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Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a popular way to get around Chicago. However, rideshares are just as vulnerable to auto accidents as any other vehicle, and the resulting web of liability can create a much more complicated claims process.
The knowledgeable Chicago rideshare accident lawyers with The Illinois Hammer Injury Attorneys understand the nuances of these cases and are ready to handle yours. Contact us online or call 888-742-6637 today to schedule a free consultation.
- Why Choose the Chicago Rideshare Accident Attorneys with The Illinois Hammer?
- Hear From Our Chicago Clients
- Liability in Rideshare cases
- When is a Chicago Rideshare Driver Covered by Uber or Lyft?
- Damages Available in Chicago Rideshare Accident Cases
- How the Illinois Hammer Team Can Help
- Chicago Rideshare FAQs
Why Choose the Chicago Rideshare Accident Attorneys with The Illinois Hammer?
Whether you were a passenger, driver, or third-party driver in your Chicago rideshare accident, our experienced lawyers can pursue your injury claim with skill and care. Our firm has recovered more than $210 million for motor vehicle accident victims and has been practicing Illinois injury law for over 30 years.
We’re headquartered in Chicago and serve clients throughout the state of Illinois. Many of our attorneys are Chicagoland natives with a deep understanding of the area, its most dangerous roads, and the key local laws and power players that shape the legal landscape. We’re uniquely positioned to fight and win for local clients like you.
We believe in giving our clients one less thing to worry about— and we aim to provide an unmatched level of service beyond just legal advocacy. We can even help you find medical care or a same-day settlement loan to cover injury-related expenses.
We also work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case. We offer a 30-day Client Satisfaction Guarantee, allowing you to take your claim elsewhere with no strings attached if you’re unhappy with our services.
Hear From Our Chicago Clients
Liability in Rideshare cases
Chicago does more than most cities to combat rideshare accidents, including setting licensing and training requirements for companies like Uber and Lyft. Drivers must obtain chauffeur licenses, and their vehicles must be registered with the city and inspected annually.
However, rideshare vehicles are still often involved in auto accidents. Chicago rideshare accidents can involve multiple liable parties, including the Uber or Lyft driver, other drivers, and potentially the rideshare company itself, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
In general, rideshare drivers are covered by company insurance when logged into the Uber or Lyft app, with up to $1 million in coverage when actively picking up or transporting customers. The drivers must depend on their own personal auto insurance if they’re involved in an accident when not logged in.
Illinois has a strict modified comparative negligence standard that bars recovery of damages if the injured party is more than 50 percent at fault for an accident. This will not affect rideshare passengers in most circumstances, but it can make it much harder for drivers who share blame to recover compensation from other involved parties.
When is a Chicago Rideshare Driver Covered by Uber or Lyft?
Rideshare drivers are covered by insurance as follows:
- The rideshare driver is logged into the app: = Rideshare drivers are covered by company insurance when logged into the Uber or Lyft
- The rideshare driver is online and available to pick up customers: The rideshare company’s insurance covers the driver for up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage. The company policies also cover up to $25,000 per accident in property damage.
- If a rideshare driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up or actively transporting a passenger: The rideshare company’s insurance covers at least $1 million in third-party coverage for property damage, injured riders, and other parties involved in the accident. The company may also provide additional coverage, including vehicle repairs up to its cash value.
| Driver Status | Coverage Provided by Rideshare Company |
|---|---|
| Logged into the app | The rideshare company's insurance covers drivers while logged into the Uber or Lyft app. |
| Online and available to pick up customers | Up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus up to $25,000 per accident for property damage. |
| Accepted a ride or actively transporting a passenger | At least $1 million in third-party coverage for property damage, injured riders, and other affected parties. May also cover vehicle repairs up to its cash value. |
Damages Available in Chicago Rideshare Accident Cases
Similar to other personal injury cases, Chicago rideshare accident victims can seek various economic and non-economic damages to compensate for their injuries.
Economic damages, or those with a specific monetary value, include medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages or earning potential, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover more subjective impacts, including pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment, and other intangible harms.
If your loved one died from injuries sustained in a rideshare accident, surviving family members can also seek damages for grief, loss of support, and other benefits through a wrongful death claim.
Rideshare accidents can sometimes result in large recoveries due to high company policy limits when passengers are involved. However, that doesn’t mean insurance companies will automatically pay you your fair share. A skilled Chicago rideshare accident attorney that has experience negotiating with insurers can fight to ensure you get the maximum possible compensation.
How the Illinois Hammer Team Can Help
While you can report crashes directly to Uber and Lyft, working with a Chicago rideshare accident lawyer gives you the best chance of receiving the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. Our dedicated attorneys can handle every aspect of the claims process for you, allowing you to focus your energy on recovering from your injuries.
Your lawyer will investigate the crash for you and gather evidence like traffic footage, vehicle data, police reports, and witness statements. They can consult with expert witnesses to determine the value of your case and which parties are liable, then negotiate a settlement with insurance companies on your behalf.
If the insurers refuse to agree to a reasonable settlement, your attorney will take your case to trial to win you the compensation you deserve.
Chicago Rideshare FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Chicago Rideshare Accident Claim?
Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, for minors and those with legal disabilities. Starting the process immediately after an accident can strengthen your claim and help you avoid missing your chance to recover compensation.
Can I File a Claim if I Was in a Rideshare Accident While Visiting Chicago from Out of State?
Yes, but you will likely have to sue in Illinois, and your case will fall under the state’s laws.
Are Rideshare Drivers Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
Under Illinois law, it is currently an unsettled question whether rideshare drivers are considered employees and thus eligible for workers’ compensation benefits or independent contracts ineligible for benefits. If you have been injured while driving for a rideshare company, it’s best to speak with an experienced attorney to determine your options.
In addition, Uber offers optional injury protection coverage for its drivers. If you’re a rideshare driver who has selected that coverage, you might be entitled to file a claim.
You Call, We Hammer. Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been hurt in a Chicago rideshare accident, you need a law firm that knows how to get results. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled negotiators who will fight to get you justice. Contact us online or call 888-742-6637 today for a free case consultation.
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