Taxis remain a common way to travel throughout Illinois, whether you live in a busy neighborhood in Chicago or a smaller suburb outside the city. With so many people looking for quick and easy rides, taxi-hailing apps like Curb help passengers request rides right away. Even though these rides can be convenient, accidents sometimes happen.
If a reckless Curb driver caused you injury, you may wonder about your legal rights. A Curb accident lawyer can provide guidance on what steps you can take and how to pursue a claim if you qualify.
Chicago is one of the biggest cities in the United States, and it has a busy transportation network. According to the Chicago Data Portal, 2,351 registered taxicabs had active licenses in Chicago, Illinois, in February 2025. With thousands of taxicabs on the road each day, the risk of accidents grows.
Many of these taxis operate through street hails or dispatch systems, but more companies are embracing rideshare-style apps, including Curb. This makes it easier than ever to request a taxi from wherever you are. Although this convenience helps you get around, it also means you place trust in the driver’s skill and judgment. If the driver makes a mistake, you can end up in a serious crash.
After a taxi accident, you might wonder who’s responsible for your damages. In rideshare accidents, liability can fall on the driver or the company. With taxis, you may need to consider the taxi company or the app, like Curb, that connected you with the driver.
It also depends on whether the driver is an employee or an independent contractor. If the driver is employed by the taxi company, their insurance may cover your damages. If they are an independent contractor, you may need to go through the driver's personal insurance.
Curb acts as a platform connecting riders with taxi drivers. Whether Curb is liable depends on how much control it has over the driver's actions. In some cases, Curb may not be at fault if it’s only responsible for booking the ride.
A Curb accident lawyer can help figure out who is responsible, whether it’s the driver, Curb or another party, and guide you through the process of pursuing your claim.
Taxi crashes cause a range of injuries. Passengers are often seated in the back, which may lack some of the protective features you find in front seats. Some common injuries include:
Some accidents are so severe that they result in long-term or even life-altering injuries. Catastrophic harm, such as severe burns or permanent brain damage, may require extensive medical intervention and ongoing care.
Taxi accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
In any Curb accident, determining exactly what happened is essential. Understanding the cause of a rideshare accident allows you to identify the party (or parties) who should be responsible for covering your losses.
Taxi operators in Illinois typically must carry commercial insurance policies. These policies are different from ordinary car insurance in that they provide higher coverage limits to protect passengers and others who might be harmed. This coverage typically includes liability protection if the driver causes an accident that injures someone else. It may also provide some level of coverage if a passenger is hurt in a collision.
For some, the difference between regular insurance and commercial insurance is confusing. The primary purpose of commercial insurance is to protect both the passenger and other parties, such as pedestrians or other drivers. Because taxis serve paying customers, it is considered a higher-risk activity, so the state (or local government) often requires robust coverage.
Even with these stricter insurance rules, you may still need to file a claim to access compensation. An insurance company might try to minimize your losses or shift the blame to another party. That’s why many people hire an accident lawyer when dealing with commercial insurance companies.
If you have been injured in a taxi crash, you may qualify to recover certain damages. While the exact compensation varies, it often includes:
When you file a claim, you document these losses with medical bills, pay stubs or estimates of future treatments. A lawyer for Curb accidents can organize this evidence and help you present a strong claim for compensation.
In Illinois, the standard deadline for filing most injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this window, the court will likely dismiss your claim, regardless of how severe your injuries are.
There can be some exceptions to this rule, such as when a child is injured or when you don’t realize you were injured until later. Still, in most circumstances, it is a good idea to start the claims process quickly.
If you have questions about your filing deadline, consult with a lawyer who understands Curb accidents. They can review the details of your situation and confirm when your two-year limit expires.
When you’ve been hurt in a taxi crash, you may need time to heal. You may also feel overwhelmed by medical bills or demands from an insurance company. A Curb accident lawyer can take the claims process over for you and do the following:
A successful Curb accident claim can help alleviate some of the financial burden caused by your injuries. However, it’s important to remember that no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome because every case is unique.
If you've been injured in a Curb taxi accident or in a rideshare accident, you may have painful injuries, mounting medical bills and the uncertainty of how to move forward. Figuring out who is at fault in these cases can be frustrating. Should you go after the driver, the taxi company or the app itself?
While no one can erase the pain of an injury, the right legal support can make all the difference in easing the financial and emotional toll. A skilled Curb injury lawyer at The Collins Law Firm can investigate the crash, pinpoint who is liable and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let the confusion of the aftermath hold you back—get the support you need and take control of your situation today.
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