Lyft and Uber Accident

Experienced Representation for Chicago Rideshare Vehicle Accident Victims

If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, a Chicago Uber accident lawyer can help navigate the complexities of your case. Determining liability can be confusing, as rideshare insurance policies and company guidelines often overlap, making it difficult to know who is responsible for your damages.

Hire An Experienced Chicago Uber Accident Lawyer

That’s why securing legal representation with experience in the unique challenges posed by rideshare accidents is so important. Our firm has a proven track record of recovering compensation on behalf of injured passengers, drivers, and other parties. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago Uber or Lyft accident lawyer.

Why Choose Our Chicago Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Our attorneys have a proven track record of delivering successful outcomes, having already recovered more than $450 million for our clients. We know injury cases can turn your life upside down, so you’ll always find us available 24/7 to answer your questions and handle new developments. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your case.

Below are some of our recent Uber and Lyft car accident settlements that attest to the level of service we provide.

• $4,000,000 Wrongful death settlement for the passenger in a rideshare vehicle that was killed when the driver ran a red light.
• $3,500,000 Recovery for the family of a woman who was fatally shot after she got into an argument with her rideshare driver. The settlement was paid despite claims that the driver was an independent contractor as opposed to an employee.
• $2,855,000 Settlement for a pedestrian who was hit by a rideshare car while crossing the street in a city. Our client sustained a broken leg that required two surgeries.
• $2,000,000 Rideshare sexual assault settlement. Recovery for a 28-year-old woman involving a rideshare driver who followed her into her home and assaulted her.
• $1,680,000 Rideshare accident lawsuit filed on behalf of a motorcyclist who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury after he was hit by a car dropping off a customer.
• $1,000,000 Settlement for a rideshare user who was injured while she was exiting a car, and the driver pulled away. The woman sustained injuries to her hip and foot.
• $945,000 Settlement for a pedestrian struck by a rideshare vehicle while waiting for a ride at O’Hare airport
• $Confidential seven-figure settlement for a rideshare passenger who was sexually assaulted by a driver who had a history of similar assaults, yet the rideshare company failed to remove them from the platform.
• $433,333 Rideshare settlement for a passenger who was injured when exiting the car.
• $350,000 Pre-litigation settlement for a backseat passenger with a herniated cervical disc that was allegedly sustained when the driver rear-ended another vehicle at a high speed.

If you need help with an Uber or Lyft accident, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to discuss a possible claim.

Do You Have a Viable Uber or Lyft Accident Case?

If you’re wondering whether you can pursue a claim against a rideshare company, you’ll need to show that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries. This means demonstrating that the driver, the rideshare platform, or another vehicle operator failed to act with reasonable care. Once you establish these basic elements, you still face unique considerations specific to Uber and Lyft. Below are some points you should keep in mind:

Illinois and Chicago Rideshare Laws

Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57)

Under the Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act, a TNC (transportation network company) driver has to carry liability insurance coverage of at least $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage from the moment they log into the rideshare app until they go offline or the ride ends.

On top of that, the rideshare company (such as Uber or Lyft) must maintain contingent coverage of $1 million for personal injury, death, and property damage once a Lyft or Uber driver accepts a trip, continuing until the passenger(s) leave the vehicle. There’s also a $50,000 requirement for uninsured motorist coverage under these same conditions. The TNP Act also imposes background checks and zero-tolerance policies for drivers who might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Chicago-Specific Ordinances For Uber or Lyft Drivers

In addition to state-level regulations, Chicago requires Lyft and Uber drivers to obtain a special chauffeur license and undergo frequent vehicle inspections. Violations of these local rules can strengthen your claim by showing that the driver or company ignored safety measures designed to protect the public.

Comparative Negligence in a Rideshare Personal Injury Claim

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning you can obtain compensation even if you’re partially at fault for an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. However, your compensation is reduced by the portion of fault assigned to you. If that portion totals 50% or more, you can’t recover any damages at all.

To determine if you have a viable case after an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to speak with a Chicago Uber accident lawyer.

Liability in Rideshare Accidents

When an Uber and Lyft accident occurs, determining liability can be more complicated than a typical car accident. A Chicago rideshare accident lawyer can help accident victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation through a personal injury claim when they’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. Below are some of the parties that could be liable:

Rideshare Driver Liability

If the rideshare driver’s reckless driving or negligence led to a car crash, that person would typically be considered the at-fault driver. For instance, a Lyft driver who was speeding or distracted could cause a serious collision, leaving rideshare passengers or other drivers injured. In these cases, an at-fault driver’s insurance company or the coverage offered by the rideshare company might pay for losses, such as medical bills and lost wages.

Third-Party Liability

Sometimes, an accident involving a Lyft or Uber vehicle isn’t caused by the rideshare driver at all. If another driver, a pedestrian, or even a bicyclist was primarily responsible for the crash, that party could be liable for a personal injury lawsuit. A car crash involving multiple vehicles can get especially complex when each insurance company tries to shift blame, so having skilled Chicago rideshare accident attorneys is crucial.

Company Liability

Uber and Lyft classify their rideshare drivers as independent contractors, but the rideshare company may still be liable in certain situations – most often when it fails to conduct adequate background checks or enforce safety policies.

If a rideshare driver has a history of reckless driving or is under the influence of drugs, for example, the company’s negligence in vetting or monitoring that driver can support a personal injury claim for damages. In these circumstances, accident victims might be entitled to file an Uber accident claim or a Lyft accident claim against both the driver and the company.

APP ON VS. APP OFF

One of the most important factors in an Uber or Lyft accident is whether the driver’s rideshare app was on or off at the time of the collision. Different tiers of insurance coverage apply based on the driver’s app status.

App Off

If the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the rideshare app, the company’s coverage typically doesn’t apply. Any crash that occurs in this “off” period is treated like a standard car accident where only the driver’s personal auto policy covers the damages.

App On (No Passenger)

When the rideshare driver has the app on but hasn’t accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide contingent coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury coverage, $100,000 per car accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This layer of liability coverage only comes into play if the driver’s personal insurance company refuses to cover the claim.

A Lyft accident lawyer or Uber accident attorney can help you determine which policy applies if the rideshare driver was logged onto the app but not yet transporting passengers.

App On (RIde Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle)

Once a ride request is accepted or a passenger is in the Lyft or Uber vehicle, the coverage increases significantly to $1 million in liability protection. This also includes uninsured and underinsured motorist benefits, which can cover medical bills and other damages if another driver without adequate insurance caused the collision.

In these scenarios, a rideshare accident lawyer and their legal team can navigate the higher insurance limits to seek full compensation for serious injuries.

Why Understanding App Status Matters

The driver’s app status at the accident scene can drastically affect the amount of insurance coverage available or which policy – personal or company – applies. A Chicago Uber accident claim will have much higher coverage if the Uber driver is actively driving passengers.

A passenger injured in a rideshare car accident while the driver was en route to pick them up might be able to access the $1 million policy, whereas a collision occurring moments before the driver turned the app on could leave the victim with minimal coverage.

If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Chicago, understanding this is an essential part of recovering fair compensation. Schedule a free consultation with our Chicago rideshare accident attorneys to learn how we can protect your rights and seek the financial recovery you deserve.

Types of Compensation in Rideshare Accident Claims

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. Below are some examples:

Economic Damages: This category covers monetary losses like medical expenses, property repairs, lost wages, and even future income if your injuries prevent you from working long-term.

Non-Economic Damages: These damages address more personal impacts, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment.

Punitive Damages: If the rideshare driver’s conduct was exceptionally reckless – like driving under the influence – you may pursue punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.

To learn more about the types and amount of damages you could be entitled to, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Rideshare driver accident lawyer.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a rideshare accident in Chicago, Illinois?

Per Illinois statute 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury cases in Illinois, including those involving rideshare accidents, have a two-year deadline for filing a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. According to Illinois statute 740 ILCS 180/1, wrongful death claims have the same statute of limitations as well – two years.

However, there can be exceptions that extend or shorten the deadline for matters like personal injury claims involving minors or if government entities are somehow involved in the accident. If you miss this deadline, you forfeit your right to seek compensation. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers without delay to ensure you don’t lose your legal options.

How to Maximize Your Rideshare Accident Case Value

Maximizing your rideshare car accident case value is crucial if you’ve been hurt in a car accident or Lyft accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver. Below are some steps you can take to strengthen your personal injury claim and pursue compensation:

• Gather Evidence: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, any damage to your Uber or Lyft vehicle, and injuries you sustained. Be sure to get contact info from witnesses and the police officer who arrives, as their police report can confirm details.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, see a doctor and follow their recommendations. Keep your medical records to show the extent of your injuries and how they impact your life. Prompt care also helps prevent insurers or a negligent driver from claiming your injuries were minor.
• Understand Insurance Policies: Rideshare insurance coverage can change depending on whether the driver was logged into the Uber app or actively transporting passengers. Make sure you understand what policy applies. If you don’t, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
• Avoid Pitfalls: Don’t provide recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting with a legal team. Avoid accepting early settlement offers if you haven’t calculated all damages, including property damage and future medical bills.
• Highlight Rideshare-Specific Negligence: Point out any driver fatigue, distractions from the Uber app or GPS, or inadequate vehicle maintenance. Showing how the rideshare company (Uber and Lyft) acted irresponsibly can also strengthen your personal injury claim. This could include failing to conduct proper background checks on Uber and Lyft drivers.
• Consult Experts: Medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and economic analysts can offer valuable insight into how your injuries happened and what they may cost you long-term. Their expert opinions help show the severity of your personal injury and make it harder for insurance companies to minimize your claim.
• Leverage Comparative Negligence Rules: Illinois law follows a modified comparative negligence system. Ensure you and your attorney argue effectively against any attempt to pin fault on you, as the higher your fault percentage, the less compensation you receive.
• Track Expenses: Keep a thorough record of all property damage costs, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses, such as travel to medical appointments. Detailed documentation proves the financial impact of the accident, strengthening your claim when it’s time to seek compensation.

For more information on securing compensation after an Uber accident or Lyft accident, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to speak with a Chicago Uber or Lyft accident attorney.

What Are The Most Common Uber & Lyft Injuries?

Auto accidents involving rideshares can lead to a variety of injuries, from minor bumps to fatal outcomes, each depending on how severe the crash was. While every accident is unique, certain types of injuries tend to occur more often than others.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): These result when an impact or penetration injures the brain, causing anything from concussions to permanent damage and loss of cognitive function.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Forceful impacts can damage the spine, with outcomes ranging from partial paralysis to total loss of movement below the injury site.

Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage may appear invisible at first, making prompt medical attention essential to prevent hidden, life-threatening harm.

Broken Bones and Fractures: Although some fractures can be minor, more severe injuries might need surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.

Wrongful Death: When a Chicago rideshare accident results in wrongful death, families suffer both emotional and financial distress and may pursue claims to seek justice and compensation.

If you have questions about a claim or are ready to get started, reach out to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to speak with a Chicago Uber or Lyft accident attorney.

How common are Uber or Lyft accidents?

Rideshare services have become a popular means of getting around, especially in crowded urban areas like Chicago. However, with the growing number of Uber and Lyft vehicles on the road, we have to be mindful of traffic collisions and fatalities. Below is an overview of the data showing how frequent and serious these incidents can be:

Increase in Traffic Fatalities with Rideshare Services

A joint study by the University of Chicago and Rice University suggests that rideshare services have contributed to a 2-3% rise in traffic fatalities nationwide since 2011. This translates to roughly 1,100 extra deaths each year, indicating that while ridesharing is convenient, it may also raise safety concerns on our roads.

Uber Accident Statistics

According to Uber’s 2019 Safety Report, the company experienced a fatal accident rate of 0.57 per million vehicle miles traveled in 2018 – lower than the national average of 1.13.

In 2021 and 2022, Uber reported 153 fatalities tied to accidents, equating to 1 in every 12 million trips, with a rate of 0.87 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles driven.

Lyft Safety Report (2020–2022)

During this period, Lyft logged 111 roadway fatalities, representing a 14% rise in the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The frequency of these incidents also climbed by 31% compared to earlier data. These figures indicate that, like Uber, Lyft faces ongoing challenges with rider and driver safety.

While these statistics suggest that rideshare vehicles may be safer than average, the overall picture remains complex due to the sheer volume of vehicles on the road. If you or someone you know has been affected by a Lyft or Uber car accident, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.

Where Do Most Rideshare Accidents Occur?

Lyft and Uber drivers operate their vehicles on a wide variety of roads, highways, and neighborhoods. However, statistics suggest some areas in Chicago are more prone to traffic collisions than others. Below are some specific locations where crashes frequently occur:

• I-90/I-94 Near Downtown Chicago: This highly congested corridor connects to the heart of the city, creating a near-constant flow of vehicles that increases the risk of accidents.
• I-290 Between Mannheim Road and Cicero Avenue: Approximately 2,000 crashes happen yearly on this eight-mile stretch.
• Stony Island Avenue at South Chicago Avenue: Known as one of the most dangerous intersections in Chicago, it sees over 60 accidents each year, partly due to a mix of busy car, pedestrian, and bike traffic.
• Western Avenue at Peterson Avenue: With multiple lanes and high congestion, paramedics and police have documented over 47 crashes in a single year here.
• Kedzie Avenue at Belmont Avenue: One-way streets and multiple lanes add confusion for Lyft and Uber drivers, leading to frequent collisions at this major intersection.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare crash at any of these locations, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for help with your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Ridesharing?

Ridesharing refers to on-demand transportation services, mainly provided by app-based companies like Uber and Lyft. It allows users to request rides through a smartphone. In Chicago, these services exist alongside other forms of public transit, including buses and the CTA train system, offering riders greater convenience and flexibility compared to traditional taxis.

How Do My Rights Differ in a Rideshare Accident vs. One in My Own Vehicle?

When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, additional insurance company coverage may come into play if the Lyft or Uber driver was logged into the app. This can make liability more complex, but it may also provide higher policy limits compared to an accident in your personal vehicle.

What Is the Average Rideshare Case Worth?

Every rideshare accident is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all value. Factors like the severity of injuries, whether Uber or Lyft coverage applies, and any lasting impacts on your day-to-day life will directly influence your settlement or verdict.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Attorney?

Most rideshare accident attorneys, including Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe attorney fees if your case is successful. This arrangement makes legal representation more accessible, as you won’t pay unless you recover compensation.

How Our Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help

Pursuing a rideshare accident claim can be more complicated than a typical car crash, with multiple insurance policies and local regulations coming into play. An experienced Chicago rideshare attorney knows how to navigate these issues so you can focus on healing. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to set up a free consultation and learn how our legal team can protect your rights. Uber and Lyft car crash victims can call (888) 424-5757 or complete our online contact form to speak with a Chicago Uber and Lyft accident law firm.

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.