Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have revolutionized how people travel. It is no longer necessary for professionals to know the name of taxi companies in every city that they visit or for people to have a car just to get to work or appointments.

Someone who needs a ride can simply use an app on their mobile phone and quickly order a ride to pick them up wherever they are and take them where they need to be. Rideshare services operate differently than traditional taxi systems or public transportation programs, so there can sometimes be questions about liability and coverage if a rideshare vehicle plays a contributory role in a crash.

Colorado law does require that rideshare companies provide insurance for those using the service. What about those who didn't use the rideshare but were struck as a pedestrian or cyclist by an Uber or Lyft driver?

Your rights depend on that contractor's current status

Unlike taxi drivers, some of whom may be employees of a company, rideshare drivers are largely self-employed individuals. They will have to have special insurance coverage to protect themselves from liability while using their personal vehicle for business purposes.

The company that they drive for will also typically have policies that limit liability and losses to the occupants of rideshare vehicles. When someone who works as a contractor for a rideshare company hits a pedestrian or cyclist, the driver's status at the time of the crash is key.

If they are actively logged into the service and accepting rides, the company insurance may reimburse the victim. If they are not on the job at the time of the crash, it will likely be their personal vehicle insurance that helps compensate the victim.

Pedestrian and bicycle crashes often mean major medical costs

Pedestrians and cyclists can suffer severe injuries in a collision because they don't have the protection of a vehicle. Knowing which insurance policy will cover your cough is important, because there is typically a substantial difference between the amount of medical coverage available under a personal vehicle insurance policy versus a commercial one.

Negotiating your claim and trying to limit your losses after a rideshare driver hits you can require in-depth understanding of insurance and rideshare rules. Such a crash may mean a major insurance negotiation or even a personal injury lawsuit.