MEET THE WINNERS OF THE DESIGN A BILLBOARD CONTEST!

We finally got a chance to sit down with the winners of the Design A Frank Azar Billboard Contest this month to learn more about them and what their experience has been since winning. Learn more about our wonderful winners as they discuss the inspiration behind their designs and what it is like to see their design on a Frank Azar billboard!

Frank Azar & Trail F. with Sam on Mile High Living on Denver7!

Watch on denver7.com

Frank Azar, Khaylana M., Max B., & Olivia S. on Absolutely Colorado on KRDO!

Watch on krdo.com

Summer Road Trips? Here Are Tips From The Experts:

Summer road trips in colorful Colorado can be full of adventure and scenery, unexpected delights — and unpleasant surprises. But a little planning ahead can boost the fun factor and reduce the risk of disappointment. Here are some tips from state and federal travel gurus that can make your journey smoother and safer.

GETTING YOUR RIDE READY

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends taking several steps to prepare your vehicle for summer driving conditions. A complete checkup, whether done by you or your mechanic, should include:

• Air conditioning. Is it performing properly?
• Belts and hoses. Check for bulges, blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber. Replace any that are showing obvious signs of wear.
• Fluids. Oil, coolant, transmission, brakes, power steering, and yes, windshield washer levels should all be topped off.
• Tires. Check for age, proper pressure level, any uneven wear, adequate tread. Place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down; if you can see the top of Abe’s head, you need new tires.
• Batteries, lights, wiper blades should all be in good working order.

AVOIDING TROUBLE ON THE ROAD

One of the greatest summer driving hazards is heatstroke. Never leave pets or children alone in an unattended car, even for just a few minutes; you may think a cracked window on a “mild” sunny day (temperature in the seventies) is adequate, but the internal temperature of a parked car can reach deadly levels rapidly.

Proper planning can head off other problems. Don’t forget to bring along water, sunscreen, high-energy snacks, cell phone and charger, extra clothing and hats, and an emergency kit containing jumper cables and first-aid supplies. The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Travel Center can help you scout road conditions and identify routes you want to avoid.

If your destination is a popular one, call ahead to the local tourist bureau to find out the best times to visit to beat the crowds. Have a backup route in mind if your original plan goes awry. Even better, consider checking out some sights that don’t make everybody’s top-ten list; make an effort to get off the interstate and see some of Colorado’s scenic byways. You can build a trip around national parks, hot springs, roadside attractions, historic sites — the possibilities are as endless as the road ahead.

RESPECT THE TERRAIN

If your plans include getting on some hiking trails, be sure you have maps, navigational tools (your phone may not have a signal in the backcountry), food, water, bug repellent, extra layers of clothing, and other essential gear. Even a short day hike can be full of surprises, given the ever-changing weather in Colorado’s high country — or on the eastern plains, for that matter. Take time to review the basic survival tips every hiker should know, such as notifying others of your hike plans and not starting out too late in the day.

What Are Your Legal Rights In A Rideshare Accident?

With summer in full swing, it’s time for backyard barbeques, live music, and Fourth of July fireworks. Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services are great options for responsible drivers looking to get home safely. But with hundreds of fairs each day, it’s important to know your rights as a passenger in the event of a rideshare accident.

RIDESHARE FACTS AND STATISTICS

According to a 2019 Safety Report, Uber provides around 45 trips per second in the United States — roughly four billion trips in 2017 and 2018 alone. The company maintains that its accident rate per million miles traveled is far lower than that of many other forms of transportation, with only 97 fatal crashes during that two-year period. But other analysts contend that the exploding rideshare market has reduced use of public transit, increased congestion, and contributed to an overall increase in fatal crashes in the U.S. since 2010. It’s also added to the complexity of the legal landscape for passengers who get injured in a rideshare crash.

STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE AFTER A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT

The first thing to do is remain calm. Go through the same checklist of immediate actions you would take in any car accident:

1. Check for injuries. Symptoms may not surface right away; if the impact was significant or you feel woozy, it makes sense to get checked out by paramedics. If there are other passengers, take a moment and check whether everyone else is safe.
2. Call 911. Depending on the situation, it can be critical to get emergency services right away.
3. Collect information from those involved and any witnesses— names, licenses, insurance contacts, and so on. Preserve the data on your phone regarding your driver and ride details.
4. Take photos of the damages and the surrounding scene; also take notes of whatever details you consider significant regarding possible injuries or circumstances surrounding the accident.
5. File an accident report. You may also want to advise your insurance company of the situation.

WHO IS LIABLE FOR DAMAGES IN A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT?

If the driver of the other car is at fault, that driver may be liable for any injuries or property damage caused by the crash. However, if that driver is uninsured or under-insured, the injured Uber passenger can bring a claim against the $1 million Uber accident policy that covers the active Uber driver and passengers.

If your rideshare driver is at fault, that doesn’t mean you automatically have a claim against the rideshare company. Uber drivers are independent contractors, and the automobiles they operate are typically their personal vehicles. Uber requires all of their drivers to carry liability insurance and also provides supplemental insurance to cover incidents that happen during the course of work—when the Uber app is on. Whether the drivers are waiting to accept a request, on their way to pick up passengers or transporting them, both Uber and Lyft drivers and their passengers are covered under liability policies that the companies provide. But the companies differ in how they apply the coverage, and if the driver is considered “off duty” when the incident happened, the policy may not apply, compelling you to make a claim against the driver’s personal insurance.

DO YOU NEED A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY?

Because of all the variables involved, a rideshare accident can become a complicated legal claim, especially when there are multiple drivers and passengers making personal injury claims with multiple insurance companies. That’s why it’s important to get an experienced rideshare accident lawyer involved early in the process. A rideshare accident attorney can make sure that the rideshare company preserves all the relevant data regarding your ride, fully document your injuries, and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Car Accident Lawyers At FDAZAR

For more than thirty years the attorneys at Franklin D. Azar & Associates have helped thousands of injured people obtain complete and timely compensation for their losses. Our proven track record and expertise in serious injury cases have allowed us to grow into the largest personal-injury law firm in Colorado, with offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, Fort Collins, Greeley, Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. If you’ve been injured in a bus, car, truck, or motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call the car accident attorneys at FDAzar day or night at 800-716-9032, or contact us here for a free consultation and no-obligation evaluation of your case.