about $60 and gets you dropped off right at the terminals.
Causes of Lyft and Uber Accidents in Superior
The requirements for driving for a rideshare company are very basic. Just about anyone with a minimal amount of driving experience can suddenly be tasked with driving around random app users without the passengers knowing anything about the driver's background or experience. Superior tends to be much more suburban than cities like Denver, and there are different concerns for safe driving.
Superior has a lot of families and young children out and about, biking in the neighborhood, and playing in their yards or on the sidewalks. People who live in Superior know they need to drive cautiously and watch out for children, pedestrians, and cyclists. Some Uber and Lyft drivers may not be so cautious. Auto accidents involving Lyft and Uber drivers in Superior may include:
- Accidents with children running out into the road
- Accidents with cyclists
- Accidents with pedestrians at intersections
- Parking lot fender benders
These accidents can occur at low speeds but a low-speed impact is not necessarily safe for a cyclist, child, or pedestrian. Many of the roads through Superior have a speed limit of only 25 miles per hour. Drivers who are going through neighborhoods need to stay attentive, even if they are staying within the speed limit. This means avoiding distractions like looking at their phone, playing with the audio system, or mapping a route.
Distracted driving is a major concern for rideshare vehicles because they have to use the rideshare app while picking up and dropping off passengers. Most people who have ridden in a Lyft or Uber have watched the driver continue to use their phone and a rideshare or map app while driving, which may be a violation of Colorado's laws against using a phone while driving.
Reporting a Rideshare Accident in Superior
If you are involved in a rideshare accident in Superior, as the Lyft driver, Uber driver, rideshare passenger, or driver of another vehicle, you may need to report the accident to:
- Law enforcement
- Insurance company
- Lyft or Uber
Under Colorado Statute 42-4-1606, all motor vehicle accidents must be reported, even minor accidents that only involve property damage. When a driver is involved in an accident they are also generally required to report the accident to their insurance company. Rideshare drivers are also required to report the accident to Lyft or Uber.
If the accident involves an injury, significant damage, or a vehicle is not driveable, law enforcement may investigate the accident and write up an accident report that you can request a copy of at a later date. For an accident in and around Superior, the responding officers may include:
Calling the police will not always mean the police show up and do an investigation. If the police or sheriff do not show up, you need to get a hold of all the necessary information and file an accident report with the state, including the other driver's license, insurance company, and contact information. The driver can then file an accident report online.
Medical Care After a Rideshare Accident in Superior
Your health and safety should be the number one priority after a car accident. Even if you are not sure if you suffered a serious injury, you should seek medical attention. Some head, neck, back, and spinal cord injuries may not show up for a day or two after the accident. Immediate attention can improve your chances of recovery after a traumatic injury.
There are a few emergency departments (EDs) or Urgent Care Facilities near Superior, including:
- Foothills Hospital Emergency Department
- Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville
- UCHealth Emergency Care in Broomfield
Injured After a Lyft or Uber Ride in Superior
If you were injured in a Lyft or Uber accident in Superior, 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.