Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyer – Get Help After a Crash
Were you injured in an accident with a rideshare driver? Secure the compensation you need by contacting a Chicago rideshare accident lawyer at Lane Brown, LLC today.
Speak With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Now
The Windy City is no stranger to rideshare services, which residents and tourists have relied on for over a decade. While these services have made it easier than ever to get around, they’ve also contributed to serious crashes throughout the Chicagoland area.
If you need help taking on a major rideshare company, Lane Brown is here for you. Our experienced rideshare lawyers in Chicago have the skills to hold these corporations accountable and win you compensation for your injuries.
Get Help With Your Rideshare Accident Claim
- What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident in Chicago?
- Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident in Chicago?
- Does Rideshare Insurance Cover Your Injuries?
- What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
- Why Rideshare Accident Claims Are More Complicated than Other Car Accidents
- How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Illinois?
- Rideshare Accident Lawyer FAQ
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident in Chicago?
The actions you take after a rideshare accident can either positively or negatively impact your ability to pursue compensation. To improve your chances of filing a successful claim, it’s best to do the following:
- Call the police to create an accident report: Any accident that results in an injury must be reported to the police. When the officer arrives, you’ll have a chance to describe the accident from your perspective. The statement you provide will go into the official police report, which your attorney can use as evidence during negotiations or a trial.
- Get immediate medical attention: After a crash, it’s always a good idea to get medical attention. Even if you don’t feel hurt, you could have internal injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. Seeing a doctor also creates a treatment record with clear documentation of any injuries. During the claims process, your rideshare accident lawyer can use these records to prove that you were harmed in the crash.
- Document the crash scene, if possible: If you are physically able, take photos of the crash scene, including any involved vehicles, the roadway, weather conditions, and nearby signs and traffic lights. At the same time, write down your full recollection of the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. These facts and photos can help your attorney in the future.
- Notify your insurance, and avoid speaking to the other party’s insurer: Many insurance policies require you to report any accident you’re involved in. Once you’ve done that, keep an eye out for calls from the rideshare company’s insurance provider. Avoid speaking to them. That’s a task you should leave to your attorney.
- Contact a rideshare attorney: Now that you’ve gotten basic medical treatment, reach out to a rideshare accident lawyer. They’ll help you understand what options you have to pursue compensation, and will speak to opposing insurance companies on your behalf.
- Keep records of your recovery process: While your attorney works on building a claim, continue with any recommended medical treatment. Keep track of all your medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and any other expenses related to the accident. These expenses are considered damages and can be incorporated into a settlement or claim.
Get Legal Guidance After a Crash
Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident in Chicago?
Liability depends on who caused the crash and what the rideshare driver’s working status was at the time of the accident. In a rideshare claim, liability may rest with the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even a company, like Lyft or Uber. Because there are so many potentially liable parties, determining fault requires an experienced rideshare accident lawyer.
Hold the Right Parties Accountable
Does Rideshare Insurance Cover Your Injuries?
Often, yes, but not automatically. The active insurance policy changes depending on whether the driver had the app off, was waiting for a request, or was engaged in an active trip. If the driver had an active trip, they are usually covered by Uber or Lyft’s insurance plan, which can provide up to $1 million in damages.
In general, here are the different situations and coverage levels that may apply during a rideshare accident:
- Driver is offline: The driver’s personal auto insurance policy likely applies in this case.
- App is active, with no current fare: The rideshare company’s policy may provide coverage at a lower limit than during an active trip.
- App is active, and fare is accepted: The rideshare company has the highest level of insurance coverage when a driver is ferrying a passenger or is on the way to pick one up.
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What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
You may be able to recover compensation for some or all of the following damages after a rideshare accident:
- Emergency care and hospital bills
- Follow-up treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation
- Prescription costs and future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and reduced quality of life
- Property damage (when applicable)
Pursue the Compensation You Deserve
Why Rideshare Accident Claims Are More Complicated than Other Car Accidents
Rideshare accident cases in Chicago are more complicated than a typical car accident claim because the level of coverage available depends on whether the driver was actively working when the crash occurred. Even the phase of the trip that a driver was in, such as active search, pickup, or drop-off, can influence which coverage plan applies to your claim.
Often, third-party insurers and disputes over applicable personal or commercial policies play a major role in determining how a case plays out. Working with a qualified rideshare accident attorney who understands the dynamics at play in these crashes can help simplify the claims process and increase your total compensation.
Get Experienced Help With a Complex Claim
How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, the standard statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury. That deadline can affect your ability to win compensation, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer and start your claim as early as possible.
Start Your Claim Before Time Runs Out
Proudly Representing Clients in Chicago, the Greater Chicago Metro Area, and Illinois
- Aurora
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- Cicero
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- Evanston
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- Naperville
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- Skokie
- Waukegan
Get Your Accident Case Started Today
If you were injured in a rideshare crash, don’t wait to start filing a claim. The sooner you speak with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer at Lane Brown, the better your chances of securing compensation.
You can contact us by phone at 312-332-1400 to speak with a real person 24/7 and schedule your free consultation. We also offer in-home and video consultations if you cannot visit our office in person.
Get Legal Help After a Rideshare Crash
Rideshare Accident Lawyer FAQ
How can a rideshare accident lawyer help me recover compensation?
A rideshare accident lawyer can help you recover compensation by investigating the crash, identifying every liable party, and pushing back when insurers try to minimize your claim.
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, which can make the claims process more confusing than usual. A rideshare accident lawyer will help sort through the various coverage levels a particular rideshare company’s insurance offers. They can determine whether the driver was logged into the app, picking up a passenger, or carrying a rider, and then build a claim based on the facts. That matters because the available insurance coverage levels can change depending on the driver’s status in the rideshare app at the time of the crash.
Rideshare accident attorneys also gather evidence to support your case. That includes police reports, witness statements, photos, medical records, and any available app or trip information. Strong evidence can show who caused the accident and how badly you were hurt.
When you work with an attorney, they’ll fight to ensure that your claim reflects the full impact of the collision. They aim to help you recover compensation for immediate costs and long-term losses, such as ongoing treatment, missed work, reduced earning potential, and emotional distress. If a fair settlement is not offered, an experienced attorney will be prepared to move the case forward to trial.
Here’s a step-by-step guide showing how rideshare accident lawyers help you navigate these complex personal injury claims:
- The attorney will sit down with you and get a full view of your perspective on the accident.
- Once you’ve spoken to the attorney, they’ll start gathering evidence. Some key items include police reports and rideshare app data.
- Using that information, they’ll get a clearer sense of who was liable for the accident.
- After establishing fault, your attorney will determine which level of insurance coverage applies to the accident. To do this, they’ll work to determine if the driver was using the app, carrying a passenger, or offline entirely.
- Next, they’ll review your medical bills] and other information to determine just how much you are owed.
- Based on that financial information, they’ll construct a demand letter and send it to the appropriate insurance company.
- Your attorney will continue to use evidence as part of the negotiation process to ensure you get the best possible settlement.
- If a compromise between your legal team and the opposing insurer cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial.
- During trial, your rideshare accident attorney will present evidence that proves the other party’s fault and liability, and clearly details the damages you suffered as a result of their actions.
- Based on the arguments presented by your attorney and the opposing insurer’s legal team, the judge or jury will determine how much you are owed.
