Uber Passenger Dies In Hit-and-Run Accident

A passenger in a vehicle operated by an Uber driver was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Colorado earlier this week. The Colorado State Patrol is still looking for the driver of the vehicle that caused the deadly accident. It occurred on I-225 near Parker Road just after 2 a.m. on the morning of February 16. At that time, an Uber driver was driving a Toyota Corolla southbound when a Jeep crashed into the back of the sedan.

This caused both cars to hit the wall to the left of the freeway. The Jeep rolled, finally coming to a stop on its roof. The driver got out of the Jeep and ran from the scene. The driver of the Toyota, who drives for Uber, had minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. The passenger in the Toyota died. Police believe excessive speed and alcohol may have been factors in this tragic accident, and they’re looking for the driver of the Jeep who caused this hit and run.

Car Accidents Involving Uber or Lyft

With more people using ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft in recent years, we’re seeing more accidents involving them. This can complicate how the accident is handled, since it doesn’t involve just two drivers. Instead, this type of case also puts some responsibility on the company that employs the driver, such as Uber or Lyft. It can be confusing to know whether the driver’s insurance policy—such as uninsured motorist coverage—will be responsible, or if the employer will need to be involved.

In the car accident described above, the Uber driver does not appear to be at fault for the tragic crash. However, the at-fault driver fled the scene, and if the police cannot find the driver, the Uber driver’s insurance policy may come into play. Uber itself might be held at least partially responsible, as well. After all, if the investigation discovers that the Uber driver was negligent in any way, Uber may be vicariously responsible for the employee’s negligence. This may be especially important to note if the Uber driver’s insurance policy either refuses to cover the accident or is not sufficient to pay for all the damages.

What To Do After a Personal Injury Accident Involving a Ridesharing Service

In this devastating news story, the passenger in the car operated by the Uber driver was killed. Their family will likely need help paying for the funeral expenses and other costs associated with losing a loved one. If the police cannot find the at-fault driver to charge them with a crime—and get their insurance company involved—they might need to get in contact with the Uber driver and Uber itself. Between the two, they should have enough insurance coverage to pay for any expenses stemming from the death of the passenger.

If you take Uber or Lyft rides, there’s always a chance you could be injured in a car accident. If the rideshare driver is at fault for the crash, or if the at-fault driver flees the scene, you might need to pursue legal action against the rideshare driver—or the rideshare company itself. They might be liable for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Of course, no matter who is responsible, they are not going to make it easy for you to get the compensation you deserve after a car accident. This is why you need an experienced personal injury attorney to fight for you. To get help with your case involving Lyft or Uber—such as proving the app was on and your driver was in fact on the clock during the accident—contact a local personal injury attorney who has experience with this type of case.