Chicago Uber Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in an Uber accident in Chicago, IL, you’re likely wondering what steps to take. Whether you were a rideshare passenger or in another vehicle, you can pursue legal action against the at-fault individual. 

The skilled Chicago Uber accident lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can help. We’ll identify the liable party and seek compensation covering your medical costs, lost income, and pain.

Our car accident attorneys in Chicago have decades of combined experience. We know how to deal with large corporations like Uber and their insurers. Our nationally recognized team can handle the most complex personal injury cases, such as commercial vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, Chicago pedestrian accidents, catastrophic injuries, train accidents, or Chicago wrongful death claims, and win – and we have the results to prove it.

Call us at (312) 726-1616 or contact our law firm online to schedule a time to speak with one of our attorneys regarding your Uber accident. Your initial consultation is free, and we’ll provide an honest assessment of your personal injury claim.

How Can an Attorney Help If I Was Injured in an Uber Accident in Chicago, IL?

How Can an Attorney Help If I Was Injured in an Uber Accident in Chicago, IL?

A car accident case involving a rideshare driver can be complicated. If the Uber driver was at fault, you must determine what they were doing when the collision occurred. This will dictate whether Uber’s commercial insurance applies and the coverage limits. And, when multiple policies cover the accident, things can get even more challenging.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys will take on every aspect of your accident case. We routinely negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys, and we know how they operate. 

If you hire Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for help after an Uber crash in Chicago, Illinois, we’ll: 

  • Investigate what happened and identify who is financially accountable for your damages
  • Gather information and evidence proving liability 
  • Identify the full extent of your financial and personal losses to determine your case’s value
  • Handle all negotiations, documentation, and filings in a timely manner
  • Protect you from false claims that you share fault for the Uber accident
  • File a formal lawsuit and represent you at trial if we cannot reach a settlement that fully compensates you

Our primary goal is to obtain the maximum financial recovery for you. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Chicago to learn more about our legal services.

What Causes Most Uber Accidents in Chicago?

It may surprise some, but Uber drivers don’t have any special licensing requirements. They must undergo a background check, have a valid driver’s license, and provide proof of insurance. However, they don’t have to pass a safety inspection or skills test like commercial drivers in Illinois.

Accordingly, Uber drivers are just as prone to cause accidents as any other Illinois driver.

Common causes of Uber accidents include: 

  • Driver fatigue from working long hours
  • Distracted driving, such as talking to passengers or looking at GPS
  • Speeding
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Intoxicated driving (DUI)
  • Aggressive driving
  • Unsafe drop offs or pickups 
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Dangerous lane changes or turns
  • Unfamiliarity with areas

Other potential causes of Chicago Uber collisions include road defects and defective vehicle parts, such as faulty tires, brakes, or steering. 

Of course, not all rideshare accidents are the Uber driver’s fault. 

Who Is Liable for an Uber Accident in Chicago, IL?

Illinois is an at-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. That means the person responsible for a collision is liable for any damages resulting from their negligence. 

All Illinois drivers must maintain liability insurance coverage to pay for injuries and property damage they cause to others. 

That’s why it’s crucial to know what caused the Uber accident: it’ll help you identify the at-fault party. 

The following could potentially share liability for an Uber accident: 

  • Rideshare driver
  • Uber passenger
  • Uber, if their commercial policy covers the accident
  • Driver of another vehicle 
  • Pedestrian
  • Bicyclist 
  • Motorcyclist
  • Manufacturer of a defective auto part
  • Government agency for a road defect
  • Employer of a negligent employee

In some cases, multiple parties may share the blame for an Uber accident. In that case, you may have a claim against every individual who contributed to your injuries. 

How Much Is My Chicago Uber Accident Case Worth?

The value of your Chicago Uber accident claim will depend on your unique situation. There is no standard value; all cases are fact-specific and must be independently evaluated. 

When we’re calculating your damages, we’ll examine the following: 

  • The applicable insurance coverage
  • The type and severity of your injuries and how they affect you physically and emotionally
  • The medical bills and other accident-related costs you’ve incurred
  • Whether you’ve sustained any permanent injuries
  • The amount of time you missed from work – and whether you’re able to continue working in the same capacity
  • Whether you share fault for the Uber accident

You need to understand what your Uber accident case is worth before negotiating with an insurance company. That way, you’ll know when a settlement offer is fair. Our Chicago Uber accident attorneys can handle your claim and ensure you receive an amount that fully compensates you.

How Will Uber’s Insurance Impact My Chicago Accident Claim?

Uber accidents can present unique and challenging insurance issues. Uber drivers are classified by the ridesharing company as independent contractors. That means Uber can attempt to deny liability for accidents caused by its drivers since they don’t consider them employees.

However, Illinois law requires all transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber to maintain minimum contingent liability coverage. This coverage applies if the driver’s own policy doesn’t cover an accident. That way, passengers are protected by either the driver’s or Uber’s insurance if they’re injured in a collision.

Different policies may apply depending on what the Uber driver was doing when the collision occurred, as follows:

The Uber Driver Had the App On and Was Waiting for a Ride Request

If the driver is logged into the Uber app and is awaiting a request, Uber maintains the following third-party coverage:

  • $50,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

This coverage begins from the moment the driver logs into the Uber app to when they accept a request, per Illinois law. It applies if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the accident.

The Uber Driver Was Picking Up or Transporting a Passenger

Once the driver accepts a request, Uber’s $1 million policy kicks in. This coverage applies until the driver drops off the passenger at their destination. It also includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in the event another driver without adequate insurance causes an accident.

The Uber Driver Was Offline

The driver’s personal car insurance policy applies if they’re not logged into the Uber app. The collision will be treated the same as any other auto accident. 

It can be challenging to determine which insurance policy covers a rideshare accident. Our Uber accident lawyers in Chicago will investigate to determine what the driver was doing and which policy applies. 

What Types of Damages Are Available to Uber Accident Victims in Chicago, Illinois?

As a Chicago Uber accident victim, you can receive compensation for your financial expenses (economic damages). You can also seek recovery for your non-economic damages, which represent the physical and emotional impact of the Uber accident. 

Economic damages in an Uber accident claim may include: 

  • Medical bills for your hospital stay, treatment, and other costs
  • Future medical expenses
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Diminished earning potential 
  • Property damage

Non-economic damages are personal to each victim and may include: 

  • Pain and suffering
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Permanent disability or impairment
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Inconvenience
  • Emotional trauma
  • PTSD

An Illinois court may award punitive damages in your case if the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless. For example, if an Uber or Lyft driver was driving under the influence of alcohol and caused severe injuries, punitive damages may be awarded. However, these awards are rare and have a higher burden of proof than other damages.

Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault for an Uber Accident in Illinois?

Under the Illinois modified comparative fault law, you’re barred from recovering compensation if your share of responsibility exceeds 50%. As long as you’re below the threshold, you can receive an award, but it’ll be reduced by your percentage of blame. 

Common Uber Accident Injuries

People can sustain various injuries in any kind of motor vehicle accident, including those involving rideshare services.

At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped accident victims who have suffered:

  • Whiplash and other neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Internal organ injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Amputation and loss of limbs
  • Chest injuries
  • Burns
  • Paralysis

We can also help you pursue a wrongful death case if you lost a family member in a fatal Uber accident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Uber Accident in Illinois? 

Under Illinois law, you typically have two years from the Uber accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the collision was fatal, you have two years from your loved one’s date of death – which may differ from the day of the accident.

There may be exceptions, so it’s best to consult a personal injury attorney in Chicago to preserve your right to compensation. Don’t miss the deadline. If you do, you’ll lose your right to pursue legal action against the responsible party.

Schedule a Free Case Assessment With Our Chicago Uber Accident Lawyers

Were you injured in an Uber accident in Chicago, IL? If so, Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can help. We’ll gather evidence and handle all insurance claims and negotiations. 

Contact our personal injury law firm to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Uber accident attorney in Chicago.

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