Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare Accidents

Top-Rated Naperville Attorneys For Rideshare Accident Injuries

Have you been injured in a rideshare accident in DuPage County? Our team of skilled personal injury lawyers in Naperville, IL and St. Charles, IL can help you recover damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages after an accident involving a rideshare company.

Ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber have revolutionized transportation, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis and public transit. However, the rise of these services has also led to an increase in traffic accidents involving rideshare vehicles. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft, Uber, or other rideshare accident in Illinois, understanding your rights and legal options is crucial.

The Rise of Ridesharing and Associated Risks

Since their inception, ridesharing services have grown exponentially. As of 2023, Uber has over 93 million monthly active users worldwide, while Lyft serves over 18 million riders in the U.S. alone. The increased availability of these services has brought about a corresponding increase in traffic accidents involving rideshare vehicles. In 2019, the University of Chicago published a study showing that the introduction of ridesharing services was associated with a 2-3% increase in traffic fatalities nationwide.

In Illinois, where cities like Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are major hubs for rideshare activity, the risks are particularly pronounced. Chicago is one of the busiest cities for rideshare services, and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has reported a steady increase in car accidents since ridesharing became popular. In 2020, there were over 106,000 car crashes in Chicago alone, many of which involved rideshare vehicles.

Statistics on Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents have become increasingly common, and the data reflects this growing concern:

• A study from the University of Chicago and Rice University found that the introduction of rideshare services is associated with a 2-3% increase in traffic fatalities, equating to roughly 1,100 deaths annually nationwide.
• In Chicago, traffic crashes involving rideshare vehicles have increased by 15% since 2017, according to IDOT.
• Nationally, Uber reported 107 fatal crashes involving Uber vehicles in 2019 and 2020, resulting in 101 fatalities.

These statistics highlight the importance of understanding the risks associated with rideshare services and the legal recourse available to those injured in such accidents.

Types of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can occur in various scenarios, each with unique legal implications:

1. Passenger in a Rideshare Vehicle: As a passenger, you expect your driver to operate the vehicle safely. If your driver is negligent or another motorist causes an accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against the rideshare company.
2. Pedestrian Struck by a Rideshare Vehicle: Pedestrians hit by rideshare vehicles may face severe injuries. Determining liability in these cases can be complex, especially if the driver was logged into the app but not carrying a passenger.
3. Driver of Another Vehicle Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle: If a rideshare driver causes an accident while logged into the app, you may need to navigate both the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s insurance policies.
4. Rideshare Driver Involved in an Accident: If you are a rideshare driver involved in an accident, either as the at-fault party or the victim, your insurance coverage may vary depending on whether you were logged into the app and had a passenger.

Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents

Understanding insurance coverage in rideshare accidents is crucial for any claim. Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Insurance coverage varies, but typically includes:

1. Offline or App Off: When the driver is not using the app, their personal insurance is the only coverage available.
2. App On, No Passenger: If the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride, both Uber and Lyft offer liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person injured, $100,000 total injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
3. En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride: Once a driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up a passenger or is actively carrying a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage. This includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

In Illinois, state law requires rideshare companies to provide this insurance coverage to protect both passengers and third parties in the event of an accident.

Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident

Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complicated. Liability may rest with the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company under certain circumstances.

1. Driver Negligence: If the rideshare driver was negligent—speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence—they might be held liable for the accident.
2. Third-Party Negligence: If another driver causes the accident, that driver’s insurance would typically be responsible for covering damages.
3. Rideshare Company Liability: While rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft often argue that their drivers are independent contractors and not employees, there have been cases where the company was held liable for the driver’s actions. This is more likely if the company failed to conduct a proper background check or if their app contributed to the driver’s distraction.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor to severe. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Caused by the sudden impact during a collision.
• Broken Bones: Common in high-impact accidents.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Often the result of head trauma during an accident.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Can lead to long-term disability.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Such as bruises, sprains, and strains.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, leading to significant medical bills and lost wages.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, there are important steps to take to protect your legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Report the Accident: Notify the police and notify the rideshare company through their app. Both Uber and Lyft have procedures for reporting accidents, and it’s important to create a record of the incident.
3. Collect Evidence: If possible, gather information at the scene, including the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
4. Speak to Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, get their contact information and ask them for a statement.
5. Consult an Attorney: Rideshare accident claims can be complex, involving multiple insurance policies and potential defendants. An experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can help navigate these complexities and ensure you receive fair compensation.

The Role of an Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies. An experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:

• Investigating the Accident: Your attorney will gather evidence, review police reports, and consult with experts, as needed, to determine fault.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Your attorney will negotiate with the appropriate insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
• Representing You in Court: If necessary, your attorney will take your case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Naperville Rideshare Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Rideshare accidents in Illinois present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to determining liability and navigating insurance claims. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft, Uber, or other rideshare accident, it’s essential to seek legal guidance. The experienced personal injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident in Illinois, contact the top-rated Illinois rideshare attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. We are dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the complex legal landscape and obtain the justice they deserve.