Car Accident Injury Claims Involving Rideshare Vehicles (Uber/Lyft) In Illinois

Car Accident Injury Claims Involving Rideshare Vehicles (Uber/Lyft) In Illinois

Car accidents involving rideshare vehicles such as Uber and Lyft present unique legal challenges for injury victims in Illinois. These cases often involve multiple layers of insurance coverage and complex liability issues. When a rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash, determining fault, insurance responsibility, and compensation can be confusing. Our Illinois car accident injury attorneys help injury victims understand their valuable legal rights and pursue the monetary compensation their cases deserve under Illinois law. If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, knowing how liability works and how to protect your rights can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Understanding Illinois Laws Governing Rideshare Accidents

Illinois has specific laws in place to regulate rideshare companies and protect passengers, drivers, and other motorists. The Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57/) sets forth the legal framework for rideshare operations, including insurance requirements and driver background checks.

Under this law, rideshare companies are required to maintain specific insurance coverage during different phases of a ride. The coverage varies depending on whether the driver is logged into the app and whether a passenger is in the vehicle at the time of the accident. These distinctions significantly impact how accident injury claims are handled.

Insurance Coverage For Rideshare Accidents In Illinois

Insurance coverage in a rideshare accident depends on the driver’s status at the time of the collision:

• Driver Not Logged Into The App – If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance applies.
• Driver Logged Into The App But No Passenger Accepted – The rideshare company must provide contingent coverage with a minimum of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Driver With A Passenger Or En Route To Pick Up – When a driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.

Illinois requires rideshare companies to comply with these insurance mandates to protect accident victims and ensure compensation availability. However, insurance companies often dispute coverage based on the driver’s app activity at the time of the crash.

Determining Liability In A Rideshare Accident

Liability in rideshare accidents can be complicated due to the multiple parties involved. Possible liable parties can include:

• The Rideshare Driver – If the driver was negligent, they may be held responsible under their insurance policy or the rideshare company’s policy, depending on app activity.
• The Rideshare Company – If the driver was actively transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up, the company’s insurance coverage applies.
• Other Negligent Drivers – If another driver caused the crash, their insurance would be responsible for covering damages.
• Vehicle Manufacturers Or Maintenance Providers – Defective vehicle parts or poor maintenance could also be contributing factors.

Proving liability requires evidence such as police reports, app data, eyewitness statements, and vehicle damage assessments. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which means compensation can be reduced if the injured party is found partially at fault.

Steps To Take After A Rideshare Accident In Illinois

Protecting your rights after a rideshare accident requires taking specific steps:

1. Call Law Enforcement – Report the accident to the police and request an official report, as it will serve as vital evidence.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation. Some injuries take time to appear.
3. Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, and any visible injuries.
4. Obtain Driver And Rideshare Information – Collect contact details from the rideshare driver and confirm whether they were actively working for the platform.
5. Speak With An Attorney – Consulting a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation effectively.

Legal Rights Of Passengers In Rideshare Accidents

Passengers in rideshare vehicles are generally entitled to full insurance coverage if they are injured in an accident. Illinois law requires Uber and Lyft to provide $1 million in coverage for both bodily injury and property damage while a passenger is in the vehicle.

However, securing compensation can still involve disputes over fault and the extent of coverage. As personal injury attorneys, we help rideshare accident victims file claims directly with the rideshare company’s insurance provider and pursue additional damages if coverage is insufficient.

Common Challenges In Rideshare Accident Claims

Rideshare accident cases often present legal challenges such as:

• Disputes Over Driver Status – Insurers may argue the driver was not actively working for the rideshare company to avoid full coverage.
• Multiple Policies Involved – The overlap between personal auto insurance and rideshare coverage can create confusion over who is responsible for payment.
• Partial Fault Allegations – Under Illinois’s modified comparative negligence rule, victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially at fault.

Having legal representation ensures these challenges are addressed properly, helping injury victims recover the full compensation they deserve.

Rideshare Accident FAQs

What Should I Do If I’m Injured As A Passenger In An Uber Or Lyft Accident?

If you are injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident, your first priority should be seeking medical attention. Report the accident to both the police and the rideshare company through the app. The rideshare company’s $1 million liability insurance should cover your medical expenses and damages, but filing a claim can become complicated if multiple vehicles are involved. Working with a personal injury attorney ensures all available compensation is pursued.

How Is Fault Determined In An Illinois Rideshare Accident?

Fault in a rideshare accident is determined by reviewing evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and the police report. Illinois follows a comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which allows partial fault to be assigned. If you are found less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault.

Can I Sue Uber Or Lyft Directly After An Accident?

Uber and Lyft typically classify their drivers as independent contractors, which can limit direct lawsuits against the companies. However, their insurance policies cover injuries sustained during active rides. If their coverage fails to fully compensate you or if the company was negligent in its hiring practices, legal action against the rideshare company may be possible. A personal injury lawyer can help determine the best course of action.

What Damages Can I Recover After A Rideshare Accident In Illinois?

Victims of rideshare accidents can pursue various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. If the accident resulted in permanent disability or long-term care needs, additional damages may apply. Illinois law allows for both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the crash.

Do I Need A Lawyer For A Rideshare Accident Claim In Illinois?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, working with a personal injury attorney significantly improves your chances of receiving full compensation. Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple insurance companies, liability disputes, and complex coverage rules under the Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act. An attorney can protect your rights and ensure all damages are properly pursued.

Call Our Antioch Rideshare Accident Injury Lawyer For A Free Consultation

At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., we help rideshare accident victims understand their legal options and pursue the compensation they deserve under Illinois law. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident involving Uber or Lyft, our experienced attorneys are here to fight for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.

We represent clients in Antioch and throughout Illinois from our office locations in Antioch, Illinois. To receive your free consultation, contact our Antioch Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., at 847-395-2200. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve after a rideshare accident.