Ridesharing is popular in cities like Chicago, offering convenient and affordable transportation. However, car accidents involving services from Uber and Lyft vehicles have increased. If you have been seriously injured in a rideshare accident, seek legal representation from a Chicago rideshare accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm to protect your rights.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Rideshare Accident in Chicago?
What Is Ridesharing in Illinois?
Ridesharing, also known as ride-hailing or transportation network services, is the use of a smartphone application to request and pay for a ride from private rideshare drivers. In Illinois, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are regulated by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and must follow specific requirements set by the state.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
A rideshare car accident can be caused by various factors, including:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Reckless driving
- Vehicle maintenance issues
Types of Rideshare Accidents
Some common types of serious rideshare vehicle accidents include rear-end collisions, side-impact collisions (also known as T-bone collisions), pedestrian accidents, and cyclist accidents.
Legal Considerations for Chicago Rideshare Accident Victims
If you have been involved in a Lyft or Uber accident, there are important legal considerations that may affect your personal injury claim:
- Insurance coverage: The rideshare firm’s insurance company typically provides coverage for a driver, but it may vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident (i.e., if they were logged into the app or not). The personal insurance of the driver—an independent contractor—may come into play in certain circumstances.
- Liability: Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complicated. It may involve multiple parties, such as the Lyft or Uber driver, the ridesharing company, and other drivers.
- Statute of limitations: In Illinois, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident. It’s important to contact a rideshare accident attorney promptly or risk losing the opportunity to recover compensation.
Types of Compensation For Injuries Suffered in a Rideshare Crash in Chicago
How Chicago Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Help
Navigating a rideshare accident case can be overwhelming and complex. An experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney can help you with your Uber or Lyft accident claim:
- Your Chicago rideshare accident lawyers collect evidence like the police report, accident scene witness statements, and records for medical treatment.
- Your lawyer investigates accidents involving Uber or Lyft to identify and hold the at-fault driver accountable for your injuries.
- Your lawyer will negotiate with Uber and Lyft drivers’ insurance companies to recover financial compensation, such as your medical expenses, future medical bills, and lost wages. Multiple insurance policies may be involved, depending on the individual Lyft or Uber accident claim.
- Your Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can take rideshare accident cases to court if a fair settlement with the rideshare company isn’t reached.
How Do Rideshare Insurance Policies Work?
Rideshare insurance policies are designed to cover Lyft and Uber drivers and passengers in the event of an accident while using a ridesharing service. These policies typically have three phases:
- Phase 1: the rideshare driver is logged into the Lyft or Uber app but has not yet accepted a ride request.
- Phase 2: the Uber or Lyft driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger(s).
- Phase 3: passenger(s) are in the vehicle and being transported to their destination.
Ridesharing companies offer different liability coverage across phases:
- Phase 1 usually provides limited coverage up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 total.
- Phases 2 and 3 typically offer $1 million for bodily injury and property damage.
Rideshare accident coverage varies by a rideshare company’s insurance carrier and location; the driver’s personal auto insurance may apply.
Contact a Chicago Rideshare Injury Attorney Today
Our law firm offers legal representation for rideshare accident claims in Chicago. The Uber and Lyft accident attorneys on our legal team have experience handling Uber and Lyft accidents to seek compensation for our clients.
If you have been seriously injured in an Uber or Lyft car crash, call us for a free consultation with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer to outline your legal options to pursue compensation with a rideshare accident claim.
(312) 223-1700