Rideshare services provide a convenient and accessible way to commute at the tap of a button. However, like any other form of transportation, rideshare trips can result in serious accidents and injuries.
If you are injured in a rideshare accident, the party responsible for your rideshare accident depends on who caused the crash, the driver’s status at the time of the accident, and the insurance coverage available. Liability can be more complicated than a typical car accident because multiple parties may be involved, including the rideshare company, the rideshare driver, passengers, pedestrians, and even other motorists.
Can I File a Claim for a Rideshare Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation if another party’s negligence caused your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Rideshare accident claims can involve multiple insurance policies, determining each party’s percentage of responsibility can be important to the value of your claim.
Can I Sue the Rideshare Company After an Accident?
Yes, you may be able to pursue a claim against a rideshare company after an accident, depending on the circumstances of your case. However, the rideshare company is not automatically responsible for an accident because their driver was involved.
Rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, meaning responsibility often depends on what the driver was doing when the accident occurred.
In Illinois, rideshare companies and participating drivers are required to maintain specific insurance coverage requirements under the Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act. Understanding the driver’s status at the time of the accident can help determine which insurance policies and coverage limits may apply.
What Insurance Covers a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare services provide different levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Insurance coverage for rideshare accidents may include:
- Driver is offline: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies, subject to the terms and conditions of their policy
- Driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride: Limited rideshare insurance coverage may apply if the driver’s personal policy does not provide the required coverage. Illinois law requires automobile liability insurance of at least $25,000 for death and personal injury per person, $50,000 for death and personal injury per incident, and $20,000 for property damage.
- Driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger: Higher levels of rideshare liability coverage may apply, providing coverage for injuries and property damage. Illinois law requires $1 million in primary automobile liability insurance for death, personal injury, and property damage from the time the driver accepts a ride request until the ride is completed. The required coverage also includes $50,000 in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage while a passenger is in the vehicle.
An experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can help determine which policies may apply to your specific claim.
What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident?
If you were involved in a rideshare accident, your health and safety should be your first priority. If possible, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: Get medical care for any injuries, even if they do not appear serious at first.
- Report the accident: Call 911 when appropriate and report the accident to the rideshare company through its app or reporting system.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the vehicles, accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Gather information: Collect contact and insurance information from the drivers and witnesses involved.
- Save your rideshare records: Screenshot your trip details, receipts, messages, and any other in-app information related to the ride.
- Speak with an attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can help explain your rights and options moving forward.
Taking these steps can help protect your health, preserve important evidence, and strengthen your potential personal injury claim.
The Illinois Hammer Can Help
At The Illinois Hammer, we understand the challenges that can come with pursuing compensation after a rideshare accident. Our team of attorneys has extensive experience investigating how accidents happened, collecting important evidence, and identifying responsible parties. Having an attorney who understands rideshare claims and Illinois personal injury laws can make a significant difference throughout the process.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, contact The Illinois Hammer here or call (888-4-HAMMER) to learn about your legal options.
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