The benefits of ridesharing services may come with additional risks. Every day, Uber and Lyft drivers are involved in accidents, some of which are caused by the driver.
If you were injured in a crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, our experienced Chicago ridesharing accident lawyers at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can help. We’ve served as tough advocates in Chicagoland for decades, and we have an extensive history of recovering record-setting settlements and verdicts for our clients
Schedule a consultation to find out if you have a case and what damages you may be entitled to pursue.
More safety measures don’t mean rideshares are more safe
Uber and Lyft have taken steps to increase the safety of ridesharing passengers and others on the road. Both companies conduct background checks on their drivers and set certain standards for the personal vehicles used.
In Chicago, Uber and Lyft drivers are required to take an online course and obtain a special chauffeur’s license before they’re allowed to accept rides in the city. Ridesharing vehicles more than six years old must be inspected semi-annually.
However, serious and fatal crashes continue to devastate Chicagoland even with these safety measures – drivers don’t always follow these requirements.
Steps to take after being in a rideshare accident
The immediate aftermath of any accident can be stressful and confusing. However, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your legal rights and health following a rideshare accident.
1. Check yourself and your passenger(s) for injuries
Take a moment to check yourself and anyone else in the vehicle for injuries. If anyone appears injured, try not to move them unless instructed to by emergency personnel.
2. Call 911 and ask for police and an ambulance
No matter how minor the accident may appear, it is important to call 911 and ask for police and medical attention. The responding officers will write up a report that could be useful to your case.
3. Tell your side of the story to the responding police officer
When the officers arrive, give them your version of what happened as accurately and calmly as possible. Avoid admitting fault for the accident.
4. Notify your insurance company
Inform your insurance company as soon as possible that there’s been an accident. Your insurance provider will likely assign an adjuster to investigate the accident.
5. Gather evidence at the scene
Take pictures and/or videos of the damages caused by the accident and collect contact information from any witnesses. You should also take notes on anything you remember about the incident while your memory is still fresh.
6. Visit Urgent Care or your primary care physician
Even if you don’t experience any immediate pain, it’s crucial to visit a doctor as soon as possible and follow their instructions. Be sure to keep a copy of any documents related to your accident such as medical reports and bills.
7. Meet with a car accident attorney to understand your legal options
Once you’ve taken care of your immediate needs, it’s time to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable car accident attorney. A Chicago car accident lawyer can provide an objective assessment of your case and recommend the best path forward.
Make sure you file a claim on time
In the state of Illinois, you have two years to file a claim for personal injury. This is known as the statute of limitations. There are some instances where your filing deadline may be different. If you miss the filing deadline, you may not be able to seek compensation for your injuries or any other damages.
While two years may seem like a long time, keep in mind that your attorney will need time to review your case and build a strong legal argument. The sooner you get started, the better your chances will be of filing a successful claim.
Possible damages you can claim
The aim of a personal injury claim is to seek financial compensation for the losses you incurred due to the accident. These losses, called damages, include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages
Economic damages are those with a definite and measurable financial cost. This includes past and future medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, and lost earning capacity due to long-term injuries.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are those that don’t have a specific dollar value attached to them. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and other losses that are difficult to quantify.
Parties who may be liable for your injury
To successfully seek compensation on your behalf, your attorney will need to identify all parties who may be liable for your injury. Depending on the unique circumstances of your case and whether you were a driver or passenger, this may include:
- The rideshare driver
- Another driver
- The rideshare company
- The manufacturer of the rideshare vehicle or its parts
- A municipal agency responsible for maintaining the roads
When you work with our Chicago rideshare accident attorneys, we’ll work to uncover all liable parties and fight for justice on your behalf.
How our Chicago attorneys prove negligence
To prove negligence, our attorneys will need to demonstrate that the liable party owed you a duty of care, failed to meet that duty, and caused your injury as a result.
Proving negligence can be a complex process, but our attorneys have the necessary knowledge and skill to build a strong case. We’ll pursue all available evidence, from accident reports to witness statements, to show that the liable party was indeed negligent and should be held accountable for their actions.
We fight the insurance company to get you maximum compensation
Uber and Lyft drivers are covered by insurance policies, which often try to minimize payout or deny liability altogether.
Our Chicago personal injury attorneys have extensive experience dealing with these companies and know how to negotiate for the best possible outcome on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to settle for a fair amount, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
Causes of Chicago Uber and Lyft accidents
Distracted driving
Uber and Lyft drivers operate by using the company app on their cell phones. Drivers may not always pull over and park before checking the app. This may happen when they are waiting for a ride or picking up and transporting passengers.
Speeding
Time is money. The faster Uber and Lyft drivers pick up riders and get passengers to their destinations, the more money they make. It may be a temptation for ridesharing drivers to exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for traffic or weather conditions.
Fatigued driving
Like other people, Uber and Lyft drivers are working for a living and may go to work without adequate rest. Unlike commercial truck drivers, ridesharing drivers are not as regulated regarding how frequently they must take breaks or how long their breaks must be.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Despite background checks, some Uber and Lyft drivers have been found to drive passengers while impaired by alcohol or drugs. For example, according to a 2017 article in the Daily Herald, a Schaumburg Uber driver was charged with driving drunk with a passenger in the car.
Common ridesharing accident injuries
Like other motor vehicle accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents can cause serious injuries to those involved. Common accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and contusions
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD or anxiety
- Chronic pain
While some of these injuries may be minor, others can have a lasting impact on victims. Long-term disability is a real possibility, and the financial consequences can be devastating. No matter the severity of your injuries, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your losses.
“Dos” and “don’ts” of dealing with insurance after a crash
Our attorneys will handle most of the communication with the insurance company, but it’s not uncommon for insurance adjusters to reach out directly to victims as well. Keep in mind these important “dos and don’ts”:
Do:
- Get the representative’s name and contact information.
- Take notes on the conversation.
- State only the basics when asked about the circumstances of the accident.
- Let the representative know that you’re represented by an attorney.
Don’t:
- Admit fault or apologize for the accident.
- Give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first.
- Allow yourself to be pressured into making a quick decision.
- Accept the first offer you receive from the insurance company.
- Sign any documentation from the insurance company without consulting your attorney.
Remember, these insurance companies are trying to save money, so they won’t necessarily have your best interests in mind. If you’re ever in doubt, contact your rideshare accident attorney in Chicago right away.
Cost of hiring a Chicago ridesharing accident lawyer
The cost of hiring a Chicago ridesharing accident lawyer is generally contingent on the amount of time and work required to bring your claim to a successful resolution. However, you don’t need to worry about the costs of seeking representation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t owe us any attorney fees unless we win your case.
Why you should visit a doctor as soon as possible
Prompt medical attention can establish a clear timeline of your injuries and show a link between the accident and your injuries.
Furthermore, some injuries may not be obvious right away. You could have internal injuries with delayed symptoms, or you may have a concussion with no visible signs. A doctor can properly evaluate your health and diagnose any injuries that you may be unaware of, which can prevent further complications down the line.
Why work with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
The team at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has over 350 years of combined experience representing people who’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. In that time, we’ve recovered over a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. That’s why we’re considered one of the premier personal injury law firms in Illinois.
Our Chicago ridesharing attorneys are here to help
Our attorneys have a deep understanding of rideshare accidents and the laws surrounding them. We know how to build strong cases that maximize compensation, and you can rest assured that we’ll fight for what you deserve. You’re already dealing with enough stress due to the accident, so trust us to handle your legal matters and pursue justice on your behalf.
If you were injured, contact us online or call (800) 985-1819 to schedule a free consultation.