Joliet Ridesharing Accident Lawyer

According to the Chicago Tribune, the benefits of ridesharing have come with some downsides—namely, an increase in traffic density, which could plausibly lead to a greater number of accidents. The more frequently you ride in an Uber, Lyft, or another vehicle that qualifies as ridesharing, the greater your chances may be of getting in an accident. If you or a loved one were in an accident while taking a ridesharing service, then you could have a right to pursue compensation through a car crash lawsuit.

If you want to learn more about ridesharing lawsuits or begin your legal action with the help of a Joliet ridesharing car accident lawyer, call our team at The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free consultation.

Ridesharing Requires Trust in a Stranger

You may have experienced the anxiety that arises when you realize your Uber driver or Lyft chauffeur is not quite as conservative with their decision-making as you would prefer. Such an instance can make you realize instantly something that you may have taken for granted: Ridesharing drivers are susceptible to being in accidents.

In order to drive with Uber, for example, you generally need only:

• A valid license
• To meet the minimum age
• One year of driving experience
• A four-door vehicle
• Proof of insurance

These are all important—if basic—driver criteria. You will notice that there is no driver skill test, vehicle safety checks, or other requirements that would better ensure the safety of those who rely on ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft. While it is important that all drivers are required to show proof of insurance, insurance may not be enough when you are injured in a ridesharing accident.

The Limitations of Ridesharing Insurance

All ridesharing drivers who are complying with the rules of the service must have their own insurance. In addition, Uber maintains a variety of different coverages for drivers, riders, and those who may be involved in an accident but are underinsured or uninsured.

If you were a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle involved in an accident, there could be several lapses in the driver’s insurance that may inhibit your ability to obtain compensation. Uber’s various forms of coverage (and those available on other ridesharing platforms) may not be valid if:

• The driver did not have the Uber Driver application engaged at the time of the accident.
• The driver was in a vehicle other than the one registered with their Uber Driver account.
• The driver had, intentionally or accidentally, marked your ride complete at the time that the accident occurred.

While Uber drivers are generally covered for injuries they cause to passengers such as yourself, as well as other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, there is no guarantee that insurance will cover your various losses. If you find yourself or your loved one facing injuries, lost income, or other losses after an Uber accident, you may want to consider the merits of a lawsuit.

Ridesharing Scenarios in Joliet That May Call for a Lawsuit

You could be eligible to bring a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against a ridesharing driver if:

• You or your loved one were injured or killed while riding in an Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing vehicle.
• You or your loved one were injured or killed while driving or riding in a vehicle that was struck by a ridesharing vehicle.
• Your or your loved one were injured or killed as a pedestrian who was struck by a ridesharing vehicle.

According to the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as many as 94% of crashes can be linked to the behavior of a driver, and that figure may be even higher when accounting for possible statistical error. If you were in a ridesharing accident, consider possible causes of your accident, which could include:

• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Turning into oncoming traffic
• Running traffic lights or other road signs
• Driving in other aggressive, dangerous ways
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol

There could be one or more reasons why insurance does not cover your losses. If you want to learn more about possible legal avenues for you to pursue compensation, call our team at The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free consultation.

Services That a Joliet Ridesharing Accident Lawyer May Provide

According to the State of Illinois website, Joliet is among the five most populous cities in all of Illinois, so it stands to reason that it has its fair share of car accidents each year. If you were involved in a ridesharing accident, you may be able to find a lawyer to help you bring your case, especially considering the intricacies that may come with a ridesharing-related collision.

Should you choose to accept assistance from a lawyer, you may do so because:

• You are unfamiliar with the general process of bringing a lawsuit.
• You would like the advice and guidance of somebody who practices law for a living.
• You are unsure of how insurance, the liability of different parties in your case, and other relevant factors should play into your legal approach.

Lawyers can generally handle all of the legal responsibilities that may come with a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Specifically, such responsibilities may include:

• Speaking with insurance companies to see if you can obtain a settlement without the need for a lawsuit.
• If a lawsuit becomes necessary, drafting all legal documents, including those necessary to initiate your lawsuit.
• Collecting evidence and organizing it into a case for compensation.
• Obtaining witness and expert testimony that supports your case for compensation.
• Defending your rights throughout your case.

There may be several factors at play in a ridesharing-related lawsuit that are not present in litigation that does not involve a ridesharing service. A Joliet ridesharing car accident lawyer’s job will be to consider these factors while helping you pursue any compensation that you could be entitled to.

Call Our Ridesharing Accident Attorneys in Joliet Today

If you want to speak to a legal professional about a possible ridesharing-related lawsuit in the Joliet area, call us at The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free consultation.

The statutes of limitation for both personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Illinois are generally two years from the date of the accident. You may want to call regardless of how much time has passed since the accident, as there may be exceptions to these statutes.