Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Chicago, Illinois 

Uber and Lyft are among the available options through which Illinois residents can commute across the state. While these rideshare services claim to offer improved safety and door-to-door convenience, they're not completely safe from traffic accidents and road mishaps. According to the most recent Uber US Safety Report, there were 91 fatal Uber-related crashes in 2019-2020, causing 101 fatalities. 

If you or a loved one was injured in a negligent rideshare accident, you may be eligible to recover damages by filing a claim. At the Law Office of Anselmo Duran P.C., we are ready and poised to support and represent victims of Uber or Lyft accidents in their injury claims. Our highly-skilled Illinois personal injury attorneys will fight vigorously for your legal rights and attempt to recover fair financial compensation for your injuries, damages, or losses. 

The Law Office of Anselmo Duran P.C. proudly serves clients across Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding areas of Cook, Lake County, McHenry, Kane, Grundy, Will, Kankakee, and DuPage. 

Who Holds Liability in a Rideshare Accident?  

Illinois is an at-fault auto insurance state. According to Illinois's at-fault laws, the driver responsible for the accident (the at-fault party) will hold financial and civil liability for medical expenses, property damages, and other accident-related injuries or losses sustained by the victims. Conversely, in a rideshare accident, the liable party usually depends on the events and other surrounding circumstances leading to the crash. 

When the Driver Is At Fault and You’re the Passenger 

If you were in an Uber or Lyft accident while riding as a passenger and the driver is responsible, the at-fault driver would be held liable for injuries and damages suffered. 

When the Other Drive Is At Fault and You Are the Passenger 

Similarly, if you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident while riding as a passenger and the other driver is liable, the at-fault party (the other driver) will be held financially liable for your injuries and damages. 

When Your Car Is Hit By an Uber or Lyft Driver 

However, if a Lyft or Uber driver hits your car in Illinois, the rideshare driver responsible for the traffic collision will be held liable. The following rules will address insurance coverage and compensation: 

When the Driver Is Offline or Not Logged In: When the Lyft or Uber driver is offline when the crash occurred, the company won’t provide any coverage. 

When the Driver Is Online: If the Lyft or Uber driver is logged into the app, the company will offer liability coverage. This coverage can go up to: 

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person in the accident, 

• $100,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and 

• $25,000 for property damages in a single accident. 

When the Driver Accepts a Ride: Additionally, if the crash occurred while the driver was transporting a passenger, the rideshare company (Lyft or Uber) can provide total liability coverage of up to $1 million. 

An experienced Illinois rideshare accident attorney can explore your options to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and determine whether you can file a lawsuit against the rideshare company. 

Suing Uber or Lyft 

When involved in an Uber or Lyft, you may be eligible to seek damages. To do so, you will need to start by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. However, drivers and operators of Lyft and Uber are considered independent contractors. Due to this, filing a lawsuit directly against Lyft or Uber is only feasible under limited circumstances – by proving vicarious liability. 

Vicarious liability needs the plaintiff to establish that the at-fault Lyft or Uber driver was acting within the course and scope of their employment when the incident occurred. You may also be entitled to hold the rideshare company accountable for their failure to appropriately screen, hire, train, or supervise drivers. 

What to Do Following an Accident 

Regardless of the severity of a car accident, what you do or do not do can affect the outcome of your claims. Hence, you should take the steps below after an Uber or Lyft accident: 

• Stay calm and get to safety. 

• Seek prompt medical help for any injuries. 

• Report the crash to the nearest police department. 

• Exchange relevant information such as the driver's name, address, phone number, insurance information, and vehicle details. 

• Document copies of all records and reports, such as the police report, accident scene photos, medical report, witness statements, medical expenses, and treatments. 

• Notify the insurance provider about the rideshare accident. 

• Retain a skilled lawyer to help you file your claims and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance carriers involved. 

A knowledgeable accident attorney can walk you through the injury claims process and help you seek the financial justice you deserve. 

Work With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney 

Being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident can be emotional and overwhelming. Such an unfortunate incident can affect your physical, mental, and financial health. Fortunately, victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to seek damages. However, there are several complex rules addressing who to hold liable and the amount of damages available. Hence, when injured in a rideshare accident, you need to act quickly and hire an experienced personal injury attorney to advocate for your best interests. 

At the Law Office of Anselmo Duran P.C., we are committed to offering compassionate representation and dedicated guidance to clients in their rideshare accident claims. As your legal counsel, we can investigate the aspects of your unique circumstances, identify the at-fault party, and explore your possible legal options to pursue damage. Above all, we will fight zealously to protect your rights and help you seek your rightful financial compensation.