Facing the aftermath of a Lyft crash in Chicago is often more challenging than a typical vehicle crash due to the complex insurance systems associated with rideshare services.
Working with a lawyer is your best option for managing these difficult situations. Keep reading to learn more about liability in Lyft accidents, what you might be entitled to as compensation, and how our Lyft accident lawyers can help you get the justice you deserve.
The Unique Challenges of Lyft Car Accidents in Chicago, IL
With ridesharing services’ prominence, Lyft car accidents in Chicago are on the rise. These accidents present unique legal challenges due to the complex regulations governing these companies.
Below are some of the challenges with these types of accidents:
Lyft vs Common Carriers
Under Illinois law, Lyft drivers are not classified as common carriers like taxis or buses, which affects liability and the ability to recover damages. The standard of care—essentially how careful a person has to be—is higher with common carriers who transport passengers than it is for Lyft drivers using their own vehicles.
This means rideshare drivers—who are independent contractors—don’t owe as much of a duty to their passengers, making it more difficult to show why rideshare drivers should be legally responsible for an accident and a person’s injuries.
Insurance Challenges
Equally complex is navigating Lyft’s multiple layers of insurance coverage, which shifts depending on the status of the driver’s app at the time of the accident.
For instance, if the rideshare drivers have their app off and are not available to accept a ride request, their personal insurance policy is used.
If the rideshare driver was available and awaiting passengers or had a passenger in the rideshare vehicle and was en route to a destination, Lyft’s insurance may be activated to help cover costs that aren’t taken care of by the driver’s personal policy.
Determining the status can be difficult but impacts the outcome of the case quite substantially.
Legal Avenues That a Chicago Lyft Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Explore
Victims of these accidents have access to various legal avenues for pursuing compensation, and a knowledgeable Lyft injury lawyer can help navigate them. The types of claims available in the event of an accident involving a Lyft may include:
Third-Party Claims
If another driver besides the Lyft driver played a role in causing a crash, you might pursue recovery by filing a third-party claim against their liability insurance coverage. This could also take place if another party who was not driving was partially responsible for the accident, like construction companies who left debris in the road.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the rideshare driver involved in the accident has their app off at the time, you may be able to file a claim with the help of our Chicago UM/UIM claim lawyers. You would do this if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t provide enough liability coverage for your losses.
Product Liability
In situations where an accident is caused by defects in either the Lyft vehicle or another party’s car, our product liability attorneys can help you file a claim against manufacturers. In a Lyft vehicle accident, this could involve malfunctioning parts like brakes or tires that directly lead to the crash.
Wrongful Death Claims
If a rideshare accident tragically results in a fatality, our wrongful death lawsuit attorneys can help the deceased individual’s family or estate take legal action in civil court.
This civil action seeks maximum compensation for losses such as funeral costs, medical expenses incurred prior to death, loss of future income the deceased would have provided, and non-economic damages like loss of companionship.
In Chicago, the standard timeframe to file a claim after a Lyft rideshare accident is generally two years. However, exceptions might sometimes shorten or lengthen this statutory period.
It’s important to hire an experienced Lyft crash lawyer immediately so you don’t jeopardize your chance of seeking compensation. The sooner legal action is started, the more likely you are to meet this deadline and secure evidence that may not be available later.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Chicago Lyft Accident Attorneys
Our Lyft accident attorneys tackle a variety of case types when it comes to Lyft accidents. This generally includes:
Lyft Passengers
We represent individuals who experienced a bodily injury while using Lyft’s services, ensuring that they receive full compensation for their immediate and long-term losses and suffering.
Drivers Involved in an Accident with a Lyft Driver
When your vehicle is hit by a car operated by a Lyft driver, we can help. Our Lyft car accident attorneys are aware of how the driver’s and company insurance policies interact and will develop a legal strategy to get you the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrians or Bicyclists
Our Lyft crash attorney also supports any cyclist or pedestrian injured by a Lyft driver. These accidents can cause significant injuries due to the lack of protection for the injured parties, and we are here to fight for you and pursue everything you need to help make your recovery a little bit easier.
The Most Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
The causes of Lyft accidents typically mirror typical traffic accidents, though there are some added risks. The following are some of the most common:
- Distracted and reckless driving, as many Lyft drivers spend a significant amount of time looking at their phones while they are driving.
- Speeding is common so they can get passengers to their locations as quickly as possible, earn good reviews, and secure more rides.
- Fatigue, as Lyft drivers often work late at night to get the highest-paying fares.
- Unfamiliarity with locations and traffic patterns can also cause accidents, such as when a Lyft driver picks up a passenger who needs to go somewhere the driver has never been.
- Many rideshare drivers frequently operate late into the night and during events like concerts, which increases their risk of encountering other drivers who are under the influence.
The Basis of Lyft Accident Lawsuits
In the majority of rideshare lawsuits, the crux of your case will rest on showing someone else involved was negligent, usually drivers of ride-share vehicles. To do this, your Lyft accident attorney must prove the following four elements to prove a Lyft driver’s negligence:
- Duty: First, you must establish that the driver had a “duty of care” to act in a reasonable way to take reasonable steps to not harm others while driving. Just like any other drive on the road, Lyft drivers have an obligation to act as a reasonable person would to prevent harm from others on the road or in their vehicles.
- Breach of Duty: Next, you must show that there was some sort of breach of this duty. This can be established by showing that the driver (or whoever the negligent party is) violated a traffic law; for example, speeding or driving while using a cell phone.
- Causation: It must be proven that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the incident and your resulting injuries. For example, if a Lyft driver was speeding and failed to stop at a red light, hitting another vehicle, this would be a pretty clear cause of the accident.
- Damages: You then need proof of damages, which is most often shown through medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
In Lyft accidents, there can be multiple parties who potentially hold legal liability. This often includes one or more of the following parties:
- Lyft Driver: The Lyft driver directly involved often holds primary responsibility based on negligent driving practices like speeding or distracted driving.
- Rideshare Companies: Because Lyft drivers are independent contractors, it’s rare that Lyft as a rideshare company can be held liable, but it does happen. An argument can be made that Lyft’s hiring practices contributed to the situation, such as not conducting thorough background checks or reviewing driving records. In this case, the rideshare company may share liability.
- Another Driver: If a third-party driver’s actions caused or contributed to your accident, they can be held liable for their role.
- Partial Responsibility from the Victim: In some cases, you may be found partially responsible for your incident; this is known as ‘comparative negligence,’ and it would reduce the compensation you’re entitled to.
- Equipment and Vehicle Manufacturers: If an incident was caused or made worse by a vehicle defect, such as failed brakes or a defective tire, the manufacturer of that equipment may be found liable under product liability laws.
What to Do After a Lyft Car Accident
If you’re in a car crash involving a Lyft rideshare vehicle, taking measured and informed steps can protect your legal rights. Here are the dos and don’ts to consider:
Do:
- Call 911 immediately to report the accident.
- Photograph the scene, including damage to vehicles, any injuries sustained, traffic signs nearby, and any other relevant conditions.
- Collect contact and insurance information from your Lyft driver and other drivers involved in the crash.
- Write down witness contact information.
- Seek medical help right away.
- Notify Lyft about the incident through the app or via their online support options.
- Hire an experienced Lyft accident attorney who understands rideshare accidents.
Don’t:
- Leave the scene until law enforcement arrives.
- Admit fault or speculate about who was to blame.
- Refuse immediate medical attention.
- Sign any settlement agreements with rideshare companies or insurance companies without legal consultation.
- Post details about the accident or your injuries on social media.
- Accept initial insurance offers before fully understanding the extent of damages and potential long-term consequences you might face.
Financial Compensation We Can Secure for Lyft Accident Victims
Monetary compensation after a Lyft accident is tailored to an individual’s unique situation and depends on various factors surrounding the case. There are no standard settlement amounts, as each incident involves different circumstances and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Factors That Affect Lyft Accident Settlement Amounts
Calculating the amount of a settlement in the aftermath of a Lyft accident can be complex.
Various factors come into play, including the extent of your injuries and how high your medical expenses are, whether the driver had the app off and the liability coverage available, whether there were any witnesses who can corroborate your personal injury claim, and your attorney’s experience with negotiations, among others.
Common Injuries Among Lyft Accident Victims
Victims of Lyft crashes can experience a wide range of potential injuries depending on the severity and circumstances of their accident.
Common injury examples include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Lacerations or bruising
- Internal organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Burns
Damages a Chicago Lyft Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover
A Chicago Lyft accident attorney can work with you to try and recover compensation, often including:
- Economic Damages: These cover quantifiable financial losses incurred after an accident. These likely include medical bills, the cost of physical therapy or rehabilitation, lost wages due to lack of employment after the accident, and property damage.
- Noneconomic Damages: Non-economic damages refer to compensatory amounts awarded for pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident. These do not have a monetary amount attached to them but are just as important.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In the unfortunate event that a Lyft accident leads to a fatal outcome, wrongful death claims may be pursued by surviving family members. These can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of anticipated future earnings the deceased person would have contributed to their family, and non-economic impacts like loss of consortium.
The exact amount you can expect will depend on many factors, including the at-fault party’s insurance company and their policy.
Filing a Lyft Accident Claim With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
As experienced Lyft car accident lawyers, we understand the difficult situation you’re dealing with following this type of auto accident. The impact on your life can be profound, leaving you with not just physical and emotional trauma but also financial burdens that come from these events.
Here’s what you can expect when teaming up with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers:
- We will begin with a free initial consultation to assess your Lyft accident case without any cost obligation.
- We will then initiate an in-depth investigation of what occurred to the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
- We will consult with experts in fields relevant to your case, like medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists.
- We skillfully negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement that is consistent with the damages you sustained from the Lyft accident.
- Preparing for trial if needed
Lyft Accident Statistics
Ridesharing services, including Lyft, have become integral to how people navigate cities like Chicago. Here are some statistics that provide insight into the safety record of these services:
- In 2019, there were 49 reported fatalities involving a Lyft vehicle crash, according to the company’s safety report. [1]
- Between 2017 and 2019, there were a reported 105 fatalities related to Lyft vehicle crashes. [1]
- Statistics indicate a roughly 3 percent annual increase in fatalities since ridesharing services gained popularity, which includes pedestrian incidents. [2]
- This is an additional 987 people each year affected by fatal accidents. [2]
- No Lyft safety reports have been released since 2021.
The Time It Takes to Settle Lyft Car Accident Claims
Settlement for Lyft car accident claims takes varying amounts of time, often ranging from several months to a couple of years, or even longer, depending on the complexities involved in individual cases.
There are numerous factors that can affect this settlement timeline, often including the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault or liability, the number and credibility of witnesses, negotiations with insurance companies, and the jurisdiction where your case is filed.
Having a Lyft injury attorney by your side early on can significantly influence this timeline. They can expedite document gathering and engage in more effective negotiations with insurers, advocating for a swift yet fair settlement.
The Cost of Hiring a Chicago Lyft Accident Injury Attorney
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we handle Chicago Lyft accident injury cases based on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t have to pay anything upfront or out of your own pocket to obtain the legal services you need.
Our legal fees depend entirely on the outcome. If we successfully secure compensation for you either through settlement or trial verdict, an agreed-upon percentage of this recovery amount constitutes your payment to us. If we don’t secure any compensation for you, you don’t owe us anything.
Navigating the aftermath of a Lyft crash in Chicago can be incredibly challenging, both emotionally and legally. Remember that you don’t have to face this journey alone. Our team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to support you every step of the way, helping you secure the justice and compensation that will allow you to concentrate on what’s most important: your recovery.
Contact us today for a comprehensive review of your case during a free case evaluation. Reach out online or call us at (888) 424-5757 to speak with an experienced Lyft car accident attorney.
Resources: [1] Lyft Safety Report, [2] UChicago
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