Over the past decade, ridesharing services around Chicago have become popular forms of transportation. While applications like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we engage and travel around cities, these services are also responsible for introducing new and complex legal issues — especially when their drivers become involved in traffic accidents.
This means that determining liability for ridesharing accidents can involve a complicated legal process requiring the help of a seasoned attorney.
Stein & Shulman, LLC represents victims of ridesharing accidents across the Chicagoland area, including Lake County. Our team has over 55 years of combined experience representing clients in car accident claims, and we remain dedicated to fighting for our clients from beginning to end. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
Liability Laws and Ridesharing in Illinois
In Illinois, ridesharing accident laws are governed by the state’s Transportation Network Providers Act.
As with other private transportation services, such as taxi cabs and limousine companies, rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft must maintain specialized insurance policies that cover their drivers while they operate their private vehicles for business purposes.
Under Illinois statutes, rideshare companies must hold insurance policies with liability limits of at least the following:
- $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
These insurance policies are required to be in effect at all times, even when drivers are idle. As such, rideshare-specific liability coverage ensures that motorists and pedestrians are protected in the event of an accident whenever a rideshare driver is looking for riders or has an active fare.
When companies fail to provide valid coverage, they can face legal and financial repercussions. Illinois law protects your rights to recover your losses if you become injured or sustain property damage due to a rideshare driver, even if they’re uninsured.
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be more complicated than a typical crash due to the extra elements involved.
Liability in a rideshare accident may depend on several factors, such as the:
- Cause of the accident
- Driver’s status at the time of the accident
- Insurance coverage of other parties involved
Rideshare companies may be liable when evidence shows they were negligent in their hiring process or failed to maintain the required insurance coverage. If you’re at fault for the accident, you may be held liable under Illinois law, but the rideshare company’s policy may still provide coverage for your harm or losses.
If you suffer a rideshare accident in Chicago, it is crucial to seek the representation of a seasoned attorney who can help determine liability and pursue compensation for your specific injuries and losses.
Personal Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
As with other crashes involving vehicles, rideshare crashes can result in a wide range of personal injuries, some more severe than others. These injuries may include:
- Cuts and contusions
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
If you become injured in a rideshare accident, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries appear minor. Some injuries are not always immediately apparent.
In Illinois, victims of rideshare accidents are likely entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses, such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage
However, pursuing compensation in rideshare accident cases can prove to be challenging. A skilled attorney who understands the legal gray areas of rideshare liability can give you the best chance of recovering the compensation you are entitled to.
Types of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can vary depending on the unique situation and the parties involved. Some common examples of ridesharing accidents include:
- Multiple-vehicle accidents
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- DUI/DWI
The rapid rise in rideshare platforms has put motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at increased risk of injury, especially in urban centers like Chicago. With more cars on the road, there is potentially a higher chance of crashes.
Additionally, because ridesharing drivers rely on their cell phones around the clock, there’s a greater risk of distracted driving. Often, drivers must communicate with passengers in real-time, send text messages, make phone calls, and navigate directions, all of which puts others at risk of a crash or collision.
Contact a Lake County Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If a rideshare driver injures you or a loved one, it’s best to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Early action can help you collect the evidence to support your claim and prove negligence against a rideshare driver and company.
At Stein & Shulman, LLC, our dedicated team will work with you to ensure no stone is left unturned. We’re deeply committed to fighting for the best interests of our clients. Contact us today to learn more about ridesharing accidents and how a Lake County personal injury attorney can help you recover your financial losses after a crash.
