Naperville Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, have certainly made getting around a lot easier for people since their inception. However, in worst-case scenarios, accidents can happen. If you are injured in a car accident that involved an Uber or a Lyft driver, it can be difficult to determine fault and/or liability. Liability may lie with the rideshare driver, the other driver, or possibly the rideshare company. A Naperville rideshare accident lawyer can help you weigh your options.
What to Do in a Rideshare Accident
Using rideshare apps has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for people who have to commute without driving, enjoy going out with friends, or simply need a ride. However, it can be pretty terrifying to be involved in a car accident while you are in an Uber or a Lyft. If you are ever involved in such an accident, it is vital that you take the proper precautions to protect not only yourself but any future claim that you may want to make. You should also secure the help of an experienced lawyer.
Illinois state law includes the Transportation Network Providers Act, which ensures a certain amount of liability insurance that certain transportation networks must provide in the event of accidents that result in personal injuries, property damage, or death. It is also illegal for any driver to flee the scene of an accident in Illinois, as state law requires any driver involved in a bad accident to remain there until police officers have cleared them to leave.
Being involved in a rideshare-related accident can be overwhelming, but there are some steps you can take to ensure that you are protected should you ever wish to pursue legal action against the liable parties. Here are some ways to protect yourself and your claim after a rideshare accident:
- Stay Calm: The very first thing you want to do after a rideshare accident is stay calm. Your first instinct may be to panic, but that will not help your situation. In fact, it may make things worse. Get yourself together, take a deep breath, and assess your situation.
- Check for Injuries: Once you have calmed down, you can start checking yourself for any obvious injuries. Be sure to check any other passengers in the car for any injuries as well. Look for wet bloody spots, bruises, painful areas of your body, and any possible breaks. Whether you find any injuries or not, you should immediately call 911.
- Call 911: Be sure to call 911 as soon as you can. The sooner law enforcement and EMTs arrive, the easier it can be to keep the situation under control. The responding officers will write up a police report about the accident, which you can use for your records as official documentation of the incident.
- Be Honest: When the police arrive, tell your side of events. Leave nothing out. Be totally honest. Do not admit fault to the officer in any way. Admitting fault or apologizing for the accident can hurt your claim later.
- Call Your Insurance: You will need to notify your insurance company of your involvement in an accident. Your insurance provider will likely assign an insurance adjuster to your case to investigate the incident themselves.
- Gather Evidence: At the scene, be sure to gather as much evidence as you can that supports your claim. Take pictures of the accident scene, and speak to any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
- See a Lawyer: If you decide that you want to pursue legal action, you should reach out to an experienced rideshare accident lawyer. They can tell you what your options are and help you build your case.
FAQs
Q: Who Is Liable for Damages in a Rideshare Accident?
A: It depends. Determining liability for damages in a rideshare accident will likely be the focal point of your entire case. Certain factors have to be taken into consideration before liability can be determined, such as whether the rideshare driver had their rideshare app on and active during the accident. If the accident happened with rideshare passengers in the backseat, liability may lie with the rideshare company itself. An investigation will determine this.
Q: How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?
A: How much most car accident settlements are does not help you form a baseline for your potential settlement. Every car accident case is different, with specific details and circumstances that are unique to each case. Just because a case similar to yours resulted in a favorable settlement, it does not automatically mean that yours will too. Many factors have to be considered, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The amount of property damage
- Both parties’ willingness to compromise
- Your lawyer’s negotiation skills
Q: How Long Does a Car Accident Remain on Your Insurance in Illinois?
A: In Illinois, a car accident can remain on your insurance for up to three years, especially if you are determined to be at fault for the accident. The length of time that an accident will stay on your insurance record depends largely on:
- The nature of the accident
- Whether anyone was seriously hurt
- Your insurance carrier’s policy
- How much the insurance company is willing to pay to resolve claims
Q: How Long Do Car Insurance Claims Take in Illinois?
A: In Illinois, insurance companies have a predetermined amount of time to respond to claims. Insurance companies have 15 days to provide you with the proper forms that you need to file a claim. If your claim takes longer than 60 days to be resolved, the insurance company must notify you of why it is taking so long. If your claim is approved, the company has 30 days to pay you in full.
Reach Out to a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
At Connolly Injury Law, we can help you resolve your rideshare accident case. Our firm can develop your case, gather the necessary evidence, and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of throughout this process. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a valued team member today.
