Chicago Uber Accident Lawyer
Since the inception of Uber, there have been accidents throughout the United States, affecting passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
More Uber vehicles are now on the road than ever before, increasing the chances of severe accidents involving rideshare passengers. The Uber business model of attempting to get passengers to their destination as quickly as possible has led to dangerous maneuvers and fatal accidents.
Were you involved in a Uber or Lyft vehicle accident or lost a loved one through an Uber driver’s negligence? The Cook County and Chicago uber accident personal injury attorneys at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, are legal advocates for all injured victims who are harmed by others.
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Contact our Chicago Uber accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
National Uber Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 1,323 people killed in crashes involving distracted Uber drivers in 2019. Of those fatalities, 9% (121) were drivers of ridesharing vehicles like Uber and Lyft.
While this number may seem small, it’s important to remember that ridesharing services are still relatively new. The numbers will only continue to grow as these services become more popular.
Moreover, these numbers likely don’t even include all of the accidents that have occurred because of distracted driving by Uber and Lyft drivers since many injured victims may not have reported the motor vehicle accident.
Illinois Uber Accident Statistical Data
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were over 2,000 accidents involving Uber vehicles in the state in 2019. While this number may seem high, it decreased from the previous year, when there were over 3,000 such accidents.
Despite this reduction, the number of injuries and fatalities resulting from Uber vehicle accidents continues to be a concern. In 2019, for example, there were 16 deaths and 363 injuries due to rideshare drivers, which made up a significant portion of the total number of car crash fatalities and injuries in Illinois that year.
Uber Maintains a Dominating Business Model
Since Uber’s debut in 2009, the app-based ridesharing service has taken the world by storm. In the United States, an estimated 45 million people use Uber annually. And in Illinois, that number is around 2.5 million. With numbers like that, it’s no wonder Uber has become a staple in many Americans’ daily lives.
The Uber App
In the past few years, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of Uber, a rideshare app that allows users to request a ride from drivers in their area. The Uber app is available for download on Android and iOS devices and can be used to request a ride anywhere in the world.
Potential clients can use the app to see a map of Uber drivers in their area and select the driver they would like to ride with.
Hailing an Uber Rideshare Vehicle
The Uber app is easy to use. After creating an account and entering your payment information, open the app, input your destination, and select the type of ride you need. You can choose UberX, UberXL, or UberSelect, each of which has different rates and features.
Once you have selected your ride, the app will locate the nearest driver and provide you with their contact information. You can then contact the driver directly to arrange a pickup time.
Uber is an excellent option for those who need a ride but don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a taxi or waiting for a bus. The Chicago Uber drivers are experienced and reliable, and the rates are usually cheaper than those of traditional taxis.
Plus, thanks to Uber’s surge pricing feature, rates will go up during times of high demand, so you’ll always get a fair price. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Uber is a convenient and affordable way to get around town.
The Uber or Lyft Driver: Hired Worker or Independent Contractor?
Since Uber’s inception, the company has been plagued with lawsuits, raising the issue of whether Uber’s drivers are company employees or independent contractors. This critical distinction is crucial because it would mean that Uber is responsible for withholding taxes, providing benefits, and covering insurance costs, among other things.
Uber has long argued that its drivers are independent contractors, but many rulings have gone against the company. In March of 2016, for instance, an Uber driver was awarded unemployment benefits in California, ruling that he was an employee of the company, which followed a similar ruling in Massachusetts the previous year.
The ultimate decision on this matter could significantly impact Uber’s bottom line. If the company is found to be employing its drivers, it could be on the hook for billions of dollars in additional costs, including cases involving a ridesharing accident, which could ultimately lead to higher customer fares or even company bankruptcy.
How Do Uber Drivers Provide Insurance Protection for Their Passengers?
Most Chicago Uber drivers purchase liability coverage and insurance protection through a driver’s personal insurance policy. In an accident, the driver’s personal insurance policy would be in effect while driving for Uber.
While this provides some coverage in a car accident involving Uber, some areas are still not protected. For example, if an Uber passenger is injured while the driver is not driving between destinations, their insurance policy may not cover the full extent of their injuries.
Does Uber Provide Insurance Coverage?
Since Uber’s inception, there have been many questions regarding the company’s insurance coverage in Uber accident cases. Does Uber provide insurance coverage for passengers, drivers, and property damage?
According to Uber’s website, the company does provide liability insurance for all ridesharing trips. Its insurance policy includes $1 million in liability coverage per incident for death, bodily injury, and property damage. In addition, Uber provides uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which covers drivers and passengers injured in an accident that occurred with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
While this insurance coverage is excellent, it may not be enough to cover all damages incurred in a ridesharing accident. For example, if an Uber driver causes a severe accident that results in injuries and vehicle damage, the $1 million liability limit may not be enough to cover all costs.
Uber accident victims should speak with a Chicago uber accident lawyer from our law offices to determine if there is sufficient evidence to file a personal injury claim against the Uber driver and rideshare company.
Dealing With Insurance After an Uber Accident
You should be able to negotiate your claim with the insurance providers if your accident results in vehicle damage but no injuries. Whether the accident was your fault or not, there will be a $1,000 deductible for collision coverage if you carry Uber driver insurance.
Take care when describing the accident’s specifics to the other insurance company’s adjuster. If you say the wrong thing, your insurance may be lowered. Getting legal counsel before engaging with the adjuster is the best action. The insurance companies of all parties involved will discuss your compensation with one another after you have given them all the pertinent facts.
Why So Many Uber Accidents Happen Each Year
With the advent of services like Uber and Lyft, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people using cars for transportation. While this change has many advantages, it also increases the risk of car accidents.
One reason for this is that inexperienced drivers are now using the roadways. In addition, there is more traffic due to the increase in ride-sharing, leading to dangerous situations when drivers are not paying attention or are trying to hurry to their destination.
The common causes of most accidents involving Uber cars and SUVs include:
- Distracted driving: Any distraction when behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, whether it is adjusting the radio, talking on the phone, or eating, can lead to an accident.
- Fatigue: Driving long distances can lead to driver fatigue, increasing the chances of an accident.
- Inclement weather: Poor weather conditions such as rain, sleet, or snow can make it difficult to see and lead to accidents.
- Road rage: When drivers get angry and behave aggressively towards other drivers, this can lead to accidents.
- Drunk driving: Driving while intoxicated increases the chances of getting into an accident.
- Speeding: Driving too fast for conditions can lead to accidents because it makes it difficult to stop in time.
- Reckless driving: Swerving in and out of lanes, driving too close to other cars, and speeding are all examples of reckless driving that can lead to accidents.
- Illegal lane changes: Risky maneuvers to get ahead in traffic can lead to accidents when other drivers aren’t expecting them.
- Poorly lit roads: Dark roads can be challenging to see clearly, leading to severe accidents.
- Defective equipment: Cars with faulty brakes or steering can easily result in an accident.
- Tire blowouts: A blown-out tire can cause a driver to lose control of their car and result in an accident.
- Road construction: Workers who are repairing or constructing roads often do not have proper warning signs, leading to drivers accidentally crashing into them.
- Animal crossings: Drivers not paying attention may hit an animal crossing the road, which can cause an accident.
- Pedestrian crossings: People crossing the road often do so without looking both ways first, leading to them getting hit by a car.
- Unsafe driving habits: Some people simply do not know how to drive safely, so they are more likely to cause an accident.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
When most people think about Uber, they think of a convenient and affordable way to get around town. However, many people don’t know that there have been numerous accidents involving Uber drivers and passengers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), people might suffer a bodily injury in Uber motor vehicle accidents more often than in any other car accident because rideshare drivers are not as well-trained as traditional taxi drivers.
The Uber or Lyft driver might not be familiar with your area’s roads and may not be aware of the dangers associated with driving in a busy city. As a result, passengers are often injured in Uber or Lyft crashes.
The most common in an Uber/Lyft accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): the blunt force of the vehicle’s interior striking a passenger’s head can lead to a traumatic brain injury. Typically, TBIs cause significant brain damage leaving victims with impaired cognitive function, reduced physical abilities, and in some cases, death.
- Concussion: when a person’s head violently moves back and forth due to the impact of a car accident, they may suffer from trauma. This minor form of TBI can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and in some cases, memory loss.
- Spinal cord injury: when a passenger is ejected from the car or the vehicle’s weight crushes their body. They can suffer a spinal cord injury. These injuries often result in paralysis from the waist down.
- Broken bones: passengers can suffer broken bones in a car accident when they are hit by the car, thrown against the vehicle’s interior, or pulled out of the car. Often these fractures require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries: passengers can suffer internal injuries such as organ damage and lacerations in a car accident. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require surgery and blood transfusions.
- Lacerations: passengers can suffer scratches from broken glass or debris flying inside the car during an accident. These cuts can often be deep and require stitches to repair.
- Burns: passengers can suffer burns from the engine’s heat, spilled gasoline, or other flammable liquids. These burns can be extremely painful and may require skin grafts for repair.
- Whiplash: the sudden jerking forward and back of the head and neck can cause whiplash. This injury often leads to neck, shoulders, and upper back pain and can last for weeks or even months.
- Back injuries: the jolt of a car accident can cause back injuries such as disk herniations and spinal cord compression. These injuries can be harrowing and may require surgery or long-term treatment.
- Disfigurement: Uber car accidents can cause severe disfigurement, often leading to lifelong physical and emotional trauma. Some of the most common disfigurements include scars, lacerations, burns, and broken bones.
- Leg injuries: car accidents can cause severe leg injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue damage. These injuries often require hospitalization and extensive rehabilitation.
- Arm injuries: arm injuries such as fractures and dislocations are also common in Uber car accidents. These injuries can be harrowing and may require long periods of immobilization.
- Psychological trauma: survivors of a ridesharing accident may experience psychological trauma, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Many also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can cause debilitating symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
- Wrongful death: when a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, it can be a devastating experience for the family. If you have lost a loved one in an Uber accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you have been injured in a ridesharing accident, you must immediately seek Uber and Lyft accident lawyers. Our lawyer provides the legal representation to help you file a claim against the driver or the company to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.
I Was Injured as a Passenger in an Uber Car Accident: What Do I Do Now?
If you are involved in an Uber car accident, it is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights, including filing a personal injury lawsuit if you have suffered injuries due to the Uber crash.
Uber accidents can be pretty complex, as multiple parties may be involved, including the Uber driver, the Uber company, and other drivers or passengers. An experienced personal injury lawyer is vital to help guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Your Chicago Uber accident lawyer will:
- Gather evidence from the accident scene, including taking photographs of the vehicles and the surroundings and witness statements.
- Review the Uber driver’s records and determine if they have been in any previous accidents.
- Request a copy of the Uber ride log to see if the driver was on duty at the time of the accident.
- Investigate whether the driver was properly licensed and insured to operate an Uber car.
- Establish who was at fault for the Uber or Lyft accident and seek damages from the appropriate party.
- Negotiate with Uber for a fair settlement for your client’s serious injuries.
- File a personal injury lawsuit against Uber to obtain a satisfactory settlement for your serious injuries.
- Consult with medical experts to determine the extent of your client’s injuries and what treatment is required.
At the Injury Lawyer Team, we have extensive experience representing victims of Uber accidents. Our Uber/Lyft lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and will work tirelessly to recover compensation for what you’ve been through. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Happens When an Uber Driver Hits a Pedestrian?
Receiving compensation is not assured even if the Uber driver was at fault. In particular, if the Uber driver was not carrying a passenger at the time of the collision, you might be up against an ongoing battle. If you want the outcomes of your case to be beneficial in these situations, you must hire an attorney. Otherwise, the conclusion of your case might not be as desirable. After a collision with an Uber driver, your safety must come first.
What Accident Victims Should Expect When Filing an Uber Auto Accident Case
When you are involved in an accident while using Uber, there are a few things that you can expect during the settlement process. The rideshare company is engaged in many Chicago Uber accidents yearly and has a team of experienced negotiators ready to resolve claims.
As an Uber or Lyft accident victim, you must be prepared to move your case forward, including:
- You will likely need to provide documentation proving that you used Uber when the accident happened. It can include trip records, screenshots of the app, and receipts for payments.
- You should expect to negotiate with Uber’s insurance company. Be prepared to provide evidence of your bodily injury, medical bills, lost wages, and damages.
Remember that Uber does not control the settlement amount offered by the insurance company. In many cases, the insurance company will offer less than fair compensation or attempt to blame rideshare drivers for diverting responsibility for the rideshare accident to independent contractor driver’s insurance coverage.
Having an experienced lawyer on your side is essential to assist you with the negotiations. Contact our experienced lawyers for a free consultation.
Holding A Chicago Uber Driver Accountable for Their Motor Vehicle Accident
As the popularity of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft continues to grow, so does the number of motor vehicle accidents involving these drivers. While the companies maintain that their drivers are not employees, it is becoming increasingly clear that more needs to be done to hold them accountable for their actions when they are involved in Uber accidents.
One recent case, in particular, highlights the need for this accountability. An Uber driver was involved in a three-car accident in San Francisco that resulted in two fatalities. According to reports, the Uber driver ran a red light and caused the accident.
While the company has since claimed that the rideshare driver was not on the clock at the time of the accident, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that these drivers are liable for their actions that harm injured accident victims.
With more and more people using rideshare services, we must ensure that these drivers are held accountable for their actions when they are involved in an accident where a person is injured. Doing so can help protect innocent victims and ensure that these companies are liable for their negligence.
Victims’ Rights in an Accident Involving an Uber Vehicle
When you’re in an Uber accident, victims have certain rights that should be protected. As a person injured in an accident, the first thing to do is to seek medical care, whether or not you think you’re injured. After that, you can take a few steps to ensure your rights are protected as an Uber passenger.
First and foremost, don’t admit fault, no matter how the accident occurred. Even if it seems apparent that you were at fault, it’s important to remember that your Uber driver or the other driver is likely liable. It’s best to avoid discussing the accident until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Next, ensure you get contact information from the other driver and witnesses. Information will be helpful if you decide to file a claim later. Keep track of all medical expenses and documentation related to the accident and any lost income.
Evidence and information will all be necessary when seeking damages from the other driver or Uber itself.
Protecting your rights is essential if you’ve been in an Uber accident. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible to get started on your case.
Fatal Uber Car Accident Cases: Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
When a loved one dies in an Uber accident, the surviving family members are often left with many questions. What do I do now? How do I receive compensation? Can I hold Uber responsible?
The first step is contacting an attorney specializing in wrongful death cases for a free legal consultation. They will be able to advise you on your legal options and help you file a lawsuit against Uber. You may be entitled to compensation. Your Chicago uber accident lawyer from our law offices can:
- Investigate the accident scene.
- Review Uber or Lyft driver logs.
- Interview witnesses.
- Gather evidence from the accident scene.
- Review video footage of the accident.
- Review medical records and autopsy reports.
- Calculate damages.
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
- File a wrongful death lawsuit in court.
- Litigate the case in court.
- Appeal the decision if necessary.
- Collect damages on behalf of the deceased’s estate.
You need to contact our law offices for a free consultation. Our lawyers will be with you every step of the way and guarantee that you understand the whole process and feel well represented when the responsible parties offer you an unfair amount for what you’ve been through.
Compensation You Might Recover with A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
When establishing the economic damages, plaintiffs need a highly skilled and experienced lawyer on their side who can present the family’s financial loss on verifiable data with the support of expert witnesses. Economic damages cover the family’s financial losses due to the wrongful death of one of its members.
Economic losses include the costs of medical care (which include the medical bills from the accident and further medical expenses incurred by the family), lost wages, and funeral costs resulting from the wrongful death.
More complex calculations are necessary to establish the amount of money the victim would have provided for their family in everyday life. The court will take into consideration the following:
- The age of the deceased individual
- Their health condition before the accident
- Their earning capacity
- The needs of their children
- Other specific details about the case
What Type of Non-Economic Damages Can Be Recovered?
Non-economic damages are designed to cover the loss of:
- Love
- Affection
- Companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Nurturing
It can be challenging to put a monetary value on emotional distress. A highly skilled attorney is needed to adequately convey the grief, emotional strain, pain, suffering, and difficulty the family faced due to the wrongful death, for this argument a highly skilled attorney is needed.
Having a lawyer who can effectively argue for all the suffering endured by the family as a result of the wrongful death is the essential requirement for receiving a significant non-economic award.
Our specialized lawyers are ready at all times to provide free consultation on your case and help you understand your legal options and what type of damages might be recovered on your family’s behalf.
Family Members Who Qualify to File an Uber/Lyft Wrongful Death Claim
When a loved one dies in a tragic accident, the surviving family members can often file a wrongful death lawsuit. In Illinois, there are specific laws that dictate what family members are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit and what damages they may be able to recover.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action that allows the survivors of someone who has died due to the negligence or malice of another person or entity to seek damages. Damages may include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In Illinois, the law specifies who may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The deceased’s spouse, children, parents, or siblings may file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the deceased was unmarried and had no children, parents, or siblings, or the deceased’s grandparents may file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Speak with an Experienced Uber Accident Attorney
The time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois is two years from the date of the death. Speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after a loved one has died is essential to learn more about your rights and options.
It is important to remember that time is of the essence. You only have a limited time to file a lawsuit, so don’t delay. A Cook County Uber/Lyft accident lawyer at Injury Legal Team is ready to help you through this difficult time.
Hire Chicago Uber Accident Lawyers to Recover Compensation
Were you involved in an Uber or Lyft accident and suffered serious injuries, or did you lose a loved one to the Uber driver’s negligence? Are you seeking financial compensation from the rideshare driver and the company to pay for your damages through their insurance company coverage?
The Uber/Lyft accident lawyers at Injury Legal Team are ready to listen to you about how the accident happened and help determine liability in your car accident case. Contact a Chicago Uber accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Our legal team accepts every personal injury claim and wrongful death lawsuit on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement ensures you will pay no upfront fees until your Uber accident lawyer resolves your claim through a negotiated settlement or jury award.
All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.