Chicago Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys

The simple answer is yes, you can sue Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company after an accident—in some circumstances. As previously mentioned, these companies enact measures to limit their liability, including classifying drivers as independent contractors, rather than employees. However, this does not mean that they can always avoid being held responsible for accidents caused by their drivers. 

Though it can be difficult to sue Uber or Lyft after a crash, it is not impossible. That being said, it may not be necessary to file a lawsuit. Both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for damages arising from accidents that occur during certain “driving periods.” In many cases, it may be possible to file a claim for damages under this coverage. 

Uber & Lyft Accident Coverage 

The two largest rideshare services, Uber and Lyft, both offer insurance coverage during certain driving periods. This means that, when an accident occurs during one of these periods, injured victims can be compensated for certain accident-related damages. 

The three recognized driving periods include: 

• Period 1: The rideshare driver has the app turned on and is actively waiting for a ride request but has not yet accepted a ride.
• Period 2: The rideshare driver has accepted a ride request and is on the way to pick up the passenger but does not yet have the passenger in the vehicle.
• Period 3: The rideshare driver is actively transporting the passenger to their destination, i.e., the passenger is in the rideshare vehicle.

To have a covered claim, you will need to prove that the accident occurred during one of these driving periods and that the rideshare driver was at least partly at fault for the crash. Because Illinois follows a rule of modified comparative negligence, you can still file a claim if you were partly to blame, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 50%. If you are found partly at fault, you can only recover some of the total amount you are seeking in damages. 

What Types of Compensation Could Be Available? 

Like any other car accident, a rideshare accident can result in serious physical, financial, and emotional hardships for victims and their loved ones. By filing a claim, you can seek fair financial compensation for your damages, or the economic and noneconomic losses you have endured as a result of the crash.

Some examples of common damages in rideshare accident claims include: 

• Medical expenses 
• Future care costs 
• Lost income/wages
• Loss of earning ability
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Rehabilitation/therapy
• In-home care and assistance 

At Hart David Carson, we fight to recover maximum compensation for our clients. In some cases, we may even be able to seek punitive damages, which are meant to punish those who cause injury through gross negligence or willful/wanton misconduct. 

How a Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help 

Getting back on your feet after a rideshare accident can be very difficult. Right now, you should be focused on getting the medical care you need—not worrying about paying your bills, keeping up with everyday expenses, and fighting with the insurance company for a fair settlement. Instead, allow our Chicago rideshare accident lawyers to handle these and other details of your case.

As your legal team, we will communicate with the insurance company and/or rideshare company so that you don’t have to. We are committed to protecting your rights and will keep your best interests at the forefront of your case. Our team will remain available to answer your questions and address any concerns that may arise during the legal process. Most importantly, we will fight for you—even if that means taking your case to court.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with our team today by calling (630) 931-0379 or by reaching us online. Hablamos español.