Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers in Chicago

Today, many people in Chicago and throughout Illinois prefer using Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing services instead of taxis, trains and buses. As surveys show, people find that these services are easier to use and cheaper than other forms of transportation. However, the benefits come with risks. Uber and Lyft drivers get into accidents every day. Often, the ridesharing service drivers cause these crashes.

Did an Uber or Lyft driver hit you while you were driving, biking or walking? Were you a passenger in an Uber or Lyft car involved in a crash? If so, you should treat it like any other accident and immediately seek help from an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer.

The attorneys of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. understand the latest developments in Uber driver liability and Lyft driver liability in Chicago and Illinois. If you were injured in a ridesharing service accident, we will protect your rights and pursue all compensation available to you. To learn more, contact us today. Our initial consultations are always free.

A Record of Success in Complex Motor Vehicle Accident Litigation

While rideshare accident cases have unique complexities, they share a common thread with other serious motor vehicle claims: they require a law firm with the experience and resources to take on large corporations and their insurance carriers. Our record in high-stakes litigation demonstrates our ability to handle these challenging cases.

$33,210,919 Motor Vehicle Accident Jury Verdict: This verdict was obtained for a 22-year-old man injured in a car accident in Lake County. Our success in this case, which exceeded the previous county record by nearly $10 million, shows our ability to prove the full extent of a client’s lifelong needs and secure the funds to cover them—the same dedication required to win against rideshare giants.
$21,059,014 Personal Injury Jury Verdict (Car Crash): This verdict was for a 33-year-old mother who suffered a thoracic spine injury. The case required us to clearly establish the defendant’s negligence and meticulously detail the damages for a jury. This deep investigative experience is critical in rideshare cases, where determining liability among multiple parties is often the key to maximizing recovery.

How Safe Are Uber, Lyft and Other Ridesharing Services in Chicago?

Uber came to Chicago in 2011, and Lyft followed in 2013. Today, those two companies dominate the market. However, you can find many other ridesharing services in the city and suburbs such as Via and DivvyRide.

All of these services involve drivers who use their own cars to transport passengers. In this sense, the drivers with these ride-hailing companies are just like any other drivers you may encounter. Ridersharing drivers can engage in the types of careless and reckless conduct that causes accidents, including:

Speeding
Distracted driving

Fatigued driving
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

The ridesharing companies and the cities and states in which they operate have tried to increase the safety of ridesharing passengers and others on the road. Both Uber and Lyft conduct background checks before they bring drivers aboard, while Chicago’s “transportation network provider” rules require drivers to also take an online course and get a special chauffer’s license before they accept rides in the city.

Additionally, both companies set certain standards for the vehicles which their drivers use. The Chicago ordinance requires that the ridesharing vehicle be no more than six years old, or else the vehicle must be inspected semi-annually.

Despite these steps, ridesharing drivers can still present danger. For instance, an Uber driver in Schaumburg recently was charged being under the influence of alcohol while he drove a passenger, The Daily Herald reports.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a crash that involved an Uber or Lyft driver, our law firm will thoroughly investigate your case to determine if the driver’s negligence played a role. If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering and more.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Chicago

While any car accident can result from negligence, rideshare vehicles are associated with unique risk factors that often contribute to crashes :

Distracted Driving: Drivers are frequently interacting with the rideshare app—accepting rides, checking navigation, and communicating with passengers—which takes their eyes and focus off the road.
Driver Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours, sometimes in addition to other jobs, leading to drowsy driving and delayed reaction times.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving: To maximize their income, some drivers may speed or engage in aggressive maneuvers to complete trips more quickly.
Unfamiliarity with Routes: Over-reliance on GPS navigation can lead to sudden turns, unsafe lane changes, and other unpredictable driving behaviors.
Unsafe Pick-ups and Drop-offs: Drivers may stop in illegal or unsafe locations, such as in the middle of traffic or in bike lanes, to pick up or drop off passengers, creating a hazard for others on the road.

Navigating the Complex Insurance Maze After a Rideshare Accident

Determining which insurance policy covers your injuries after a rideshare accident is one of the most complex aspects of these claims. Coverage depends entirely on the driver’s status within the app at the exact moment of the crash. Illinois law and company policies create three distinct scenarios :

Phase 1: The Driver is Offline (App is Off)
If the driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons and is not logged into the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance policy is the primary source of coverage. In this situation, a claim proceeds like a standard car accident case.
Phase 2: The Driver is Online and Waiting for a Ride Request
Once a driver logs into the app and is available to accept rides, a limited layer of liability coverage from the rideshare company becomes active. If the driver causes an accident during this period, Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage that includes at least $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This coverage typically applies if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the incident.
Phase 3: A Ride is Accepted or a Passenger is in the Vehicle
From the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger exits the vehicle, the rideshare company’s full commercial insurance policy is in effect. Both Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in third-party liability coverage for accidents that occur during this phase. This policy also includes $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can protect passengers if they are injured by a hit-and-run driver or someone with insufficient insurance.

An experienced personal injury attorney from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., will investigate the driver’s status to identify all applicable insurance policies and maximize your recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Rideshare Accident Injuries?

A thorough investigation may reveal that multiple parties share responsibility for the crash. Depending on the circumstances, a claim could be filed against :

The Uber or Lyft driver
The rideshare company (for issues like negligent hiring)
The driver of another vehicle involved in the collision
A vehicle or parts manufacturer (if equipment failure caused the crash)
A government agency responsible for unsafe road design or maintenance

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of losses. Our attorneys will carefully document the full extent of your damages to ensure you receive a fair settlement or verdict. This can include :

Economic Damages: These are the tangible financial losses resulting from the accident.
Current and future medical expenses (hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy)
Lost wages and income
Loss of future earning capacity
Property damage to your vehicle
Non-Economic Damages: These damages compensate for the intangible, personal losses you have suffered.
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Disfigurement and scarring
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium (damage to a spousal relationship)

What Should I Do After a Ridesharing Accident in Chicago?

If you are involved in a car accident that involves an Uber, Lyft or other ridesharing driver, the steps you take immediately after the crash can protect your health and your legal rights. In addition to contacting Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., you should :

Get Immediate Medical Attention. Your health is the top priority. Call 911 and seek a medical evaluation, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries may not have immediate symptoms, and a medical record is crucial for linking your injuries to the crash.
Report the Accident. Call the police to ensure an official accident report is created. When you speak to the responding officer, stick to the basic facts of what happened.
Document the Scene. If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
Gather Information. Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Report the Crash to the Rideshare Company. You can report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app. However, when you make your report, just stick to the basic facts.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement. Politely decline to give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster until you have spoken with an attorney. Insurance companies may use your words against you to limit or deny your claim.
Contact an Attorney. Refer the insurance company to your lawyer. You should not accept a settlement offer after a ridesharing accident until you speak with your attorney first.

How Can Our Lawyers Help with Your Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?

The lawyers of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can provide an immediate, free consultation about your ridesharing accident. The consultation will be completely confidential and carry no obligations.

If we move forward together in your case, we will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. We will determine who was at fault and examine other potentially important issues in your case such as:

Did Uber or Lyft conduct an adequate background check before hiring the driver?
Was the driver’s car in compliance with the ridesharing company’s standards and/or local regulations?
Did the driver have a required chauffer’s license?
Did Uber or Lyft receive any complaints about the driver and, if so, what actions did the company take?

Our law firm also will review your medical records in order to determine the full extent of your injuries. We may consult with experts such as life-care planners or economists to assess the impact of the crash on your future.

We will review what insurance policies apply to your case and work directly with the insurers to seek a settlement that justly compensates you for the physical, emotional and financial harm you have suffered. If necessary, we will be ready to present a strong case for you in court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Rideshare Accidents

How much is my Uber or Lyft accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total amount of your medical bills and lost wages, the long-term impact on your life, and the limits of the applicable insurance policies. An experienced attorney can evaluate your claim to determine its potential worth.

What is the statute of limitations for a rideshare accident in Illinois?

In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is critical to contact a lawyer well before this deadline to ensure your rights are protected.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly if their driver caused the crash?

While rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors to limit their liability, it is sometimes possible to hold the company responsible, particularly for negligent hiring or if the accident occurred while their $1 million commercial policy was active.

What if I was a passenger and my Uber/Lyft driver was not at fault?

If another driver caused the crash, your claim would be filed against that driver’s insurance policy. If that driver is uninsured or has insufficient coverage, the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy may provide compensation for your injuries.

Contact Our Chicago Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys Today

With a record of results that includes more than 350 multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has the skill, experience, and resources you need to protect your rights and pursue just compensation after a ridesharing accident. If you suffered injuries in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft driver in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, contact us for a free consultation.