Experienced Rideshare Accident, Injury, and Fatality Attorneys in Chicago, Illinois

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft make getting around Chicago easier. But when accidents happen, they can leave victims with serious injuries and big questions. Who is responsible? What insurance applies? How can you get compensation?

While most rideshare trips are safe, car accidents are always possible. Individuals involved in crashes can often receive compensation from the party at fault or their insurance provider. Still, ridesharing accidents are more complicated, especially when pursuing large corporations, like Lyft and Uber, for damages.

The Chicago rideshare accident attorneys at Wallace Miller are experienced in the complex questions of liability coverage that arise in Lyft and Uber rideshare accident lawsuits and settlements. If you get into a rideshare accident in Illinois, seeking legal help is crucial.

Our goal is to take care of the legal side so that you can focus on recovery. Call Wallace Miller today at (312) 261-6193 or start your free case evaluation online.

How do I know if my Chicago rideshare accident qualifies as a personal injury claim?

Rideshare accidents are different from regular car crashes. Drivers use their vehicles but work for a company, which creates complex insurance and liability issues. In several circumstances, you might be eligible to file for insurance coverage or participate in a rideshare lawsuit.

These include:

If you were injured in a car accident while a ridesharing passenger.
If you were walking or cycling and were hit by a rideshare vehicle.
If you were in another car and involved in an accident with a Lyft or Uber driver,

Rideshare accident victims may be eligible to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. If you’re unsure whether or not you may be eligible to file a claim, get in touch with Wallace Miller today. We can review your Lyft or Uber accident case and help you determine the best path forward.

Photograph of red rideshare car by Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Does Illinois law treat rideshare accident claims differently than other car accident claims?

Illinois law does treat rideshare accident claims differently than regular car accident claims. While both types of crashes involve motor vehicles, rideshare accidents introduce additional complexities related to insurance coverage, liability, and legal protections for injured passengers, drivers, and third parties.

The key differences between rideshare and regular car accident claims include:

Rideshare insurance requirements are different.

Illinois requires Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies to provide higher insurance coverage than regular drivers.
When a driver is off-duty, their insurance applies.
When a driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (up to $50,000 per person for injuries).
When a driver transports a passenger or is en route to pick one up, the rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy may apply.
Regular car accidents typically involve only one auto insurance policy, while rideshare claims may involve multiple policies (personal and company-provided).

Rideshare companies must follow state regulations.

Illinois law classifies rideshare drivers as independent contractors, which means Uber and Lyft often deny liability for their drivers’ actions.
Rideshare companies are required to conduct background checks and ensure drivers meet safety requirements.
If a rideshare company fails to vet a driver properly, it could be liable for negligent hiring or supervision.

More complex liability issues.

In a regular car accident, the fault is usually between two private parties.
In a rideshare accident, liability may involve:

- - The rideshare driver.
  - The rideshare company.
  - Another negligent driver.
  - A pedestrian or bicyclist.
  - A government entity (if poor road conditions played a role).

Proving which party is responsible requires a detailed investigation, including app data, driver logs, and insurance policies.

Special legal considerations for injured passengers.

In a regular crash, passengers file claims against the at-fault driver.
In a rideshare crash, passengers may have claims against the company and another negligent driver.
Uber and Lyft offer liability coverage for passengers, but insurance companies often try to minimize payouts.

Different claim process and insurance challenges.

Rideshare accident claims often involve corporate insurance adjusters who handle high-value cases differently.
Companies like Uber and Lyft fight hard to limit their liability, often shifting blame to individual drivers.
Victims may face delays, lowball settlement offers, or denied claims requiring legal action.

Because Illinois law treats rideshare accident claims differently, having a skilled rideshare accident attorney in Chicago can make a big difference in your case. Wallace Miller may be able to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.

How is fault determined in a Chicago rideshare accident?

Determining fault in a Chicago rideshare accident can be complex. Multiple parties may be involved, including the rideshare driver, other motorists, pedestrians, or even the rideshare company itself. Establishing who is responsible requires investigating several factors.

Key factors in determining fault may include:

Police reports: Law enforcement officers investigate the scene and create an official report after a rideshare accident. This report often includes the officer’s opinion on who was at fault.
Eyewitness testimonies: Witnesses who saw the accident can provide valuable statements to help determine fault.
Video and dashcam footage: Surveillance cameras, dashcams, or even rideshare app records can help establish what happened before the crash.
Vehicle damage and accident scene evidence: The location of vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris patterns can help experts reconstruct the accident.
Rideshare app data: Uber and Lyft track driver activity, including when a driver is logged in, en route to a pickup, or transporting a passenger. This data can help determine insurance coverage and responsibility.
Traffic laws and violations: If one party runs a red light, speeds, or violates other traffic laws, they may be liable.

Like other car accidents with injuries, determining fault in a rideshare accident in Chicago requires a thorough investigation. If you were injured, our Chicago rideshare accident lawyers may be able to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Wallace Miller today to learn more.

Is Uber or Lyft liable if its drivers are involved in crashes with injuries in Chicago?

The liability of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft when their drivers are involved in car crashes depends on the situation and drivers involved. In some areas of U.S. law, a doctrine called respondeat superior holds that an employer can be held liable for the actions of their employees if the employee is acting for the employer’s benefit and under their control.

This doctrine generally does not apply to independent contractors in rideshare vehicles like Lyft and Uber drivers. However, you may still be able to pursue a payout through the rideshare companies’ insurance coverage. The complexities of liability increase when a Lyft driver is involved in an accident, as determining fault and navigating insurance claims can be challenging.

In the case of Uber, for example, insurance coverage varies depending on whether the Uber driver was carrying a passenger at the time of the accident. Uber’s insurance policy covers up to $1 million in damages if a passenger is in the car.

Uber does not have a coverage plan for uninsured or underinsured motorists. These plans protect individuals injured in a car accident by someone with no or inadequate insurance. This means if the value of your claim exceeds Uber’s policy limits determining liability, you may not be able to recover the full amount of damages without filing a lawsuit.

In rideshare crash cases, it is generally better to bring a claim against the ridesharing company rather than the individual Lyft, or Uber driver. Multi-billion-dollar companies like Uber and Lyft have extensive resources available to pay out fair settlement amounts, and their insurance can often provide higher compensation than a driver’s car insurance policy.

Whether you are negotiating the complex insurance claims process of Lyft or Uber or filing a lawsuit against the party responsible for the accident, the Chicago rideshare attorneys at Wallace Miller can help you assess your case and navigate the process during a free consultation.

How can the Chicago rideshare accident and injury attorneys at Wallace Miller help with my claim?

If you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries or even death as a result of an Uber accident, it is vital to hire the right lawyer to fight for your case. The experienced rideshare accident lawyers at Wallace Miller have more than 75 years of cumulative experience handling rideshare accident claims and representing plaintiffs against insurance companies and other responsible parties.

Throughout a personal injury lawsuit, our rideshare accident attorneys in Chicago will:

Investigate the case & collect evidence

Your attorney at Wallace Miller will gather information about your rideshare collision, including police reports and medical records. They will then contact the at-fault driver, the insurance carrier, and the rideshare company to file a claim.

To maximize your potential settlement, your lawyers will investigate the circumstances of the crash, especially if an Uber or Lyft driver is involved. Gathering evidence in such cases is crucial due to the complexities of determining fault and seeking compensation. They will also work to avoid unnecessary litigation as much as possible.

Help you understand (and advocate for) your rights

The rideshare lawyers at Wallace Miller are experts in state and federal law related to these cases. They can help you navigate your legal rights and the complicated policies of rideshare drivers and insurance companies to prove liability.

Choose to hire a rideshare attorney. They will provide insight and advice about filing your lawsuit, proving the liability of the party at fault, and navigating the settlement process.

Negotiate your settlement

Many rideshare cases are settled out of court. If the rideshare accident lawyer, insurance company, or party at fault proposes a settlement, your rideshare lawyer will help negotiate the amount to compensate you for significant injuries and medical expenses.

Represent you in court against the rideshare company

Insurance companies sometimes refuse to admit fault or offer compensation amounts much lower than you deserve. The companies and individuals may dispute the degree of liability, the nature and severity of the personal injury claim, or the causality of the accident—or they may just not want to pay.

In these cases, a rideshare lawsuit may go to court. If this occurs, your attorneys at Wallace Miller will represent you in the legal process, argue for your case, and fight for an equitable settlement.

What should I do after a rideshare accident in Chicago?

Regardless of the extent of your injuries or your involvement in the crash, an accident scene is always a stressful situation. It’s essential to be prepared so that you can assess the circumstances and gather the evidence you need for a successful rideshare injury claim. Gathering proof is crucial for rideshare accident victims to support their compensation claims.

First and foremost, assess the safety of the crash scene and your well-being. Even if you believe you have not been injured, move carefully and care for yourself. If you have been hurt, immediately call 911 for medical assistance or ask someone else to do so.
Check on others at the scene. Make sure that everyone is safe and out of the way of traffic. If anyone has been injured, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.
If you or someone else at the scene hasn’t already done so, call 911 and talk to the police. They will send responding officers to file a police report. The police report is essential to gathering evidence for a future claim, and many insurance companies require the report for their claims process.
Gather evidence at the scene. Take screenshots of the rideshare app you were using and take pictures of the vehicles involved, the license plates, any vehicle damage, and the position of the cars where the accident happened. Get the drivers’ contact information, including their names, insurance policy numbers, and driver’s license numbers. If others witnessed the accident, you might want to speak with them and write down their contact information to corroborate your story.
Each rideshare app has a process for reporting a car accident. Report the crash as soon as possible through the app wholly and correctly. A prompt accident report through the rideshare-specific system is crucial for claiming insurance payouts.
Contact a rideshare accident attorney to discuss your options for pursuing an insurance claim. The right personal injury claims attorney will be able to walk you through the Lyft or Uber car accident claims process and achieve the best possible settlement.

If you are involved in an accident, do not speak with any insurance companies—or rideshare companies like Lyft or Uber—about your injuries or potential liability until you have hired a personal injury lawyer, as their goal is to pay you as little as possible.

Any statements not made in consultation with an experienced Chicago rideshare accident attorney can seriously affect your ability to receive compensation for your claim. Contact our dedicated personal injury lawyers in Chicago today to learn more about your legal rights and options.

What if I can’t afford to hire a Chicago rideshare accident and injury lawyer?

If you’re worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer after a rideshare accident in Chicago, you’re not alone. Medical bills, lost wages, and recovery costs can add up quickly. The good news is that you don’t have to pay up front to get legal help.

At Wallace Miller, our Chicago rideshare accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

No upfront costs: You don’t pay anything when you hire us.
No hourly fees: You won’t be charged for consultations or case evaluations.
We only get paid if you win: Our fee is a percentage of your final settlement or verdict.
If we don’t win, you don’t pay: You owe us nothing if we don’t recover compensation for you.

Contingency fees benefit our clients in multiple ways, including:

Risk-free legal representation: You don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket.
Motivated lawyers fighting for you: We only succeed if you get the compensation you deserve.
Access to experienced attorneys: Even if you think you can’t afford a lawyer, contingency fees make top-quality legal help available to you.

A rideshare accident can leave you with serious injuries, high medical costs, and lost income. The last thing you need is to worry about affording legal help. Our team at Wallace Miller is ready to fight for you—without any upfront costs.

Contact our skilled Chicago rideshare accident lawyers today to learn more about your legal options and how we may be able to help you.

Recovering from an Uber or Lyft accident

If you are in a car accident involving a rideshare driver, the last thing you want to worry about during your convalescence is navigating a complicated claims process. Our Uber accident lawyers focus on the personal injury litigation and insurance claims process so you can devote your energy to healing. We provide dedicated support to rideshare accident victims, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance during their recovery.

While the rideshare company’s insurance policy may cover your damages, the company may also try to give you a lower offer than your claim is worth. We can advocate for you to prevent these companies from insisting on a low offer and make sure that you are adequately compensated for the physical injuries and emotional trauma you suffered.

What is the average Chicago rideshare accident settlement worth?

The average settlement from a rideshare accident can range significantly. Uber and Lyft have insurance policies covering up to $1 million in damages if the injured passenger was in the car.

Beyond the amount of insurance coverage, the settlement varies depending on the severity of the injury, the driver’s personal insurance coverage, and the liability of the driver and rideshare company. Whether your claim settles out of court or goes to trial, your rideshare accident lawyers at Wallace Miller will fight for the highest possible settlement or verdict

What types of damages can I pursue during a Chicago rideshare accident claim?

The settlement you receive from a liability insurance claim could compensate you for a variety of accident-related losses, such as:

Emotional distress.
Out-of-pocket expenses.
Medical bills and future medical expenses.
Disfigurement and scarring.
Lost wages.
Lost earning capacity.
Pain and suffering.
Loss of enjoyment of life due to an inability to enjoy the same activities as before the injury.
Property damage.

In a lawsuit against a negligent party for accident injuries, you might also be able to recover punitive or exemplary damages if they are held liable for the accident. Punitive damages are extra financial awards that punish the defendant for their misconduct and discourage future wrongdoing.

Every state is different, but courts typically require clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s actions or intent to grant this type of financial award.

Why should I hire a rideshare accident lawyer in Chicago, Illinois?

State laws and the process of proving a claim are complicated, and navigating the insurance system alone can result in a denied claim or an insignificant settlement offer. Wallace Miller’s rideshare lawyers are dedicated to reaching the best possible resolution in your case.

Contact us today if you have suffered harm from a rideshare car crash. Our firm can be reached at (312) 261-6193 or start your free case evaluation online.

What is the statute of limitations for rideshare accident claims?

If you want to file a lawsuit or hire a lawyer for injuries caused by an Uber or Lyft accident, you must follow a strict timeframe. The statutes of limitations in each state differ, but typically allow one to five years to file a case. The car accident claim must be filed within that period to pursue compensation.

For example, if the laws in your state impose a two-year statutory period, you must initiate your lawsuit within two years of the accident date. You will likely lose your right to pursue legal action and collect compensation from the at-fault party if the statute of limitations passes before you file.

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Talk to the rideshare accident lawyers at Wallace Miller

Our legal team understands how devastating and disruptive it can be to suffer injury in a rideshare accident case caused by someone else’s negligence. We are ready to fight for the best possible rideshare settlement or verdict so that you can focus on healing.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries from a rideshare crash, contact Wallace Miller at (312) 261-6193 or start your free case evaluation online.

Left to right: Nicholas P. Kelly, Edward A. Wallace, Molly Condon Wells, Mark R. Miller, Jessica Wieczorkiewicz, Timothy E. Jackson.

Rideshare Accident Attorney in Chicago