Dealing with car insurance can be frustrating. Even after years of paying thousands of dollars for insurance coverage, when it comes time to make a claim, the insurance company does not make it easy to recover damages. However, trying to get coverage when the other driver does not even have coverage can be even more complicated. If you are having trouble recovering damages after an accident with an uninsured driver, contact an experienced Denver car accident lawyer for help.

Denver Uber Driver Accident

Bashir Elmabrouk was an Uber driver in Denver. Uber drivers use the ridesharing app to pick up passengers looking for a ride, with all the payment going through the app so drivers and passengers don't have to deal with handling cash. For Elmabrouk, Uber was a summer job that allowed him to provide for himself and his family. 

According to a news report, Elmabrouk was driving home from the Sloan's Lake area when another driver ran a stop sign and crashed into the Uber driver's van. The other driver took off, leaving the scene of the accident but not before Elmabrouk took a photo of the other driver's vehicle. The police found the other driver, a 27-year-old woman without insurance.  

Since the other driver did not have insurance, it left Elmabrouk with questions about who would pay for the damage. According to the Uber driver, the vehicle is a total loss and no longer drivable. However, Elmabrouk did not have optional uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. 

Uninsured Drivers in Denver

According to a Colorado insurance representative, about 16% of Colorado drivers are uninsured, which is higher than the national average. Car insurance companies in Colorado are required to offer UM/UIM coverage but it is not mandatory. Under Colorado law, all auto insurance companies offering coverage in the state must provide optional UM/UIM plans, with a minimum coverage of: 

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death to any one person in an auto accident; and
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death to all persons in any one accident.

UM/UIM policies should cover damage to the vehicle and any other costs associated with an injury accident, including:

• Medical bills
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Loss of income potential

Many Uber drivers do not consider getting extra coverage because they believe they will be covered by Uber's policy. However, like the driver above, as soon as the passenger is dropped off, Uber's coverage no longer applies. Even if the driver is about to accept another ride, until the fare is accepted, Uber's $1 million accident liability coverage will not kick in. 

Denver Accident Lawyer

After a car accident, most drivers leave everything in the hands of the insurance company, hoping the insurance company will take care of everything. However, it is important to understand that the insurance company may not have your best interests at heart. A car accident lawyer can help you and your family recover damages after an injury accident. If you have any questions about your options after an accident, talk to your Denver accident lawyer for advice. Contact our attorneys today at 303-642-8888 for a free consultation.