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Chicago Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers
Strong advocacy for victims of rideshare accidents in Illinois
Uber and Lyft are popular transportation services throughout Chicago. These rideshare companies offer the convenience of arranging your own ride at precise pick-up spots. For Uber and Lyft drivers, they provide a nice source of income with the pleasure of scheduling the driver’s own hours.
However, Uber and Lyft drivers get into accidents just like other motorists. At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, our lawyers represent Uber passengers, Lyft passengers, the occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycle riders – when an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident. Our experienced Chicago injury lawyers understand when Uber and Lyft must pay your claim and how much they must pay. Call us now to learn how we can help.
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How do Uber and Lyft work?
To reserve a ride with Uber or Lyft, you download an app on your phone, which allows you to set up an account for electronic payment. Then, using the app, you request a ride. This request is sent electronically to drivers in your area. Once one of these drivers accepts your request, you get an update with the following information:
- Name of the driver
- Photo of the driver
- Estimated time of arrival
- License plate number
- Make, model, and color of the vehicle
When the driver arrives, you hop in and off you go. Payments are all electronic, so you don’t have to worry about giving the driver cash; you can even tip right through the app.
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Why do rideshare accidents happen in Chicago?
At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers; we work with investigators, speak with the police, formally question everyone involved in the accident, and take other steps to determine how Uber and Lyft accidents occur.
One of the main causes of rideshare accidents is driver distraction. Most Uber drivers spend time using their apps to confirm the rides they accept and review any messages from customers. While they’re looking at or using their app, they’re not focusing fully on their driving. Another common type of distraction for Uber and Lyft drivers is the use of the GPS. Many drivers look at their GPS to review what roads to take, where to turn, and other traffic issues. While looking at or using their GPS, rideshare drivers are not focusing on other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycle riders.
Other causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Speeding and other Illinois traffic violations.
- Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions.
- Driving while intoxicated.
- Driving while tired (many Uber and Lyft drivers drive long hours).
- Failing to properly inspect and maintain their vehicles.
- Non-driving causes such as defective car parts.
What types of injuries do Uber and Lyft accidents cause?
Our Chicago Uber and Lyft accident lawyers handle all types of injuries, including the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Burn injuries
- Traumatic amputation
- Organ damage
- Neck, shoulder, and back injuries
- Nerve, muscle, and tissue damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of hearing or sight
- Wrongful death
How does liability insurance work when there is a rideshare accident?
Uber and Lyft drivers are responsible for the accidents they cause, whether they are on duty or not. The distinction matters, however, for the insurance that applies. All Uber and Lyft drivers in Chicago must carry the following minimum liability insurance amounts:
- Bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 for multiple victims in one accident
- Property damage: $20,000
Uber and Lyft must have insurance coverage in the following amounts to pay the damages for any accidents their drivers cause under the following conditions:
- The Uber or Lyft driver is not on duty. The rideshare companies do not need to provide insurance coverage.
- The Uber or Lyft driver is looking for a ride but has not confirmed a ride. Uber and Lyft must have liability insurance in the following amounts:
- $50,000 for bodily injury, $100,000 per incident
- $25,000 for property damage
- The Uber or Lyft driver has confirmed a ride. The driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in their car. Uber and Lyft must have liability insurance in the following amount:
- One million ($1,000,000) for bodily injury and property damage combined.
- The cost to repair the rideshare driver’s car, up to the actual cash value (and subject to other conditions).
Rideshare companies are also generally liable for any accidents that their delivery drivers (in the case of something like Uber Eats) cause while they’re making deliveries.
Uber also states that Uber may have additional coverage for drivers and riders, including one or more of the following:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if another driver causes a hit-and-run accident or the driver who causes the accident is an uninsured or underinsured driver
- Medpay insurance pays a victim’s medical bills, no matter who is at fault, up to the Medpay insurance limit
Liability insurance protects anyone who is hurt in an accident that an Uber or Lyft driver causes, other than the driver. We also present anyone who suffers injuries, including the rideshare driver, if another driver causes an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. The insurance company for the responsible driver is generally responsible for your claim.
How much is my Uber/Lyft accident case worth?
At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we work with your doctors to verify your injuries, understand what medical treatments you need, appreciate how much pain you experience every day, and the cost of your medical care. We also work with your employer, car mechanics, and others to show all of your other financial and personal damage.
Our Chicago personal injury lawyers demand compensation for all your current and future:
- Medical expenses of every nature
- Lost income, benefits, and long-term disability compensation
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Property damage
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- Loss of bodily function
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
If an Uber or Lyft accident is fatal, we file wrongful death actions on behalf of the family members. These damages include the funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support, and the loss of personal support (love, comfort, society, and guidance) your loved one would have provided each family member.
Is there a Chicago rideshare accident lawyer near me?
Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is conveniently located at 77 W Washington Street, Suite 1215, right in The Loop neighborhood in downtown Chicago. Our skilled Uber & Lyft accident attorneys offer free initial consultations. We also discuss cases by phone and through online video platforms like Zoom. We also meet you at your home or a healthcare facility if your injuries prevent you from traveling.
We understand how upset you are. We’ve helped many vehicle accident victims like you obtain strong recoveries.
Contact our Uber & Lyft accident lawyers in Chicago now
Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers offer comprehensive counsel and practice advice to car crash victims in and around the Chicagoland area. If you were hurt in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, we want to help. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with an attorney you can trust.