Were You Hurt in a Rideshare Accident? Get Help From Our Chicago Lawyers.
The rise of Uber and Lyft has changed how we travel in Chicago, but it’s also created new risks on our roads. When accidents happen, figuring out who’s responsible can get tricky fast.
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident in Chicago, you need a lawyer who knows rideshare injury claims. At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., our attorneys know the complex insurance rules that apply to rideshare companies and drivers. We help victims of rideshare crashes get fair compensation for their injuries.
Start with a free consultation with our experienced rideshare accident lawyers. Call Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 957-4166 today.
Rideshare Accident Statistics in Chicago
Rideshare services have grown rapidly in Chicago. This growth has brought safety concerns:
- According to University of Chicago research, the introduction of ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft has been associated with a 3% increase in traffic fatalities across the United States, potentially contributing to approximately 987 additional deaths annually.
- The same study found that rideshare services have increased new car registrations, vehicle miles traveled, and gasoline consumption – all indicators of more vehicles on the road and higher accident risk.
Fatigue is a risk factor for many rideshare accidents, as noted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, since drivers often work long hours to maximize earnings.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare insurance coverage changes based on the driver’s status at the time of an accident. This system uses different “periods” to determine which insurance applies:
The Five Coverage Periods
| Period | Driver Status | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Period 0 | App is off | Driver’s personal auto insurance applies, just like any other car on the road. |
| Period 1 | App is on; waiting for ride request | Driver must have liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage |
| Period 2 | Ride accepted; en route to pickup | Insurance situation becomes less clear: if you’re hurt by a driver heading to pick up a passenger, contact a lawyer right away. |
| Period 3 | Passenger in vehicle | Rideshare company provides $1 million in primary coverage per accident (may not include uninsured motorist coverage). |
| Period 4 | Trip completed; app off | Driver’s personal insurance takes over again. |
Understanding these coverage periods is vital if you’re hurt in a rideshare accident. The amount of available insurance can vary greatly depending on the driver’s status when the crash happened.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Rideshare accidents can cause serious injuries that change lives forever:
Physical Injuries
- Brain injuries and head trauma
- Spinal cord damage and back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Psychological Impacts
- Emotional trauma
- PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep disorders.
These injuries often need long-term medical care. This means big medical bills, lost wages, and other costs that can add up fast.
Chicago Rideshare Driver Requirements & Regulations
Illinois law sets strict standards for rideshare drivers and companies to help keep passengers safe:
Driver Requirements
- Drivers must be at least 19 years old with a valid license, registration, and insurance.
- Companies must conduct criminal background checks and driving history reviews.
- Drivers cannot have more than three moving violations in three years.
- Major violations or certain criminal convictions in the past seven years disqualify drivers.
Safety Policies
- Companies must maintain zero-tolerance policies for drug and alcohol use.
- All vehicles must pass state safety and emissions standards.
- Companies must have systems for reporting and investigating complaints.
Passenger Protections
- Companies must adopt non-discrimination policies covering race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
- Drivers must accommodate service animals without extra charges.
- The app must display the driver’s photo and vehicle license plate number.
- Companies must provide electronic receipts showing trip details and fare breakdowns.
These regulations, established by the Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act, help protect both passengers and other road users.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Liability in Chicago
Rideshare accident cases are more complex than typical car crashes. Here’s why:
Multiple Insurance Policies
When you’re hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, different insurance policies may apply based on the driver’s status at the time, as explained in the coverage periods above.
Various Liable Parties
Several parties might be responsible for your injuries:
- The rideshare driver
- The rideshare company (Uber or Lyft)
- Other drivers involved
- Vehicle manufacturers (if defects contributed)
- Government entities (if poor road conditions played a role).
Our team at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers knows how to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.
Why Choose Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Rideshare Accident Case?
Top-Rated Handling of Rideshare Accident Claims
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers is a top-rated, award-winning law firm handling Uber and Lyft accident cases throughout Chicago. Our team includes Matthew Willens and David Baez, both named among the distinguished Illinois Super Lawyers. In addition, our body of work has earned high esteem, with one verdict recognized by The National Law Journal as one of the Top 100 Verdicts in the country.
We’ve seen firsthand how rideshare accidents differ from traditional auto claims. Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has over 25 years experience to navigate complex rideshare accident cases efficiently and get maximum compensation.
Proven Success Record
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has secured millions in compensation for accident victims across Illinois. Willens & Baez has helped clients recover maximum amounts in transportation-related cases, including a $15.8 million verdict in a car accident case and a $3 million settlement in a wrongful death claim. We’ve also obtained multiple six-figure settlements for vehicle accident victims. We approach each case with care, fighting for every dollar our clients deserve.
Direct Attorney Access
When you work with Willens & Baez, you’ll speak directly with your attorney, not just a case manager. We believe you deserve personal attention from the lawyer handling your case.
No Fees Unless We Win
How much does Willens & Baez charge? Willens & Baez take cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid when we secure compensation for you.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
As an injured rideshare accident victim, you may be entitled to:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium.
Steps to Take After a Chicago Rideshare Accident
- Get medical help right away – Your health is of utmost priority. Seeing a doctor also provides the medical documentation you need.
- Report the accident to police – File an official report and request a copy of the document.
- Document the scene – Take photos and videos of the damage and your injuries. Also ask for witnesses’ contact information.
- Don’t give recorded statements – When speaking to insurance companies or rideshare companies, stick to basic facts. Politely decline to have your statements recorded.
- Contact our Chicago rideshare accident attorneys – The sooner you contact us at Willens & Baez, the sooner we can advise you on how to navigate your claim. We can also start building your case, using fresh evidence and witness recollection.
Why Rideshare Rules Matter for Your Case
Knowing your rights as a rideshare passenger can make a big difference if you’re hurt in an accident:
- Insurance coverage: The coverage period system tells you how much financial protection you have. You’re best protected when actually in the rideshare vehicle (Period 3) with $1 million in coverage, but less protected during other periods.
- Driver vetting: Understanding driver requirements helps you know if the company failed to properly screen drivers, which could strengthen your case.
- Operational standards: When companies fail to follow required safety protocols, this can be evidence of negligence in your claim.
- Fare transparency: Companies must be clear about how they calculate fares and provide estimates before trips.
These regulations exist to protect you. When companies violate them, our lawyers can use these violations to build your case.
FAQ: Chicago Rideshare Accident Claims
What if I was a passenger in an Uber or Lyft during an accident?
As a passenger, you’re likely covered by the rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy. This coverage applies regardless of which driver caused the crash.
How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare accident in Chicago?
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Specific factors may change this time limit, so don’t delay. It’s also best to act promptly, as important evidence can disappear quickly.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
This depends on the circumstances. Rideshare companies often try to shield themselves by classifying drivers as independent contractors. Our attorneys know how to navigate these challenges.
What if the rideshare driver was at fault but doesn’t have enough insurance?
If you’re injured by an underinsured rideshare driver, the company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply. We’ll help you access all available coverage.
Contact Our Chicago Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been hurt in a Lyft or Uber accident in Chicago, don’t face the insurance companies alone. They have teams of lawyers who know how to minimize your claim.
The top rated rideshare lawyers at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, have the knowledge, resources, and determination to fight for the full compensation you deserve. For over two decades, we’ve been instrumental in obtaining numerous million-dollar recoveries for clients in transportation accident cases.
Call us today at (312) 957-4166 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7, and if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you. Let our award-winning team handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
