Uber and Lyft Injury Attorneys in Chicago

Hiring a rideshare accident lawyer can increase your chances of receiving the full compensation you deserve. While it is possible to handle your claim on your own, working with a lawyer provides several advantages that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Insurance Companies Have Teams of Lawyers

When you file a claim, insurance companies have their legal teams working on their behalf. These teams work to protect the company’s interests, which can result in an unfair settlement amount. Our rideshare accident lawyers are focused on protecting your rights and ensuring you receive a fair outcome.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

An attorney can help gather critical evidence that may not be immediately obvious.

This includes obtaining:

• Police reports, photos, and video footage.
• Statements from witnesses.
• Medical records that prove the full extent of your injuries.

The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Our team can build a compelling claim with all the necessary details.

Handling Legal Procedures and Negotiations

Rideshare accident claims often involve complex legal procedures. Dedicated accident lawyers can manage every aspect of the process, from filing the claim to negotiating with insurance companies. We will ensure all deadlines are met, and your claim is submitted correctly.

Moreover, insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that can lead you to say things that might hurt your claim. They may try to downplay your injuries, shift blame, or use your own words to justify a lower payout. When a lawyer handles these conversations for you, there is less risk of saying something that could be misinterpreted or used against you.

Beyond protecting your claim, having an attorney represent you also alleviates stress. Rather than facing constant calls, confusing policy language, and pressure to settle quickly, you can concentrate on your recovery while your lawyer advocates for the compensation you deserve.

advocates for the compensation you deserve.

Litigation if Necessary

If an insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, your rideshare attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court, which gives you a better chance of securing a favorable verdict and maximum monetary compensation.

Rideshare accidents can cause many injuries, from minor bruises to long-term medical conditions. The severity of an injury often depends on the impact of the crash, whether seat belts were used, and the individual's position inside the vehicle.

Frequent Injuries from Rideshare Crashes

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries – Sudden stops or impacts can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Head and Brain Injuries – Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) may occur even without direct head impact. Symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and memory issues should be taken seriously.
• Broken Bones – Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are vulnerable to high-impact collisions. Some fractures require surgery and long recovery periods.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spine can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or, in severe cases, paralysis.
• Internal Injuries – Blunt force trauma can cause organ damage or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately noticeable but can be life-threatening.

Long-Term Effects of Rideshare Injuries

Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to long-term medical needs. Some injuries worsen over time, requiring ongoing treatment such as physical therapy, medication, or surgery. Emotional distress, including anxiety or post-traumatic stress, is also common after a serious accident.

Rideshare accident claims must be filed within a specific time frame, known as the statute of limitations. This deadline varies by state but generally ranges from one to four years from the date of the accident. You may lose the right to seek compensation if a claim is not filed within this period.

Factors That Affect Filing Deadlines

• State Laws—Each state has its rules for personal injury and insurance claims. Illinois has a two-year deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits.
• Claims Involving Government Vehicles – If a rideshare accident involves a city bus or another government-owned vehicle, the deadline may be much shorter, often requiring action within a few months.
• Minors and Incapacitated Individuals – If the injured person is under 18 or physically unable to file a claim, some states allow extensions until the individual can legally act.

Why Acting Quickly After an Uber or Lyft Accident Matters

The sooner a claim is filed, the easier it is to collect evidence, locate witnesses, and obtain records from insurance companies. Waiting too long may make proving liability harder or securing fair compensation.

Get Help Before Time Runs Out

Determining the correct deadline for your case can be complicated. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, reach out today for a free consultation. We can review your situation and help ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

After a rideshare accident, insurance companies may contact you with a settlement offer. While accepting money quickly might seem helpful, these initial offers are often much lower than the claim's worth.

Why Insurance Companies Offer Low Settlements

Uber and Lyft's insurance providers are businesses. Their goal is to settle claims for the lowest amount possible.

Some of the tactics they use include:

• Offering a fast payout before medical bills or long-term injuries are fully assessed.
• Downplaying the severity of injuries.
• Blaming another driver or outside factors to reduce their responsibility.

Once a settlement is accepted, you cannot request additional compensation later, even if new medical issues arise.

What You May Lose by Accepting Too Soon

A quick settlement might not cover the following.

• Ongoing medical treatments, such as physical therapy or surgeries.
• Lost income if you are unable to work for an extended period.
• Past and future pain and suffering are often undervalued in early offers.

Insurance companies know that injured individuals may feel financial pressure after an accident. They use this to their advantage by making reasonable offers but failing to account for long-term losses.

How to Ensure a Fair Settlement

Before accepting any money from an insurance company, it is important to:

• Review all medical records and treatment plans.
• Calculate the total financial impact of the accident, including lost income.
• Consider how injuries may affect your ability to work or perform daily activities.

If you receive a settlement offer, have it reviewed by a skilled rideshare injury attorney on our Chicago team before making a decision. Contact us for your free consultation to discuss whether the offer reflects the actual value of your claim.

A rideshare accident can lead to medical bills, time away from work, and other unexpected costs. If someone else is responsible for the crash, you may be able to recover compensation for these losses. The amount you can receive depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the insurance policies involved.

Medical Expenses

Treatment costs can add up quickly after a rideshare accident.

Compensation may cover:

• Emergency room visits and hospital stays
• Surgeries and medical procedures
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Future medical care for long-term injuries

Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover lost wages. Compensation can also cover reduced earning potential if the accident prevents you from returning to the same job.

Pain and Suffering

Not all losses are financial. Injuries from a rideshare accident can affect your daily activities, mobility, and emotional well-being. While these damages do not have a fixed dollar amount, they are often included in claims.

Property Damage

If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement costs.

How to Determine Compensation

The total amount depends on the severity of injuries, medical costs, and the available insurance coverage. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for less than their full value. Speaking with a rideshare accident attorney can help you seek the full amount you owe.

Liability in a rideshare accident depends on how the crash happened and who it involved. Several parties, including the rideshare driver, another motorist, or the company’s insurance provider, may be responsible.

When the Rideshare Driver Is at Fault

Uber and Lyft drivers must follow traffic laws like any other motorist. You can hold them responsible if a driver causes a crash due to speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, or another violation. However, the rideshare company’s insurance policy may provide coverage depending on the driver’s status during the crash.

• The Driver was offline. The driver’s auto insurance applies.
• The driver was waiting for a ride request. Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage.
• The Driver had an active ride or was en route to pick up a passenger. The rideshare company’s full coverage applies.

When Another Driver is at Fault

If another driver causes a crash, their insurance should cover the damages; however, if they are uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft provide additional coverage for passengers and drivers under certain conditions.

When You Can Hold Uber or Lyft Responsible

Although rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, there are situations in which the company itself could be held accountable. If a driver with a known history of reckless behavior is allowed to continue driving, Uber or Lyft may share responsibility.

Determining liability requires a detailed review of the accident. If you were injured in a rideshare crash, contact us for a free consultation. An experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney in our Chicago office will examine the details of your case and explain your options for pursuing compensation.