Throughout 2025, the debate over rideshare safety in Colorado reached a fever pitch. The proposal? HB25-1291, a bill that would have required Uber and Lyft drivers to maintain active video and audio recording during rides, among other safety measures. The rideshare giants threatened to leave the state, citing unworkable regulations and privacy conflicts.
On May 23, 2025, Governor Jared Polis vetoed the bill, keeping the companies in Colorado but leaving safety protocols largely in the hands of the platforms themselves.[1]
For passengers in 2026, this creates a confusing landscape. You might think you have the protection of a mandatory camera, but you likely don't. However, if the worst happens—an assault, kidnapping, or serious injury—you aren't powerless. In fact, specific laws allow you to bypass the notoriously restrictive "arbitration clauses" hidden in the terms of service.
The "Arbitration Trap" and How to Escape It
When you download the Uber or Lyft app, you agree to a long list of terms. buried in that fine print is usually a mandatory arbitration agreement. This means if you get into a car accident or have a dispute about a fee, you can't sue the company in open court; you have to go to a private arbitrator. This often favors the corporation.
But there is a massive exception.
Under the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, federal law invalidates these agreements for claims involving sexual assault or harassment.[2]This means if a driver assaults you, Uber and Lyft cannot force you into silence. You have the right to file a public lawsuit, demand a jury trial, and seek full damages in a Colorado court.
What the Veto Means for Evidence
Since HB25-1291 didn't pass, drivers are not required by state law to have cameras. This makes your own evidence collection crucial.
- Check the App: Both Uber and Lyft have in-app safety features that allow you to share your trip status or record audio if you feel unsafe.[3][4]Use them.
- Preserve Everything: Screenshots of the driver's profile, the ride route, and any messages are vital. Without a mandatory dashcam, your phone is the "black box" of the ride.
- Report Immediately: If an incident occurs, reporting it to the police creates an official record that is harder for a rideshare company to ignore than an internal support ticket.
If you are injured in a standard traffic accident while in a rideshare, the usual rules of negligence apply. You should check the Colorado statute of limitations to ensure you don't miss the three-year deadline for motor vehicle claims.[5]
Calculating Damages in Rideshare Cases
Whether it's a traffic crash or a safety incident, the value of a claim depends on the severity of the harm and the available insurance. Rideshare companies carry high-limit policies (often $1 million or more) when a passenger is in the car, which is significantly higher than most personal auto policies.
However, accessing those limits requires proving liability and damages.
You can use our Settlement Calculator to get a rough estimate of what an injury claim might be worth, but keep in mind that cases involving intentional torts (like assault) or complex liability disputes often have different valuation metrics than standard fender-benders.