How to Handle Bicycle Accidents Involving Uber or Lyft Drivers in Chicago?

Rideshare crashes can leave bicyclists with serious injuries, medical expenses, and property damage. If you’re wondering how to handle bicycle accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers in Chicago, it’s important to understand the complexities of these types of accidents.

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, the Chicago bike crash attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation from the at-fault driver, rideshare companies, or third-party liability insurers.

Liability in Uber and Lyft Accidents with Bicycle Riders in Chicago

A rideshare driver can be held responsible for a bicycle accident if their negligence caused the crash. Common causes include speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield the right-of-way, and running traffic signals. Since Uber and Lyft drivers rely on their apps for rides, they may be distracted while operating a vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.

Rideshare Accident Insurance Coverage

The rideshare company’s coverage depends on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the bicycle accident:

• If the Uber or Lyft driver is not using the app, the accident is covered only by their personal insurance policy.
• The app is on, and the driver is waiting for a ride request. Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage – up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Request accepted, driver en route to a passenger. The ridesharing company’s insurance increases to $1 million in liability coverage.
• The passenger is in the vehicle. Uber and Lyft maintain $1 million in coverage for accidents during an active ride.

A Chicago ridesharing accident lawyer from our team can help determine which insurance policies apply and assist with the claims process.

Crucial Steps to Take Immediately After an Uber or Lyft Bicycle Accident

Taking the proper steps after an Uber or Lyft accident can protect your health and legal rights. Proper documentation and legal guidance can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Prioritize Your Safety

Check yourself for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. If you suspect serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries or broken bones, avoid unnecessary movement and wait for medical professionals. If you are unable to move, signal for help.

Call 911

Contact Chicago police immediately to report the rideshare accident. A police officer will document the scene, gather witness statements, and file an official accident report. Obtaining a Chicago accident report is critical in rideshare accident claims, as it provides evidence of what happened and helps determine liability.

Exchange Information with the Driver and Any Other Involved Parties

Obtain contact details from all parties, including the rideshare driver’s name, phone number, insurance details, license plate, and vehicle make and model. Ask the driver to confirm their status in the app, as their insurance coverage depends on whether they were active on a ride request.

Document the Accident Scene

Take photos and videos of the scene, bicycle damage, vehicle damage, injuries, traffic signals, road conditions, and the rideshare vehicle. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may also help establish fault in an Uber or Lyft accident.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Even for Seemingly Minor Injuries

Some serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, head trauma, or internal bleeding, may not show immediate symptoms. Seeking prompt medical treatment ensures that injuries are properly diagnosed and documented.

Report the Accident Through the Rideshare App

If possible, report the rideshare accident through the Uber or Lyft app. This creates an official record of the incident and ensures the rideshare company is aware of the crash.

Preserve Evidence

Do not repair or dispose of your bicycle, helmet, or damaged clothing. These items serve as physical evidence that can support your personal injury lawsuit. Keeping everything in its post-accident condition may help demonstrate the severity of the crash and the extent of your injuries.

Keep Detailed Records of Medical Treatment, Expenses, and Lost Wages

Save all medical bills, insurance records, prescription receipts, and documentation of physical therapy or rehabilitation. If you miss work due to your injuries, track your lost wages and request proof from your employer.

Do Not Admit Fault or Discuss Details with Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice

Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters or providing recorded statements without consulting a rideshare accident lawyer. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or shift liability onto you.

Filing an Insurance Claim After a Bicycle Accident with an Uber or Lyft Vehicle

Filing a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident with a rideshare vehicle can be complicated due to the multiple insurance policies involved. Understanding the process can help injured cyclists recover compensation.

Identifying the Applicable Insurance Policies

Liability depends on whether the rideshare driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. This determines whether the rideshare company’s or the driver’s personal insurance policy applies.

Notifying the Insurance Companies

Report the accident to the rideshare company, the driver’s personal insurance, and your own insurance provider if applicable. Acting quickly helps prevent claim denials due to missed deadlines.

Providing Necessary Information

Submit the police report, medical records, accident photos, and witness statements. Avoid making recorded statements without legal advice, as insurance companies may use your words against you.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

Adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts. A rideshare accident lawyer can handle negotiations, ensuring you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

Filing a Lawsuit After a Bike Accident with a Ridesharing Vehicle

If an insurance company denies your claim or offers an unfair settlement, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover compensation. The process includes several key steps:

• Consult an attorney – A Chicago personal injury attorney will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and determine the best legal strategy.
• File the lawsuit – Your attorney will file a complaint in an Illinois court against the at-fault driver, the rideshare company, or other potentially liable parties.
• Discovery phase – Both sides exchange evidence, including medical treatment records, police reports, and crash scene analysis.
• Negotiations and settlement – Many rideshare accident cases are settled before trial. Your lawyer will negotiate for maximum compensation.
• Going to trial – If a settlement isn’t reached, your case will proceed to court, where your attorney will fight for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Bicycle Crash with a Lyft or Uber Driver

Injured cyclists may recover economic and non-economic damages after Uber and Lyft crashes.

• Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, rehabilitation costs, and future medical care.
• Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability.

Statute of Limitations

Per 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit following a bike crash in Illinois is two years from the date of the incident. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing the right to seek compensation.

Why You Need a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Experienced with Uber and Lyft Accident Cases

Handling rideshare car accidents involving cyclists can be complex due to multiple insurance policies and rideshare services’ coverage A lawyer can help by:

• Identifying whether the rideshare driver or rideshare company’s insurance coverage applies.
• Collecting the police report, medical treatment records, witness statements, and crash scene photos to build a strong case.
• Negotiating a fair settlement and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
• If necessary, a personal injury attorney can file a lawsuit to protect your rights.

Having experienced legal representation improves your chances of a successful bicycle accident claim.

Consult a Chicago Rideshare Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You!

If you were injured in a bicycle accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help. Our Chicago rideshare accident lawyers fight for injured cyclists to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and fair compensation.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. To schedule a free consultation and get started with the legal process, call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.