Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a go-to option for many people in Illinois. However, accidents still happen, and when they involve rideshare vehicles, they can bring up unique legal questions that differ from typical car accidents.
If you’re injured in a rideshare collision, working with experienced rideshare accident lawyers can make a big difference. These lawyers understand the specific issues involved in these cases, such as which insurance policies apply and who’s at fault. Having the right legal support ensures you can make informed decisions and seek the compensation you deserve.
Do You Have a Rideshare Lawsuit?
What Are Common Injuries in a Rideshare Accident?
What Damages Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
Who Is Liable in Rideshare Accidents?
How Can a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help?
A rideshare accident typically involves the same basic principles of fault and negligence as any other car crash. However, there are unique factors that set these accidents apart. One key difference is the role of the rideshare driver, who works as an independent contractor for a company like Uber or Lyft. This means that determining liability often depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the incident. Were they logged out of the app? Were they waiting for a ride request? Were they carrying a passenger or heading to pick someone up?
Each scenario can impact which insurance policy applies, what coverage limits are in play and whether you have a valid claim against one or more parties. Rideshare injury lawyers are skilled at handling these specific issues.
Another challenge in these cases is how rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft handle accidents. These companies typically have set procedures for investigating crashes and processing insurance claims. Their resources often surpass those of individual drivers, which can make the process more difficult when negotiating a settlement. Having a lawyer experienced in rideshare accidents can help you untangle the rules, policies and liability issues to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Not every rideshare crash automatically leads to a lawsuit, but many injured individuals choose to file a claim. You might have a rideshare lawsuit if:
If any of these situations apply, you should speak with a rideshare accident lawyer. Your injuries can impact your health, finances and future. If the rideshare driver or company is responsible, you could seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
A Few of our Car Accident Settlements:
$8.5 Million - Motor Vehicle Wrongful Death Settlement
Plaintiff's decedent was killed when a bus driver negligently ran a red light at a Chicago intersection colliding with the decedent's vehicle. The decedent was survived by a spouse and three minor children.
$1.35 Million - Motor Vehicle Crash Settlement
Plaintiff suffered multiple fractures when the car she was driving was hit from behind at a high rate of speed.
$750,000 Rideshare Accident Settlement
Rideshare crash settlement for a client who sustained a serious spinal injury.
$500,000 Rideshare Accident Settlement
Our client was a passenger in a rideshare vehicle when it rear-ended another car. He injured his back and required a cervical fusion.
Rideshare accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may last a lifetime. While any type of injury is possible, certain types occur more frequently when vehicles collide:
Always seek prompt medical attention after a rideshare accident. Some injuries may not show up until days or even weeks later. In many claims, having proper documentation of your treatment can heavily influence the amount of compensation you may be able to recover.
When you bring a claim against a rideshare driver, the ridesharing company or others involved in the crash, you may be entitled to several types of damages. Specific recovery amounts depend on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your losses. Common categories of damages include:
These damages aim to make you as “whole” as possible after the collision. Each situation is different, and the amount you can recover depends on the details of your rideshare accident.
Determining fault in a rideshare crash can be straightforward if one driver clearly ignored traffic laws. Sometimes, the rideshare driver is obviously at fault, while other times, liability may be shared between multiple parties. A thorough investigation usually looks at the following:
Independent contractors are usually responsible for their own actions, but rideshare companies offer insurance in certain situations. The mix of personal insurance, rideshare company insurance and possibly another at-fault driver's insurance can be confusing. This is why many people turn to a rideshare accident lawyer to help clarify liability and figure out which insurance policies will cover their losses.
One of the hardest parts of a rideshare accident claim is figuring out the applicable insurance coverage. Rideshare drivers usually have their own personal auto insurance, and rideshare companies offer coverage that may apply when a driver is actively using the app. The key is to determine the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
When the driver is offline, they are not considered to be working for the rideshare company. The driver’s personal auto insurance covers collisions during this time.
If the driver is online and waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft typically provide third-party liability insurance for at-fault accidents in the following amounts:
These limits apply if the rideshare driver is found to be at fault and someone else is hurt or their property is damaged.
When the driver accepts a ride request and is either on the way to pick up a passenger or transporting a passenger, rideshare companies like Uber may provide up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage for property damage and injuries to riders or third parties if the rideshare driver is at fault.
These layers of coverage can make a difference when seeking compensation for hospital bills, lost wages or property damage. Because there are so many potential insurance policies and coverage limits to review, it is helpful to speak with a ridesharing accident lawyer.
A rideshare accident lawyer handles many important tasks to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
A lawyer can collect witness statements, police reports and any available video footage from dashcams or nearby surveillance cameras. They can also examine the driver’s phone records or rideshare app logs to determine if they were distracted or rushing.
Sometimes, insurance adjusters act in "bad faith," meaning they intentionally try to undermine your claim or avoid paying a fair settlement. This can include tactics like offering much less than what you deserve, delaying payments or even denying a legitimate claim without a valid reason.
A lawyer experienced in handling rideshare accidents knows how to spot these tactics and can stand up to the insurance company, ensuring you aren’t taken advantage of and that you get the compensation you're entitled to.
Sometimes, more than one driver, or even a third party, shares fault. Your lawyer will uncover each party’s role and seek fair compensation from all responsible sources.
You shouldn’t have to pay for your medical bills or long-term rehabilitation on your own after an accident. Lawyers for rideshare accidents help by evaluating all your costs—past bills, current treatments and any future medical expenses you might face. This ensures your claim is as complete as possible, covering not just what you've already paid but also what you'll need to recover fully.
If a fair settlement is not reached, a lawyer can file a lawsuit and fight in court. While most lawsuits settle before trial, having the option to litigate can help motivate insurers toward a fair resolution.
If you are looking for a legal ally in Illinois who understands the stakes involved in rideshare accident claims, call The Collins Law Firm today. Our rideshare accident lawyers are focused on a relentless pursuit of justice and won't let you accept less than you deserve. We offer a free consultation and are available 24/7 to discuss your case.
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