Ridesharing services have transformed the way we commute, offering convenience and flexibility to millions of Chicagoans. However, with the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents have become more common.
Navigating the aftermath of a ridesharing accident can be complex due to the unique legal and insurance issues involved. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we specialize in handling these claims, providing expert guidance to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Our Chicago ridesharing accident attorneys are here to protect your rights and help you navigate the legal landscape with confidence.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation for clients involved in rideshare accidents in Chicago. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of handling complex rideshare accident cases and achieving substantial settlements and verdicts.
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We meticulously investigate every detail of your case to ensure that all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully covered. With our deep expertise in rideshare accident claims, we navigate the complexities effectively and fight vigorously for your rights.
Understanding Uber and Lyft Accidents in Chicago
If you frequently use ridesharing services or share the road with Uber and Lyft drivers in Chicago, there are important aspects of these services that you should be aware of. While rideshare and taxi services appear similar, they operate under different legal frameworks.
Uber and Lyft are categorized as tech companies rather than transportation services, allowing them to bypass many regulations that govern traditional taxi services. This regulatory distinction can make a rideshare vehicle less predictable in terms of safety standards.
Rideshare accidents, involving an Uber or Lyft driver, present unique challenges compared to traditional car accident claims. While the nature of the accident might resemble a typical traffic incident, the legal landscape surrounding rideshare claims is considerably more intricate due to several factors.
Given the intricate nature of these claims, having an experienced Chicago ridesharing accident lawyer is indispensable. A skilled attorney can help victims navigate the complexities of liability coverage, identify liable parties, and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Experiencing an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver can be unsettling and confusing, especially with the unique legal and insurance challenges they present. Knowing what steps to take immediately following the incident can protect your rights and improve your chances of securing compensation.
By taking these steps, you can better protect your interests and strengthen your position in any subsequent legal proceedings. With the guidance of an experienced attorney, you can navigate the complexities of a rideshare accident claim and work towards a favorable outcome.
Rideshare accidents can lead to confusion and uncertainty, especially when it comes to pursuing compensation. Understanding your legal options is crucial in determining the best course of action after being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident. Here’s a breakdown of your options based on various scenarios.
As a Passenger in an Uber or Lyft During an Accident
If you’re injured while riding as a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle, you have the right to file a claim against Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy. Both Uber and Lyft offer substantial coverage for passengers, which can provide up to $1 million for bodily injury, property damage, and wrongful death. This insurance is designed to compensate victims for injuries caused by the rideshare company’s negligent driver.
If a Lyft or Uber Driver Hits You While Driving
If you’re involved in an accident where an Uber or Lyft driver collides with your vehicle, the coverage depends on whether the driver was actively engaged in rideshare duties. If the driver was on the clock, meaning they were either en route to pick up a passenger or had a passenger in the car, the rideshare company’s insurance policy should cover your damages. However, if the driver was off-duty, you would need to seek compensation through their personal insurance.
If an Accident Occurs While the Driver Is Heading to a Pickup
When Uber or Lyft drivers cause an accident after accepting a ride request but before picking up the passenger, the company’s insurance typically covers the incident. During this period, the driver is considered to be working, activating the rideshare company’s insurance policy to compensate for any injuries or property damage incurred.
Accidents Involving Active Drivers Without Passengers
Uber and Lyft drivers who are logged into the app and available to accept ride requests but do not have a passenger may also be covered under the company’s insurance if an accident occurs. In these situations, Uber and Lyft typically provide contingent coverage that offers up to $50,000 for injuries per person and $100,000 per accident, in addition to property damage coverage.
Dealing with Inactive Uber or Lyft Drivers
If an accident occurs when rideshare drivers are not logged into the app, they are considered off-duty, and the rideshare company’s insurance will not apply. Instead, the driver’s personal insurance policy will be the primary source of coverage. Victims will need to file a claim with the driver’s insurance provider to seek compensation for any injuries or losses.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an integral part of urban transportation in Chicago, offering convenience and flexibility to commuters. However, the rise in rideshare usage has also led to an increase in accidents involving these vehicles. Understanding the common causes of ridesharing accidents can help you and your lawyer build a case.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers often rely on navigation apps to find their way around the city, and constantly interacting with these apps can divert their attention from the road. Additionally, notifications and communication with passengers through the rideshare app can further distract drivers.
- Rideshare Driver Fatigue: Drivers frequently work long hours or drive late at night to maximize earnings, which can lead to driver fatigue. Fatigue impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents. The gig economy’s flexibility can sometimes push drivers to operate beyond safe limits, contributing to this risk.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: To increase the number of fares, an Uber or Lyft driver may drive over the speed limit or aggressively to complete rides quickly. Speeding reduces the time available to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of collisions. Reckless driving behaviors, such as sudden lane changes and tailgating, can also contribute to accidents.
- Inexperienced Uber or Lyft Driver: Many drivers may be new to professional driving, lacking the experience required to handle complex traffic situations safely. Inexperienced drivers might struggle with navigating Chicago’s busy streets, managing passenger interactions, and maintaining composure under stress, all of which can increase accident risk.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Chicago’s weather can be unpredictable, with rain, snow, and ice creating hazardous driving conditions. Drivers might not be adequately trained to handle such conditions, leading to accidents caused by skidding, hydroplaning, or reduced visibility.
- Vehicle Maintenance Issues: The Lyft or Uber driver is responsible for maintaining their vehicle to ensure safety. However, some may neglect regular maintenance due to time or financial constraints. Issues like worn tires, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning lights can lead to accidents if not promptly addressed.
- Traffic Violations: Ignoring traffic signals, failing to yield the right of way, and making illegal turns are common violations that can lead to accidents. A rideshare driver may be tempted to take shortcuts or ignore rules to save time, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Passenger Interference: Passengers can sometimes be a source of distraction, especially if they are unruly, intoxicated, or engaging in disruptive behavior. Such distractions can divert the driver’s attention from the road, leading to potential accidents.
Uber and Lyft accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Here are some of the most common injuries passengers and drivers might experience:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a frequent injury in rear-end collisions, resulting from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck.
- Broken Bones: The impact of a crash can lead to fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can occur due to impact with windows, doors, or other parts of the vehicle.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Cuts and Bruises: Shattered glass and debris from the accident can lead to lacerations and bruises.
- Spinal Injuries: Spinal injuries can range from herniated discs to paralysis, depending on the severity of the accident.
- Emotional Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, accident victims may experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD, affecting their overall well-being.
Uber or Lyft accident victims may be entitled to recover various types of damages, depending on the circumstances of the car accident and the severity of the injuries sustained. Here’s an overview of the potential damages we can help you recover through a personal injury claim.
- Victims can pursue compensation for current and future medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any necessary medical equipment.
- If injuries from the accident prevent victims from working, they can claim lost wages for the time they were unable to work. This includes both past and future earnings if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
- Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This is a non-economic damage that considers the impact of the injuries on the victim’s quality of life.
- Victims can also recover compensation for repairing or replacing their vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Injuries can affect relationships with spouses and family members. Compensation for loss of consortium addresses the loss of companionship and support resulting from the victim’s injuries.
- In Lyft or Uber accident cases where the rideshare driver’s actions were particularly reckless or negligent, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
In fatal Uber and Lyft accident cases, the family of the deceased may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and compensation for the emotional pain and suffering endured by the surviving family members. Families can also seek damages for the loss of companionship and guidance that the deceased would have provided.
Contact a Chicago Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Today!
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, navigating the complexities of insurance claims and determining liability can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to have experienced Chicago ridesharing accident lawyers by your side to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are seasoned professionals in handling rideshare accident claims. Our team understands the unique challenges these cases present, such as determining third-party liability coverage and negotiating with insurance companies. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will owe us nothing unless we help you win your personal injury claim.
Call us today toll-free at (888) 424-5757 or fill in our contact form.
Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757
We also serve clients from Buffalo Grove, Champaign, Peoria, Rockford and throughout Illinois.