Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Were you injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Chicago? Your personal injury claim could be worth $1 million. The rideshare accident lawyers at Lloyd Miller Law have over 75 years of combined experience helping injured victims like you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our law firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients in Illinois.
Our rideshare accident lawyers understand the unique challenges that arise in these cases, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.
Were you hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in Chicago, Berwyn, Oak Lawn, Cicero, or a nearby community? Call the rideshare accident lawyers at Lloyd Miller Law for a free consultation.
Call: 773-838-8100
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Uber and Lyft Accidents Are Costly. Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help
Rideshare accident victims often suffer serious injuries like whiplash, brain injuries, neck injuries, spinal injuries, and amputations. To heal from their injuries, they may need multiple surgeries or to be treated by specialists for extended periods of time.
In many cases, Uber and Lyft accident victims are unable to return to work, or even care for themselves. They must depend on nursing staff and/or special medical equipment to help them with mobility issues or even help them stay alive.
If you suffered severe injuries in a rideshare accident, you may be able to recover up to $1 million in compensation to pay for these and other losses. A Chicago rideshare accident lawyer at Lloyd Miller Law can help you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to recover damages. You may be able to obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What to Expect when You Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney at Lloyd Miller Law
FREE Case Evaluation
Our initial case evaluation process is designed to assess the strength of your case and determine the potential for compensation. During your free consultation, a rideshare accident attorney will sit down with you and listen to your side of the story. We will discuss how the accident happened and how it impacted, or continues to impact, your life. Next, your lawyer will evaluate the value of your case and explain your legal options to you. This will enable you to make informed decisions as your case progresses.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
The rideshare accident attorneys at our law firm take accident investigation to a higher level than many personal injury lawyers in Chicago. We obtain medical records and accident reports, interview witnesses, review photos and video footage from dash cams and area security or traffic cameras, and work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze evidence and identify details other attorneys might miss. It’s in these details that complicated accident cases are won.
Expert Analysis
Expert witnesses often play a vital role in rideshare accident cases. Accident reconstruction experts use innovative technology to recreate crashes and then deliver their opinions about what transpired. This helps our attorneys understand more about contributing factors like speed, vehicle position, and the position during impact. This information helps determine liability in rideshare accidents. Additionally, medical and vocational experts help our attorneys, and/or the jury, understand more about how your accident injuries affect your life, your ability to work, and your future.
Negotiations and Settlements
Our negotiation strategies are designed to ensure that you secure a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for all of your injuries and losses. We leverage our knowledge of personal injury laws, precedents, and the value of similar rideshare accident cases to negotiate a settlement that pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. While our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you without the need for a protracted trial, that isn’t always possible. If negotiations are unsuccessful, we will proceed with court.
Trial Representation
Not all personal injury lawyers are equal when it comes to representing you and protecting your rights in court. In fact, many accident attorneys settle all their cases outside the courtroom and have never actively participated in a trial. At Lloyd Miller Law, our rideshare accident lawyers are recognized among our clients and peers for our trial experience and skill in the courtroom. We prepare each case we handle as if it’s going to trial, and we don’t back down.
Client Support and Communication
Our commitment to providing personalized attention, regular updates, and open communication to our clients is unmatched. Our rideshare accident lawyers are available by phone, email, and in person to ensure you stay informed of any changes and involved in the progress of your case the throughout the personal injury claims process.
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in Chicago, you need legal representation from experienced rideshare accident lawyers who understand the obstacles that frequently arise with these cases. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
Call: 773-838-8100
Legal Process for Rideshare Accident Cases in Chicago
Reporting the Accident
Immediately following a rideshare accident, call 9-1-1 and report the crash to emergency services. This gets medical help on the way, if necessary, and ensures the accident scene is documented by law enforcement.
Seeking Medical Attention
Seek medical care right away, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Doing so ensures that any internal injuries, like brain trauma, organ damage, or internal bleeding, are addressed. It also documents your injuries for legal purposes.
Gathering Evidence
If you are able, gather evidence at the crash site. The crucial evidence to collect includes, but is not limited to, accident scene photographs or videos, witness statements, and driver information. Be sure to take pictures of vehicle placement, skid marks, and anything else that may demonstrate fault.
Establishing Liability
Your rideshare accident lawyer will use the evidence you gather, as well as additional evidence, to determine all parties who may be liable for your injuries. Liability may lie on rideshare drivers, other motorists, and/or rideshare companies.
Insurance Coverage
In rideshare accidents, various insurance policies interact and coverage limits apply that will impact how much you can recover. If the driver was off-duty, for example, his or her personal liability insurance will be responsible for paying for your losses, and coverage limits will likely be lower. If the driver was transporting passengers, however, your case could be worth up to $1 million.
Filing a Lawsuit
The amount of time you have to file a rideshare accident lawsuit is limited, so it’s important to get a rideshare accident attorney on your side right away. Generally, accident victims who fail to take legal action within two years of suffering injuries will lose their right to recover compensation.
Unique Challenges in Rideshare Accident Cases
The Anatomy of a Rideshare Accident Claim presents unique challenges compared to traditional car accident cases, mainly due to the involvement of rideshare companies, multiple parties, and complex insurance coverages. To win your Uber accident case, you’re going to need an attorney who understands rideshare regulations, complicated insurance policies, and personal injury laws in Illinois. You’re going to need a rideshare accident attorney at Lloyd Miller Law.
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accident Cases
In rideshare accidents, determining liability can be challenging. Liability may rest with the rideshare driver, another motorist, or both. Issues such as driver negligence, distracted driving, or violation of traffic laws must be investigated thoroughly. Additionally, determining whether the driver was “on duty” or “off duty” at the time of the accident affects the level of liability borne by the rideshare company.
Uber & Lyft Insurance Coverages
Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies, which can complicate the injury claims process. Rideshare companies typically provide insurance coverage that only applies during specific periods. For example, coverage may vary depending on whether the driver is online and waiting to accept a ride request, is en route to pick up a passenger, or has a passenger in the vehicle. An experienced accident lawyer at our law firm can help determine which insurance policy is in effect and the coverage limits that apply. In some cases, accident victims may be able to recover up to $1 million.
“My mother-in-law was crossing the street and was hit by a car turning right. Attorney Kurt Lloyd handled the case and ultimately got a great result. Highly Recommend!”
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Victims of rideshare accidents may be Uber or Lyft drivers, rideshare passengers, pedestrians, or people in another car. Dangerously congested Chicago interstates like I-55 and I-294 are host to countless injury and fatal rideshare accidents. However, traffic congestion isn’t the only reason rideshare accidents are common in the area. Personal injury claims may arise because of negligent Uber or Lyft drivers, other motorists, defective motor vehicle parts, or even defective traffic signals.
Some leading causes of Lyft and Uber crashes include:
Drowsy Driving
In many cases, drowsy drivers are responsible for fatal car accidents and those that cause severe injuries. Companies like Uber and Lyft require drivers to take breaks after a prescribed time working. However, many drivers find a way to circumvent the system. Some drivers drive for multiple rideshare companies, allowing them to extend their time behind the wheel. When people fail to take advantage of rest breaks and drive for extended periods of time, they can become fatigued and dangerous behind the wheel. Their reflexes may be slower, their motor skills are often impaired, and their decision-making abilities may be compromised.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Illinois. Rideshare drivers are notorious for distracted driving. Although Illinois strictly prohibits the use of smartphones and other electronic communications while driving, rideshare drivers use their phones for navigation and to accept ride requests while transporting passengers. These distractions take drivers’ attention away from the road and the task of operating their motor vehicles. Even a quick glance at their phone or interaction with the rideshare app can mean disaster for riders, pedestrians, and other motorists.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Although nobody can control the dangerous road conditions caused by Mother Nature, or stop an animal from leaping into the roadway, other hazardous road conditions are preventable. Examples include malfunctioning traffic lights, structure failures, obstructed views, and dangerous or confusing road designs. A car accident attorney can help crash victims determine whether road conditions contributed to an accident.
Speeding
Rideshare drivers often speed to collect as many ride requests as possible during their shifts. Zipping through downtown intersections and driving too fast on the highway increase the risk of an accident. Since speeding also increases the force of impact in a crash, the injuries suffered in speeding accidents are often severe.
Types of Rideshare Accidents
Our rideshare accident lawyers in Chicago often handle claims involving:
- head-on-collisions
- distracted drivers
- Speeding
- drunk driving accidents
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can result in a variety of injuries, depending on the severity of the collision. Some common injuries include:
- Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash, sprains, strains, and bruises are frequent occurrences in car accidents.
- Head injuries: Concussions, contusions, and even more serious head trauma can happen in rideshare accidents.
- Bone fractures: Broken bones can occur due to the impact of a crash.
- Neck and back injuries: These injuries can be particularly debilitating and lead to chronic pain.
- Psychological trauma: The emotional impact of a car accident can be significant, causing anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
The Rise of Rideshare Services
Ridesharing services are becoming increasingly popular in Chicago and the surrounding areas. The rise of rideshare services has transformed the way people commute and travel in cities across the globe, including Chicago. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have disrupted the traditional taxi industry by offering convenient and accessible transportation options through smartphone applications. This innovative approach has garnered immense popularity and has revolutionized urban transportation in several ways.
One of the key drivers behind the rise of rideshare services is the increased availability and affordability of rides. With just a few taps on their smartphones, users can request a ride and have a driver arrive at their location within minutes. This level of convenience and efficiency has made ridesharing an attractive alternative to traditional taxis or public transportation for many commuters.
Rideshare services have also introduced innovative features such as real-time GPS tracking, cashless payments, and driver ratings. These features enhance transparency, security, and accountability, providing users with a seamless and user-friendly experience.
Furthermore, rideshare services have created new economic opportunities by allowing individuals to become independent drivers. This gig economy model enables flexible work hours and additional income for drivers. It has also created employment opportunities for those who may not have otherwise been able to enter the traditional workforce.
Rideshare Accidents: The Cost of Convenience
Overall, the rise of rideshare services has fundamentally changed the transportation landscape, providing convenient, cost-effective, and flexible options for urban commuters. However, as the number of people using Uber and Lyft continues to rise, so does the number of rideshare accident and injury claims.
The Role of Rideshare Companies in Uber & Lyft Accidents
The role of rideshare company policies and driver training in accidents cannot be understated. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers and other road users. Therefore, they are required to implement specific policies and provide training to their drivers to mitigate the risk of accidents and promote safe driving practices.
Rideshare Driver Screening
One crucial aspect of rideshare company policies is the screening and selection of drivers. These companies typically conduct background checks and review driving records to ensure that drivers meet certain criteria and have a clean driving history. This process aims to weed out individuals with a history of unsafe driving behaviors or criminal offenses.
Uber & Lyft Safe Practices
Rideshare companies often have policies in place that prohibit drivers from using their mobile devices while driving. This helps minimize distractions and promotes focused attention on the road, reducing the risk of accidents caused by driver inattention.
Rideshare Driver Training
Driver training is another crucial component. Rideshare companies often provide training programs that educate drivers on safe driving practices, local traffic laws, and customer service. These programs aim to equip drivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate traffic safely, make sound decisions on the road, and handle various situations that may arise during rides.
While these policies and training programs are intended to promote safety, thousands of accidents still occur. When Uber or Lyft accidents happen and people get injured, investigating whether the rideshare company adequately enforced its policies and provided sufficient training to its drivers is vital. If it is found that the company’s policies were inadequate or that driver training was lacking, it may be a factor in determining liability.
Our experienced rideshare accident lawyers will examine these factors to determine if negligence or noncompliance with safety protocols contributed to the accident and use this information to maximize compensation for our clients.
FAQs About Rideshare Accidents in Chicago
What should I do if I am in a rideshare accident in Chicago?
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the priority. Get checked by a doctor and document any injuries.
- Report the accident: Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app and to the police if necessary.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to the vehicles involved. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Keep records: Maintain copies of all medical bills, police reports, and communication with the rideshare company.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer: An experienced lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and help you navigate the claims process.
Are there any special laws or regulations regarding rideshare companies in Chicago?
Yes, Chicago has specific regulations for rideshare companies operating within city limits. These regulations include:
- Insurance requirements: Rideshare companies must maintain minimum insurance coverage for passengers in case of accidents.
- Driver background checks: Companies must conduct background checks on drivers to ensure passenger safety.
- Vehicle inspections: Rideshare vehicles must undergo regular safety inspections.
Is it always necessary to file a police report after a rideshare accident in Chicago?
While not always mandatory, filing a police report is highly recommended after a rideshare accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. The report documents the accident details, date, time, and parties involved. It can be crucial evidence for insurance claims and legal cases.
If the police are not called to the scene initially, you can still file a police report later at a nearby police station.