If you become injured in an Uber or Lyft in Chicago, the rideshare company is unlikely to go out of its way to help you. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, which may limit the rideshare’s liability. The insurance policy that applies in an accident may vary as well. Meanwhile, some accidents involve multiple passengers seeking compensation. This means the amount of compensation available per passenger may decrease.
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Hurt in a crash? A rideshare accident lawyer can help. Call Ankin Law at 312-600-0000 for clarity.
Why Rideshare Companies Often Avoid Responsibility When Someone Is Injured in an Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft do not represent themselves as transportation companies, but rather as technology platforms. The distinction matters, as it adds more weight to both companies classifying drivers as independent contractors instead of as employees. When you are injured in an Uber or Lyft, the rideshare companies hope to incur less legal liability.
The claims process can be complex and take months. Even figuring out, “How long does an Uber investigation take?” is not a simple matter, since Uber or Lyft may try to stall the investigation or question claims. It becomes frustrating for injured passengers to keep hearing that they need to wait for an investigation to finish while their medical bills climb. Complicating an investigation is one tactic some companies use to lower payouts or avoid them altogether.
Are rideshare companies doing enough to protect passengers? They do not do as much as they should, and passengers are the ones who must advocate for themselves. Uber or Lyft will not do it for them.
Understanding Insurance Gaps in Uber and Lyft Injury Claims
Uber and Lyft both offer commercial insurance policies that can cover injured passengers fully in some situations, but these policies often do not apply. The driver’s status at the time of the crash is an important consideration, as is any involvement of multiple passengers or multiple injured people. Rideshare insurance issues in Chicago include:
Multiple Passengers Involved
Multiple people may become injured in the same Uber or Lyft accident. Thus, the insurance coverage available may have to be divided. For instance, if you are in a rideshare with your friends and the driver crashes, the full commercial Uber or Lyft policy might apply but have to be divided among you, your friends, and other injured parties such as pedestrians or passengers in another car.
Multiple passengers quickly complicate a situation and increase the chances of you being offered less than you can get. A rideshare accident lawyer can make sure your claim gets the attention it deserves and negotiate a fair settlement. A lawyer can also examine whether your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage might apply.
Driver Has Passenger, or Is En Route to Pick Up
These are the two situations in which Uber and Lyft may provide full commercial coverage for Uber & Lyft accident injuries. Even so, the rideshare company might delay or undervalue claims, or outright deny them. Passengers still may have to deal with multiple insurers, such as Uber/Lyft’s, the driver’s personal insurance company, the passenger’s own insurer, and the insurance companies of other involved drivers.
Driver Not Logged into the App
Rideshare drivers with passengers probably are logged into the Uber or Lyft app. However, if technical issues, phone battery loss, weak cell signal, or other problems occur, a driver may not be logged into the app. The rideshare company might then say that the company’s insurance coverage does not apply to accident-related injuries, depending on the situation.
If a driver is taking a break, commuting to work, or running personal errands, and hits a pedestrian, cyclist, or another car, his or her personal insurance may be the policy that applies. A rideshare accident lawyer can investigate the facts of an accident and prove app status at the time of the crash.
Driver Logged in, But No Passenger Assigned
Limited liability coverage from Uber or Lyft may apply when a driver is logged in but does not have an assigned passenger. If pedestrians, cyclists, or people in other vehicles are injured by the driver, they may be eligible for some coverage but likely not enough to provide adequate compensation for serious injuries, especially if multiple people are hurt. Provisional data figures show that, in March 2025, Chicago had 10 traffic fatalities. Seven were people in motor vehicles, while three were people walking.
When to Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer for Support in Chicago
Try to contact a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after you are injured in an Uber or Lyft. Insurance companies often begin investigating claims right away so they can find ways to reduce or deny liability. For example, an injured passenger who has not yet consulted a lawyer is more likely to make inaccurate or confusing statements that an insurer can use to shift blame.
A rideshare accident lawyer can offer valuable support in three major types of situations. One is helping figure out which insurance policies may apply and the stage of the journey the driver was in. Another is if multiple injured parties are involved. A lawyer can work to get you the full compensation for which you are eligible.
In the third scenario, lawyers can negotiate with Uber’s or Lyft’s insurers, or the other insurers involved, to prioritize your needs. It is in your best interest to contact a lawyer, even if you think it is too late in the process. The more information you have at any stage, the better. What to do after an Uber accident includes these steps:
- Call 911 or get medical attention. See a doctor even if you think you are not hurt or that your injuries are minor. Injuries can easily show up later or worsen over time. Seeing a medical professional also establishes a paper trail and a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
- Report the accident to the police. Police reports serve as official records of what happened and can be important pieces of evidence in your rideshare injury claim.
- Take photos and videos of your injuries, the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and the like, if possible. Get contact details for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Notify Uber or Lyft. You can do this through the app, which is convenient, but may increase the chances of speculation. Stick with the facts. Report only what you know, and do not offer information you are not required to disclose.
- Consult a Lyft and Uber accident lawyer, ideally before speaking alone to insurance adjusters. Adjusters can ask questions designed to get you to make incorrect statements when discussing your injuries or a settlement.
Another good time to consult motor vehicle accident lawyers is before you accept a settlement offer. Initial offers tend to fall far, far below what your claim truly is worth. A rideshare accident lawyer can evaluate the full value of your claims, which may include medical expenses, future medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.
For insight into your legal options after being injured in an Uber or Lyft, contact us today at Ankin Law.
