Chicago Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing programs such as Uber and Lyft have become extremely popular among Chicago residents. With these services expanding every day, it means there are more vehicles on the road, which also means an increase in accidents.
The aftermath of any crash is always confusing for accident victims, but those involving a ridesharing driver are even more complex. You likely have a valid claim for damages, but determining which party to hold liable is not easy. A Chicago Uber & Lyft accident lawyer can fully explain your rights, and the damages you are entitled to receive under the law.
Uber and Lyft Accident Liability
If the at-fault motorist was not the Uber or Lyft driver, you can file a personal injury claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company. If you have your own car insurance, you may also be able to file a claim with your own insurer. Determining liability after an accident caused by the Uber or Lyft driver is a bit more complex.
Ridesharing drivers are considered to be in one of three phases any time they are in their vehicle. The phase the driver was in at the time of the crash will greatly determine who to hold liable, and how much you can claim in damages. The three phases for Uber and Lyft drivers are as follows:
- The driver was not logged into the app: Ridesharing drivers do not use their vehicle for business purposes only. If they were driving and at fault for the crash, but they were not logged into the ridesharing app, you can file a claim against their own personal insurance policy. Under the minimum required auto insurance limits under Illinois law, you can claim up to $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident.
- The driver was logged in but did not have a passenger: If the ridesharing driver was logged into the app but did not yet have a passenger, Uber and Lyft both provide up to $50,000 in liability insurance coverage. This largely applies when the driver was on their way to pick up a passenger, or they had just dropped one off.
- The driver was logged in and had a passenger: In the event that you were injured while the ridesharing driver was carrying a passenger, Uber and Lyft both provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Uber and Lyft will both try to shield themselves from liability after a crash. It is crucial to work with a Chicago Uber and Lyft accident lawyer that will not let this happen.
Damages Available After an Uber or Lyft Accident
When working with a lawyer after a crash involving an Uber or Lyft, they will work hard to help you recover damages, which may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
Our Chicago Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help You Claim Full Damages
The aftermath of an accident is never easy, and it does not become any easier when a crash involves a ridesharing driver. If you have been hurt, our Chicago Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Connolly Injury Law can help you recover the maximum damages you deserve. Call us today at 312-780-0816 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.