Joliet Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have revolutionized transportation, offering passengers and rideshare drivers across Illinois unparalleled convenience. Drivers can work as independent contractors, and passengers can make a ride request on their rideshare app in just a few clicks. 

However, alongside this convenience exists an inherent danger of car accidents, which can result in severe bodily injury and financial burdens. As seasoned advocates for victims of accidents on the roads of Joliet, we recognize the challenges and the turmoil you face in the aftermath of such a traumatic event.   

At Rosenfield Injury Lawyers, it is our mission to offer unwavering support and guidance while advocating for you. With our extensive expertise and proven track record, we are dedicated to pursuing and obtaining the best possible outcome for your case.    

Whether you are facing unimaginable medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, or property damage, our team is here to help you. We are prepared to navigate the complexities of the legal process on your behalf and to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your ordeal. 

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

After accidents involving rideshare drivers, it’s important to follow these steps to protect your rights. Here is what you should do:   

Why You Need a Joliet Ridesharing Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving ridesharing services, you may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. During a time as challenging as this, having a skilled Joliet ridesharing accident lawyer by your side will make all the difference. 

Let’s look at the reasons why rideshare accident victims need expert legal representation for personal injury cases:        

Case Investigation

After the incident has occurred, an experienced car accident attorney from our team will begin a thorough investigation to collect evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. They will carry out communications with the relevant rideshare companies, and obtain accident reports, witness testimonies, and medical records, all of which demonstrate your damages. 

Insurance Claim Negotiation

A Joliet rideshare injury lawyer will help you navigate the insurance claims process, as insurance policies are daunting to face alone, especially when dealing with rideshare companies and their insurers. 

We are here to guide you every step of the way. We will handle all communications with the insurance company and negotiate until we secure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.  

Before we engage in those negotiations, we will meticulously assess the specifics of your case in order to estimate the compensation you are entitled to receive. 

The process involves a thorough analysis of many factors, such as the severity of the injuries sustained, their impact on your ability to work and earn income, medical expenses and property damage, as well as the emotional distress you are experiencing. 

Legal Representation

In the event the insurance company declines to offer a fair settlement or disputes liability, our skilled trial attorneys are prepared for the next step: taking your case to court.  

At Rosenfield Injury Lawyers we pride ourselves on our proven track record of success in litigating rideshare accident cases, and we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and interests. 

Statute of Limitations for Ridesharing Accident Cases in Joliet, IL

The statute of limitations in Joliet, Illinois, is a legal deadline that claimants must adhere to when filing a ridesharing accident lawsuit. It is generally two years from the date of the accident. 

Prior to this, it’s essential to consult with a Joliet rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible for your peace of mind and to ensure you will meet this deadline promptly.  

Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Joliet rideshare accidents can be caused by various factors, including the following:

• Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers could be distracted by using their smartphones and GPS devices, or by conversing with passengers, which could lead to an accident.
• Fatigue: Spending long hours on the road may cause rideshare drivers to experience fatigue, impairing their ability to be in full control of their vehicles.
• Speeding: A rideshare driver could exceed the speed limit to reach their destinations as quickly as possible, increasing the risk of an accident.   
• Driver Error: A rideshare driver can make mistakes, such as running a red light or changing lanes in an unsafe manner, resulting in a collision.     

Common Injuries Sustained in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, such as:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in car accidents. It’s caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck during the collision.
• Fractures: Broken bones are widely sustained injuries in a car accident, particularly in the hands, arms, legs, and ribs. 
• Head Injuries: Concussions, brain injuries, and skull fractures can happen when passengers hit their heads on surfaces during accidents. 
• Spinal Cord Injuries: In a serious car accident, damage to the spinal cord is possible, which can result in paralysis or loss of feeling and motor function.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and contusions to muscles, ligaments, and tendons often occur in a car accident.      

Liability for Joliet Rideshare Accidents

When determining liability in rideshare accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility. 

Our Joliet personal injury lawyers can help you with this complex task. Let’s look at the potentially responsible parties. 

Rideshare Company

If the driver on duty was logged onto the rideshare app and transporting you as the accident occurred, the rideshare services company may be liable for damages.                 

Rideshare Driver

If the ridesharing accident happened while the driver was not on duty, or between ride requests, their personal auto insurance policy could apply.      

Other Drivers

In certain cases, other negligent drivers may be responsible for causing a car accident through reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.      

Damages Our Joliet Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover

A Joliet rideshare accident attorney is equipped with the expertise to help you receive financial compensation for different damages, each of which relates to a different type of loss. A free case review with us can help you understand your options. 

These damages include: 

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills, both past and future, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and other medical attention.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you have lost due to the inability to work. This includes wages, bonuses, and benefits.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress, mental upset, and loss of enjoyment of life, all caused by the accident and the injuries resulting from it.
• Property Damage: Compensation for the costs incurred during the repair or replacement of your vehicle and your personal belongings damaged in the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for loss of companionship, support, and care suffered by your family members due to your injuries.  

What Makes Rideshare Different From Motor Vehicle Accidents?

When comparing conventional motor vehicle collisions to rideshare incidents, we observe certain distinct legal differences. These are crucial to understand before pursuing a personal injury claim and can include:    

• Insurance Coverage: Typically, liability coverage is provided by the rideshare company when a driver is logged into the app and transporting passengers during an accident. However, that coverage may be limited or even denied if the driver was off-duty, or was between ride requests. 
• Classification of Drivers: Drivers providing these transportation services are classified as independent contractors rather than regular employees, which can affect liability and insurance coverage in the case of a rideshare accident.  
• Ride Status: Liability may vary depending on certain circumstances, such as if the driver was en route to collect a passenger, transporting a passenger, or between one ride request and another at the time of the accident.  

Understanding these differences when making a personal injury claim is essential. An experienced Joliet ridesharing accident lawyer can guide you through this process and pursue the compensation you are rightfully entitled to. 

Contact a Joliet Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Today!

If you have been injured in a ridesharing collision in Joliet, Illinois, don’t delay seeking out legal assistance. Contact a Joliet ridesharing accident attorney today to arrange your free consultation with us, and together we can discuss your legal rights.  

We work on a contingency fee basis – that means you have no upfront fees to pay, and we only get paid if we win your case. Leave the heavy lifting to a Joliet ridesharing accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers. We will fight to pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.