Chicago Lyft Accident Lawyers

Lyft tries to play itself as the underdog to Uber. In many ways, it differs in how it offers itself to the public. There are actual functional differences and there are marketing gimmicks. Yet, one thing stays the same: their rideshare passengers suffer harm when their drivers are negligent. This can take many forms. Some rideshare passengers endure serious injuries from auto accidents; others sustain sexual assaults and some even experience privacy violations. When this happens, you can take steps to right the wrong and recover full and fair compensation under Illinois law with a personal injury lawsuit.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers work with victims involved in Lyft incidents across Illinois. We help them use the legal system to get help and the compensation that the law entitles them to. Many automobile accident victims need surgery, miss work, and loose valuable items. This cannot be replaced unless you make a claim. Our rideshare accident attorneys can bring a claim for you at no cost. To learn about what that financial recovery might be after a Chicago Lyft accident, contact our legal team for a free consultation.

The material on this page is dedicated to giving you a flavor of the types of lawsuits people bring after an accident involving a Lyft vehicle. It is also intended to give you a flavor as to how these cases are evaluated from a settlement perspective. The truth is that very few personal injury and wrongful death lawsuit settlements involving Lyft are reported as many of these have confidentiality clauses that prevent the disclosure of specific figures. Nonetheless, an experienced Chicago Lyft accident lawyer at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC has organized this information to help you in evaluating your case.

Possible Chicago Lyft Car Accidents

Rideshare drivers owe you a duty of care while you ride in their vehicles across Chicago. They must operate their cars in a safe and reasonable manner to ensure they do not get involved in a traffic accident and injure you. However, as our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers constantly discover, that duty is often breached. Rideshare passengers are routinely injured in accidents just like these

• Intoxicated driving accidents: Lyft car passengers are not immune from the general problem of intoxicated drivers on the streets of Chicago and across Illinois. If your intoxicated rideshare driver gets into a car crash of any kind, then they were by definition negligent and you may have a claim against them. This is why it is important to have the driver checked after any accident to ensure that alcohol or drugs did not play a part.
• Excessive speed accidents: Drivers might speed in an attempt to secure more business and make more money. This recklessness can cause problems with accidents of all sorts. The speed and manner of driving may be judged in the circumstances to be the source of your crash and injuries.
• Sleep-induced accidents: Even though Lyft makes attempts to limit hours can work to avoid these kinds of driver fatigue accidents, it does prohibit drivers from working other jobs. Consequently, the person driving your vehicle may be asleep at the wheel. If they are and they crash, you need to make sure they compensate you for your damages.

These are just some of the kinds of accidents we see with Lyft. There may be others that you are involved with if you order a ride, such as a driver distraction with a cell phone. The important thing to determine is whether or not the Lyft driver was acting reasonably and responsibly at the time. If they do not and that leads to a car accident, you might need to file a claim for your injuries with a Chicago Lyft accident attorney at our law firm.

What if Another Driver's Negligence Lyft Accident?

It might be the case that your crash had nothing to do with the Lyft driver. Rather, another driver, trucker, motorcyclist, bicyclist, pedestrian or something else may very well be the source of your automobile injuries and losses. If that's the case, our Chicago Lyft accident lawyers can quickly find out who is responsible, their background and employer (if any), and what you are entitled to in a potential personal injury claim. Normally, our law firm comes in after the following kinds of Chicago car accidents:

• Head on.
• Read end.
• T-bone.
• Sideswipe.

Obviously, there are a million different ways you can get into a car accident. However, it is important to remember that you can still recover if you are injured while riding a Lyft vehicle even if Lyft or the drivers are not responsible for the incident. To understand more about this topic, talk to one of our Lyft accident lawyers today.

Sexually Assaulted in a Lyft Vehicle?

As you can read about in the sections below, more and more stories are emerging about various forms of assault in rideshare vehicles such as Lyft or Uber. The forms of assault and abuse can vary but typically include some form of the following:

• Physical
• Sexual
• Mental
• Emotional

Remember, any of these incidents can come from the driver or another passenger. The latter is especially important to keep in mind if you ever take a pool ride through Lyft. Feel free to speak with our Chicago Lyft accident team members about the kinds of accidents commonly encountered with rideshare passengers.

What Should I do After I am Involved in a Lyft Car Accident?

Our rideshare accident attorneys try and prep people in the unfortunate case that they are involved in a Lyft car accident in the Chicagoland area. There are some things that you need to do and there are some things that you should definitely not do. Following these tips will ensure that you do not squander the recovery you are guaranteed under Illinois law. Without delay, let's get to them right now.

What Should I Do:

• Seek medical attention.
• Write down everything you remember about the incident, people involved, weather and road conditions.
• Contact an experienced car accident attorney.

What Should I Not Do:

• Admit fault.
• Talk to an insurance company or the other party’s lawyer by yourself.
• Go back to work before seeing a doctor.

Financial Compensation Available Under Illinois Law to People Injured in an MVA Involving Rideshare Services

If you can show that Lyft or one of its drivers was negligent, then you might be able to obtain compensation in an Illinois court. To prove that, you must illustrate how they acted unreasonably and how that unreasonable conduct caused you damage. Damage can mean tangible or intangible injury. Some of the most common forms of those include ER bills, medical treatment costs, lost income from missed work, long-term grief and suffering, and even lost property.

If one of your family members dies in Lyft accident, then you may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for your loss. This can cover funeral expenses, burial costs, lost support and companionship as well as the incredible grief that follows. To understand exactly what recovery you may be entitled to after a rideshare accident in Illinois, speak to an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at our law firm.

Are Chicago Lyft Drivers Insured?

Yes, every Lyft driver in Chicago-and anywhere else for that matter- is insured. If they were not, it would be against the law. In fact, every state has explicit rules requiring Lyft drivers to display their information so that passengers know they are in compliance with auto insurance coverage laws.

But what kind of insurance do they have? Rideshare drivers are typically independent contractors and have a personal auto insurance policy covering the car when it is not being used for commercial purposes. Lyft also has a corporate insurance policy that every car be insured when the car is used for commercial purposes including the times when the driver has the app off and is not transporting a passenger, when the app is on but when there is no passenger in the vehicle, and, finally, when the app is on and there is a passenger.

In the latter case, Lyft insures up to $1 million for a passenger's personal and property damage if the Lyft driver was at fault. Note, the last condition (that the Lyft driver is responsible), because it is very important. Also, while $1 million may sound like a lot, it may pale in comparison to your actual damages from a Lyft accident claim. In that case, it is important to consider your legal options to recover additional forms of compensation from the responsible parties.

Chicago Rideshare Company Laws Applicable to Lyft

In recent years, the City of Chicago has passed some laws specific to ride-share companies like Lyft and Uber. They generally regulate driver fitness, taxes, and background checks. Take a look at these rules Lyft drivers must adhere to while driving you around the streets of Chicago:

• Take a yearly test online.
• Obtain a chauffeur's license.
• Display a 311 sign for complaint reporting.
• Drive a vehicle that is no more than 6 years old unless it is tested twice a year.
• Submit to drug-testing and physical-exams if a customer submits a complaint.

There are other relevant Lyft rules for Chicago but these are some of the most important ones applicable to an injured party.

Important Lyft Facts and Figures

Lyft Rideshare Growth

Lyft Rideshare User Demographics

Lyft Users Annually

Sample Personal Injury Lawsuits Involving Lyft Cars

MAN SUES LYFT AFTER DUI ACCIDENT IN HUMBOLDT PARK, CHICAGO (Cook County, Illinois).

The man that brought this Lyft lawsuit was in a car crash in the early morning hours of June 2018. He was a passenger in a vehicle operated by a Lyft driver. Another car crossed the median and slammed into them head-on. That driver was driving under the influence. The Lyft driver was not. The plaintiff sustained several injuries, but none of them were life-threatening. The other passenger died. The plaintiff claimed that Lyft and both drivers were contributorily negligent and responsible for his harms. Those damages included physical, mental, and financial losses. A jury awaits this case absent a settlement.

FAMILY SUES LYFT DRIVER AFTER TRAGIC CHICAGO MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT (Cook County, Illinois).

The family of a man who passed away in a motorcycle accident brought suit against Lyft and one of its drivers. The case was filed in late 2018. The crash happened in the Pilsen area of Chicago. The man was riding his bike along Cermak Road. Without warning, the negligent driver made a left turn into his lane and struck him. Emergency responders brought him to Stroger Hospital. He did not make it long. He died that day. The family sued both the company and the driver. Their complaint argues their combined negligence caused his death and their damages. They complain that the driver did not yield or slow down. Also, reports showed that the defendant was driving under the influence. They ask for more than $50,000 as compensation for their damages.

FAMILY BRINGS CASE AGAINST LYFT AFTER THEIR GREAT GRANDMOTHER IS INJURED IN CRASH (Cook County, Illinois).

The victim here was escorting children across the street. She volunteered as a crossing guard in the Edgewater area of Chicago. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a sign and holding up a stop sign. That did not stop a Lyft driver from running into her. That person was not paying attention to the road at all. Even the Lyft passenger could attest to that same fact. The victim was badly injured. She had to be taken to a nearby hospital. Then, she slipped into a coma. Doctors described her situation as critical. She has many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They all eagerly hope for her health to return. In the meantime, they have brought suit. They seek damages for the costs, pain, and suffering that the crash caused. The lawsuit targets both the driver and Lyft.

MAN SUES LYFT AFTER DANGEROUS RIDE.

Two men hopped in a Lyft car in the summer of 2017. The boys were in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. They did not get out at the destination they thought they would. Some arguments started between the driver and the riders. Apparently, the driver pulled a gun on them. She also used homophobic slurs and other taunts. She forced them to exit the vehicle prematurely. They brought suit for this assault. Despite the intentional nature of the affair, the men also sued Lyft itself. Their complaint contents that the company promises a safe ride, free of discrimination. This is not what they got. Further, the plaintiffs questioned what the steps Lyft took to deliver on that promise and secure the safety of its riders. For these faults, the plaintiffs seek compensation in Illinois court in excess of $50,000.

Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements and Claims Against Lyft

PASSENGER GETS $70,000 FROM LYFT ACCIDENT.

This incident took place in Miami Shores, Florida. The victim was a passenger in an automobile. He got into the car using the ridesharing app, Lyft. As that vehicle went to the destination, another car clipped them. The rear-end accident produced minor damage to the car. Yet, the passenger still went to the hospital in order to get checked out. He did have injuries or aggravations to his neck, spine, ankle, and wrist. However, his doctors could not state whether these were new injuries or just inflammations of pre-existing injuries. Whatever the case, the man's lawyers were able to get $70,000 for his pain, medical bills, and other costs. About $25,000 of that came from the other driver's insurance company. The rest came from the Lyft driver's insurance company.

LYFT SETTLES WITH CHICAGO FOR $4 MILLION.

Just this week, the rideshare company, Lyft, agreed to settle with the City of Chicago for $4 million. That money comes in part after an acknowledgment that its background check and supervisory control of its drivers were deficient. Previously, the city had allowed it and other companies like Uber to conduct their background and monitoring process. This settlement realizes that there were errors in the way Lyft and others conducted their own diligence. While it does not connect the dots to actual crimes or accidents that have occurred, many critics offer that these failures could have opened the door to assault, crashes, and other serious issues. At the very least, this action should limit the possibility of them occurring in the future.

CONVICTED TERRORIST ALLOWED TO DRIVE FOR LYFT.

Just over a year ago, reports surfaced that Lyft allowed a convicted terrorist to drive for its company in Chicago. The independent company that conducts background checks on behalf of Lyft did not flag the man. He began to work for the company. It was not until an internal investigation commenced that the man's past came to light. Lyft says it adheres to strict policies regarding passenger safety and driver vetting. However, Chicago alone has cited them hundreds of times and fined them millions of dollars. Many people in Illinois have experienced accidents, assaults, and other events due to substandard drivers. These drivers have at times slipped through Lyft's vetting process.

Non-Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Against Lyft

WOMAN SUES AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT INCIDENT IN LYFT CAR.

A Chicago area resident brought suit in Cook County, Illinois against Lyft. She claims the ride-hailing app business did not identify that one of its drivers had a criminal record. Then, it did not remove the driver prior to his assaulting her. That incident came on a night in 2017. The woman hailed the vehicle. Instead of taking her to her requested destination, he drove to a secluded area and sexually assaulted her at knife-point. The woman's lawyers criticized the company for its faulty background checks, monitoring system, and assault prevention plan. The complaint seeks damages for this negligent supervision. She claims losses related to her physical, mental, and emotional damages.

LYFT DRIVER CHARGED ON SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES.

A middle-aged Lyft driver was arrested and booked on charges of sexual assault. He picked up a passenger and shuttled the woman in between two Illinois suburban towns. Along the way, he propositioned her. The passenger was a minor. She took her story to the cops and they got ahold of and arrested him. If the woman believes Lyft itself could have prevented the situation or in any other way acted unreasonably, she might have a claim with them too. In situations like this, victims often suffer a number of emotional, physical, and other harms. These damages are recognizable in court provided they meet the proper circumstances.

Contact Our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers After a Lyft Incident to Learn About Your Legal Rights

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC has represented people seriously injured in auto accidents involving rideshare services companies as big and powerful as Lyft and Uber. We realize the steps businesses like this take to marginalize the stories and injuries of victims. We step up when this happens. We make sure that they get their day in court. You can too if you call our law offices.

After a free case consultation, we can discuss the steps you need to take in order to receive financial compensation. This can help pay for things like hospital bills, wage losses, and other personal items that come from an accident. Yet, you do not have forever. Illinois puts a strict 2-year limit on most actions. Therefore, it is important to contact us after an incident to begin the process of recovery!

Further Reading and Sources

• A Closer Look At Lyft's Valuation
• An inside look at Lyft's IPO filing
• Ride-Hailing & Taxi