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Thornton Uber and Lyft Accidents

People who live in Thornton can enjoy the quiet of living in the suburbs while being close enough to commute to jobs in Denver. Between I-25 and I-26, just north of Denver, Thornton is a great place to live, with access to the outdoors for families and even light rail transportation for commuters. However, most people still rely on a car to get around. 

Those without a car may find Lyft or Uber to be a convenient alternative to driving. However, having rideshare vehicles putting so many miles on the road could still pose a danger to passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. If you were injured in an accident with a Lyft or Uber vehicle in or around Thornton, here is some information to help you through the process. 

First Thing After a Vehicle Accident in Thornton

In any motor vehicle accident, the people involved should first see if anyone is injured. It is better to be extra cautious and call 9-1-1 for help if there is any risk of injury. Many motor vehicle injuries are hard for injury victims to notice immediately after the accident. This is common with back, head, neck, and spinal cord injuries where the symptoms do not set in for a couple of hours or days. 

An injured passenger, driver, pedestrian, or cyclist may try to waive off any emergency medical help, believing that they are fine. However, hours later, they may notice the effects of a possible head injury, including: 

  • Loss of consciousness,
  • Disorientation or confusion, 
  • Headache, 
  • Nausea or vomiting, 
  • Difficulty sleeping, 
  • Fatigue or drowsiness,
  • Blurred vision, and
  • Sensitivity to light or sound. 

Emergency Rooms ERs Near Thornton

There are a number of emergency departments in and around the Thornton area, including: 

Reporting a Rideshare Accident in Thornton

Drivers have to report any accident in Colorado, even non-injury accidents. If a car accident occurs in the Thornton area, the responding law enforcement agencies may include: 

In a minor traffic accident, the police may not show up to investigate the accident. However, a driver is still required to make an accident report. Accident reports can be filled online. After an accident, drivers should exchange information with others involved in the accident, including: 

  • Driver's name
  • Contact information
  • Driver's license information
  • Insurance provider and policy number
  • Vehicle and license plate information. 

A driver may also want to gather some additional information, including taking photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, or video of the scenery. If there are witnesses, the driver should consider getting the contact information of any witnesses. 

Reporting an Accident to the Insurance Company and Rideshare Company

As part of the insurance agreement, drivers are generally required to contact their insurance company immediately after an accident. Reporting the accident is the first step to the insurance claim. Even if the other driver was at fault, the drivers and passengers should contact their own insurance company to handle the claim. 

If you get a call from the insurance company about your claim, make sure you understand which insurance company is contacting you. The other driver's insurance company may try and get you to say something to deny your claim. 

If a Lyft or Uber driver is involved in an accident, the driver is also required to report the accident to the rideshare company. Passengers injured in a Lyft or Uber accident are also requested to deal with any injury claims through the app. However, you may want to contact your accident personal injury attorney before contacting the rideshare company to make sure you understand your rights. The rideshare companies are notorious for making it difficult for injury victims in a Lyft or Uber accident to recover damages. 

Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Thornton

Vehicles can be involved in any type of accident in Thornton, from a multi-vehicle high-speed accident on I-25 to a minor fender bender in the Outlets parking lot. However, car accidents involving rideshare vehicles may involve different causes. There are even some inherent risks of car accidents involving Lyft or Uber that are different from other drivers. Some of the common causes of rideshare accidents include: 

For example, Uber and Lyft drivers are required to use the apps on their phones to drive. The drivers may also use mapping apps, send messages, or play music through their phone during the ride. Anything that takes the driver's attention off the road increases the risk of an accident. 

Uber and Lyft drivers may also be in a hurry because the more rides they complete, the more money they get. Completing a lot of rides quickly may also make them eligible for bonuses. This can encourage speeding, stopping to pick-up or drop-off passengers while still in traffic, or rolling through stop signs even when pedestrians are in the intersections. 

Many rideshare drivers are also working a second job or driving at night to make extra money, increasing the risk of drowsy driving. The experience requirement is minimal and many drivers may not be experienced drivers or even understand the traffic laws in Colorado. 

Calls for Uber and Lyft in Thornton

Some of the common reasons people use Uber or Lyft in Thornton include those who don't have cars, a safe option to go out drinking, or a ride to avoid the hassles of parking. There are some public transportation options in Thornton, including the RTD N-Line, which connects Thornton at 104th and 88th to Union Station in Denver. However, buses and light rail may not be the best option for everyone. 

Even a couple of drinks can increase the risk of an accident so drivers who want to have more than a drink or two can use Uber or Lyft to avoid the dangers of impaired driving and avoid a DUI. This can include going out in Thornton or going to Denver or Boulder for a sporting event, festival, or concert. 

Another common reason to use Lyft or Uber is for a ride to Denver airport. A ride from Thornton to DIA may cost about $40, depending on traffic and the time of day. If you can't get someone to pick you up or give you a ride (or are flying out at the crack of dawn), even a rideshare may be a better option than paying for parking. Even economy parking at Denver can cost $17 a day, making it cheaper to get a rideshare round trip compared to 5 days of parking.

Injured After a Lyft or Uber Ride in Thornton

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Thornton, contact accidentdenver.com. Our experienced Colorado car accident attorneys will fight to get the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Do not accept an insurance settlement offer before understanding your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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