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Westminster Uber and Lyft Accidents

Located between Denver and Boulder, Westminster is regarded as one of the best places to live in Colorado. With good schools, excellent parks, a short commute to Denver, and a short distance to the mountains, Westminster has continued to grow. The 2019 estimated population is over 113,000, making it Colorado's 7th biggest city. 

There are more than 180 miles of bike lanes and trails and the RTD B Line connects Westminster station directly to Union Station in Denver. However, day-to-day life in Westminster still requires a vehicle for most residents. As a growing city, more people leads to more cars, more traffic, and more accidents. 

For those without a car, when a bike or public transit is not possible, a Lyft ride or Uber is an option for getting around on a trip-by-trip basis. Even with a car, some people like to take advantage of the convenience of an Uber ride to avoid parking hassles or avoid drinking and driving. Unfortunately, an Uber or Lyft ride still comes with a risk of getting into an accident. 

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Westminster

After a rideshare accident, or any type of automobile accident, safety should be your top priority. If anyone is injured in the accident, call 9-1-1 for help. If you are able to do so safely, get to a safe area, and wait for help. 

Medical Care After an Uber or Lyft Accident

There are a few emergency departments (EDs) or Urgent Care Facilities in Westminster, including: 

Medical care after a car accident should not be limited to life-threatening injuries. If there is any risk that someone suffered an injury, they should consider seeing a doctor. Signs and symptoms of an injury may be delayed, especially with head and neck injuries. It may take hours or days before the injury victim realizes how serious the accident really was. 

Reporting a Lyft or Uber Accident in Westminster

Under Colorado law, the driver of a vehicle involved in a traffic accident resulting in injury or any property damage has to report an accident to the nearest law enforcement agency. If the police respond, the driver is generally required to remain at the scene until the police have completed their investigation. In an accident in Westminster, the responding officers may include:

If the police do not respond to the accident, or if the accident is minor, the driver is still required to report the accident. An accident report can be filed online through the CSP. 

Drivers are also required to report the accident to their insurance company. If an accident involves a Lyft or Uber vehicle, the rideshare companies generally require reporting the accident. However, there is a lot of confusion for rideshare drivers who are involved in an accident.

Rideshare drivers may be unsure whether their own insurance or Uber or Lyft's insurance policy applies. Some rideshare drivers do not tell their insurance company that they are driving for Lyft or Uber, and may risk having their insurance company deny coverage because they were driving for a rideshare company. If you were involved in an accident involving a ride-hailing company, do not wait around for the driver to figure out who is responsible. Contact your Denver rideshare accident lawyer. 

Westminster Uber and Lyft Rides

Uber and Lyft rides provide an alternative transportation option to driving, biking, walking, taking the bus, and traditional taxis. Some people use the ride-hailing apps as a way to get around without a car and some use it as a supplement for when they would rather not drive.  

Limited Public Transit Options

There are bus lines and the Flatiron Flyer stops in Westminster but light rail options are limited. Ride-hailing services can help people get to and from public transportation stops or fill in when the bus and rail line service stops. 

Denver International Airport

Long-term parking at Denver International Airport (DIA) can be expensive and friends may not be excited about taking someone to the airport at 5 a.m. Lyft and Uber rides take about 30 to 45 minutes to get to the airport, or longer when there is traffic. The cost of a ride may be around $50 from Westminster, which can make it cheaper to Uber to and from the airport than parking for more than a few days.

Avoid Drinking and Driving 

Drinking and driving is dangerous and a DUI conviction can be costly. One of the popular uses for rideshares is to get to and from dinner or a night out without having to worry about driving home. However, passengers still need to stay safe and alert in a Lyft or Uber after drinking. 

Causes of Lyft and Uber Accidents

Like other car accidents, rideshare accidents are primarily attributed to driver negligence. Common causes of ridesharing accidents include: 

One of the problems with ride-hailing apps is that they require the driver to use the app on their phone before picking up a fare, when the passenger gets in, and when they drop off the passenger. Many rideshare drivers use the app while driving, or use their phone for mapping, playing music, or checking messages. Using the phone while driving takes the driver's attention off the road, increasing the risk of an accident. 

Rideshare drivers often operate at night and on the weekends in crowded areas where there are lots of pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. Some Uber and Lyft drivers are not very experienced in driving around the Denver area and they may not even know the traffic laws where they are driving. This puts pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and passengers at risk of injury. 

Injured After an Uber Ride or Hit by a Lyft Driver in Westminster

If you were injured in an Uber accident or Lyft accident in Westminster, 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.

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