Since the inception of rideshare companies last decade, the industry has increased the national daily vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 7.8 million miles [1]. With more vehicles on the road, rideshare accidents have grown into a major issue impacting other motorists and their passengers.
If you’ve been in an accident involving a rideshare service, our Rockford rideshare accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are devoted to securing the maximum compensation for clients involved in rideshare accidents in Rockford. Our experienced legal team specializes in rideshare accident cases and has a proven track record of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts.
Fatal rideshare passenger accident
Rideshare passenger shot by driver
Pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle
Rideshare driver sexual assault case
Motorcyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle
Hip and foot injury exiting a vehicle
We meticulously investigate each detail of your case to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully covered. With our deep expertise in handling rideshare accident claims, we navigate the complexities of these cases effectively and fight vigorously for your rights.
A rideshare car accident can occur for a variety of reasons:
- Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers typically take multiple passengers per hour, meaning they may be distracted by checking their rideshare app to find their next customer.
- Drowsy Driving – A rideshare driver who has completed a long shift may have slower reaction time.
- Reckless Driving – Tailgating and road rage are frequent causes of car accidents.
- Speeding – Uber or Lyft drivers may be hurrying to pick up their next rideshare passenger, leading to exceeding the speed limit.
- Vehicle Age – Both Uber and Lyft require a rideshare vehicle to be no more than 15 years old, but cars only last for about 200,000 miles [2]. The average 5-year-old car has between 60,000 and 70,000 miles on it, thanks to typical commuting, and rideshare drivers frequently rack up far more than that in a year [3].
- Disregarding Traffic Signals – As of now, Rockford, IL, does not have red light cameras, which may cause rideshare drivers to run red lights in hopes of getting to their destination faster [4].
- Drinking and Driving – Rideshare companies require their drivers to obey all laws regarding driving while intoxicated, but this is not generally enforced.
- Road Hazards – Each year, around 100,000 potholes pop up on Rockford streets, any of which could lead to a serious car accident [5].
- Manufacturing Defects – There were approximately 1,000 recalls last year for vehicles, tires, car seats, and RVs [6]. Failing to get a recalled vehicle repaired can lead to serious auto accidents.
Common Injuries Sustained in Ridesharing Accidents
Rideshare passengers and other drivers may suffer serious physical injuries in a rideshare accident, including:
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Bruises and lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Eye injuries
- Amputation
- Burns
- Paralysis
- Strains and sprains
- Finger and hand injuries
- Death
A Rockford ridesharing accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will pursue all possible means of financial compensation in your personal injury claim. We can hold a number of different parties accountable. These include the following.
- Rideshare Driver – The Lyft or Uber driver is generally the party responsible for a rideshare accident.
- Rideshare Company – A Rockford rideshare injury lawyer from our team will seek to recover compensation from the company’s insurance policy as well.
- Other Drivers – Other motorists may have also contributed to the accident through negligence.
- Other Companies – If your rideshare car was hit by a driver in a company car, there may be vicarious liability on the part of the company.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – A defective part can mean the manufacturer is partially responsible.
- Government Agencies – Poor signage or potholes may mean the city can also be held liable.
A rideshare is a private vehicle driven by an independent contractor, who receives a portion of the profits from the rideshare company. This means the rideshare vehicle is covered under several insurance policies, including those of the driver and Uber or Lyft itself.
This comes down to the way the company’s liability policy works. Both Uber and Lyft only provide collision liability insurance for rideshare drivers when they are actively waiting for a passenger or are in the process of driving a passenger, and only if the driver’s personal insurance policy does not have any restrictions on using the insurance for commercial use.
Those hit by Lyft or Uber drivers who are “deadheading,” meaning they are not driving for a passenger, may not be able to seek compensation from the rideshare company.
Ridesharing insurance is more expensive than regular insurance, so many part-time drivers opt not to carry it. However, their personal auto insurance may not cover accidents involving ridesharing [7].
These stipulations leave gaps in insurance coverage depending on what policy the rideshare driver has and the driver’s status at the time of the accident, ie, whether they were carrying a passenger or not. This is why it is key to hire a Rockford car accident lawyer, as we will be able to coordinate with the insurance company to identify liability.
The Importance of Hiring a Rockford Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
The rideshare accident attorneys from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are a strong ally in getting justice for your accident, as we have the resources necessary to fully investigate the accident, exploring all the facets of insurance liability and guiding you through the legal process.
Every insurance company involved, including that of the rideshare company, will seek to diminish their own responsibility in order to avoid paying your medical bills and other expenses.
We are familiar with their tactics and will hold them accountable using solid evidence, including surveillance footage, police reports, medical records, and expert testimony. Allowing us to handle all communication with third parties also saves you stress and ensures the strongest case possible.
In most cases, we are able to settle out of court, saving our clients both legal fees and stress. If we are not able to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies, we will take the case to court and guide you through each step. Throughout the legal process, we provide you with court representation and present your case in front of a judge and jury.
There are three types of damages that can be awarded: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are for financial losses related to the rideshare accident, such as:
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
Non-economic damages compensate victims for intangible losses as the result of rideshare accidents, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In the case of fatal rideshare accidents, our Rockford wrongful death lawyers can pursue additional damages, which include burial expenses, loss of financial support, and grief.
In personal injury cases, such as rideshare accidents, the statute of limitations in Illinois is just 2 years. This includes wrongful death and product liability.
This is a very brief period to file a claim, and much of it will be taken up by negotiations with the insurance company. It is crucial for you to call our rideshare accident lawyers as soon as possible after an accident to ensure we have adequate time to file a lawsuit if necessary.
Our Rockford personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will owe us nothing unless we are able to win your case. There are no upfront fees associated with working with us; we will deduct our legal expenses from your settlement.
Those injured in rideshare accidents deserve fair compensation, and our accident lawyers are here to assist. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have earned millions in settlements for our clients in rideshare accidents, ensuring they have the funds they need to recover. With our deep expertise in handling rideshare accident claims, we navigate the complexities effectively and fight vigorously for your rights. Throughout the entire process, we provide compassionate and transparent support, keeping you informed and confident every step of the way.
If you have been harmed due to the negligence of a rideshare driver, get in touch with a Rockford personal injury lawyer at (888) 424-5757 or through our online form.
References: [1] Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, [2] Car and Driver, [3] Car and Driver, [4] WIFR, [5] City of Rockford, [6] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, [7] Illinois Department of Insurance