Chicago Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident in Chicago, you can seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Unfortunately, recovering the money you need to pay for your medical bills and lost wages is rarely easy. Insurance companies often deny, delay, or devalue legitimate claims. When you have a rideshare giant like Uber or Lyft involved, winning compensation will be even more challenging. Hiring an experienced Lyft and Uber accident lawyer at Ankin Law, however, will make your path to recovery smoother.
With over 80 experienced personal injury attorneys and staff members on your side, access to top experts, investigators, and accident reconstructionists, and no upfront fees, you have nothing to lose and everything to WIN.
- We Offer FREE case reviews
- We’re available 24/7 to assist you
- We can come to you
Contact a Chicago Lyft and Uber accident attorney at Ankin Law to get started with your recovery. (312) 600-0000.
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How the Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyers at Ankin Law Maximize Your Recovery
The car accident lawyers at Ankin Law have been fighting for the rights of injured victims in Chicago since 1940. Our law firm has gone up against multi-billion dollar insurance companies and large corporations to recover hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
Here’s why we win more for accident victims in Illinois:
We Are Experienced Trial Lawyers
At Ankin Law, our reputation for taking complicated accident cases to court – and winning – is often enough to sway insurance companies who would otherwise resist settlement negotiations. Our Uber accident attorneys prepare every case as if it is headed for trial. We examine all evidence and anticipate unexpected arguments to deflect the opposition’s attempts at minimizing your recovery.
We Employ Strategies That Help You Win
Our rideshare accident lawyers know what it takes to win your case. We look beyond the surface to uncover crucial details, identify liable parties, and pursue compensation from sources other, less experienced lawyers might not consider. Our law firm has have helped more than 25,000 victims throughout Illinois recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We Have Access to Invaluable Resources
The Lyft and Uber accident attorneys at Ankin Law have established relationships with top accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other specialists throughout the United States. We often rely on their expertise to help us establish the cause of crashes, prove the severity of injuries, and determine the value of car accident cases.
We Get Exceptional Results
Without experienced legal representation, only about 51% of accident victims recover compensation in personal injury cases. Those who do win rarely recover enough compensation to pay for their medical bills, let alone their other losses like lost wages and pain and suffering. Our rideshare accident lawyers have a 99% win rate, and we help victims recover up to three times more than they would likely recover on their own.
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Injured by a medical provider? Check out our medical malpractice knowledge center to learn more about medical malpractice cases.
How Much Is a Rideshare Accident Claim Worth?
One of the most common questions clients ask our Uber accident attorneys is “How much is my rideshare accident worth?” Unfortunately, determining how much to expect from a car accident involving a rideshare service isn’t straightforward. While Uber provides a $1 million liability insurance policy to protect its drivers and rideshare passengers, the value of your claim will depend on:
- The cause of your accident
- Whether multiple parties played a role in causing your crash
- The severity of your injuries
- The status of the rideshare driver when the accident happened
After our rideshare accident lawyers determine the cause(s) of your accident and gather evidence to prove negligence, we will obtain information from your medical providers to evaluate the severity of your injuries and the impact they will have on your future.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financial losses that you have incurred or will incur because of your rideshare accident. Your economic damages might include:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Medication Costs
- Cost of medical equipment
- In-home nursing care
- Modifications to your home or vehicle
It will be up to you and your accident lawyer to prove your economic losses in court. As such, you should maintain documentation of out-of-pocket expenses, and save all applicable statements, bills, and receipts.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are difficult to quantify. These losses do not represent a monetary expenditure, so there are no bills or receipts to consider. In rideshare accident cases, non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Inconvenience
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of consortium
In most rideshare accident cases in Illinois, the dollar amount for a victim’s non-economic damages will be determined by multiplying a specified number by the amount of his or her economic damages.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, the jury may award punitive damages. These damages are unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to make the victim “whole”. Instead, they are designed to punish the at-fault party for egregious actions. Sometimes, punitive damages are also imposed to deter similar actions in the future. Punitive damages may be awarded when:
- The actions of the at-fault party were intentional
- A habitual DUI offender causes a crash
- The at-fault driver was racing or performing acts that obviously disregarded the safety of others
Contact our Chicago Uber accident lawyers at (312) 600-0000 to find out how much your rideshare injury claim is worth.
Determining Liability for Uber and Lyft Accidents
Once we have evaluated your losses and determined the cause of your Uber accident, our team will identify the parties that may be held liable for damages. We will look at the insurance companies and their coverages, and other sources of compensation that might be available to pay for your losses. You may need to file a lawsuit against:
- A negligent rideshare driver
- Another negligent motorist
- The other driver’s personal auto liability insurance policy
- A transit company
- A government agency
- A negligent vehicle or parts manufacturer
- The rideshare company’s insurance policy
- Uber or Lyft
How Do Rideshare Insurance Policies Work?
Rideshare insurance policies are designed to cover drivers working for ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft. These policies are crucial because traditional auto insurance does not always extend to rideshare activities.
Coverage Phases
Rideshare insurance covers three distinct phases of a driver’s work with a ridesharing company:
- Period 1: App Is On, but No Ride Requested: This phase begins when the driver logs into the rideshare app but has not yet accepted a ride request. Coverage during this time is often provided by the rideshare company’s insurance policy, but it may be limited. The driver’s personal auto insurance may cover some risks, but coverage can be minimal or excluded if the policy does not specifically include rideshare activities.
- Period 2: Ride Accepted to Passenger Drop-off: This phase starts when the driver accepts a ride request and continues until the passenger is dropped off at his or her destination. During this period, the rideshare company’s insurance provides liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. This insurance includes higher limits to cover damages and injuries resulting from accidents.
- Period 3: While Driving for Personal Use: This phase occurs when the driver is not logged into the rideshare app and is using his or her vehicle for personal purposes. Personal auto insurance generally covers this period. However, if an accident happens while the driver is engaged in rideshare activities, personal insurance may not cover it.
When filing a claim, it’s important to determine which phase of coverage applies and which insurance policy to contact. Notify both the rideshare company and your insurance provider as soon as possible after an accident. Documentation, such as accident reports and ride logs, will support your claim. Contacting a rideshare accident attorney can ensure a smoother path to success in your battle against the insurance company.
Do I Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney?
Hiring a rideshare accident attorney can be crucial for navigating insurance issues following an accident. Rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties, including the rideshare driver, the passenger, and other drivers. Insurance policies can be intricate, with varying coverage levels depending on the phase of the ride. The rideshare company’s insurance carrier is likely to fight to reduce or deny your claim.
An attorney experienced with rideshare accidents can help in several ways:
- Determine Liability: He or she can investigate the accident to establish fault and identify all liable parties, which is essential for a successful claim.
- Navigate Insurance Claims: He or she understands the nuances of rideshare and personal auto insurance policies and can ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available under all relevant policies.
- Handle Legal Complexities: Your attorney can deal with legal procedures, such as filing claims and negotiating settlements, which can be overwhelming without legal experience.
- Ensure Fair Compensation: He or she can advocate for your rights and work to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
In Illinois, where legal and insurance frameworks for rideshare accidents can be intricate, having a dedicated attorney can improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft and Uber Accident Claims
My Lyft Driver Got into an Accident. What Are My Rights as a Passenger?
As a Lyft passenger involved in an accident, you have the right to seek compensation for injuries and damages. Lyft’s insurance typically covers injuries to passengers during an accident. You can file a claim with Lyft’s insurance or, if necessary, pursue legal action against the driver or Lyft. It’s crucial to report the accident to Lyft and consult with an attorney to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation and understand your legal rights.
What If an Uber Driver Hits My Car?
If an Uber driver hits your car, you can file a claim with Uber’s insurance, which covers accidents involving their drivers. Ensure you obtain the driver’s insurance details and report the incident to both Uber and your insurance company. Document the accident thoroughly and consider consulting an attorney to help navigate the claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation for damages and injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Rideshare Accident in Chicago, Illinois?
In Chicago, Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the rideshare accident to file a lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to personal injury claims, including those involving rideshare incidents. It’s essential to file within this timeframe to preserve your legal rights and pursue compensation. Consulting an attorney promptly can help ensure that all necessary steps are taken to file your claim within the statutory period.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Maria Merman was an excellent attorney. From the start of the lawsuit to end, she cared most for my health and mental well-being. Ensuring I received the best care for my injuries after being hit by a semi truck. I hope I never need another personal injury attorney, but if I do, I will always return to Ankin Law for Maria and recommend her to everyone. Maria got me the best offer for my settlement, making sure I wouldn’t need to go to court. She is very thorough and follows up on every call. Contacting specialists to solidify our case and strengthen our claim. I am very satisfied with everything she’s done for me. Thank you, Maria and Howard!
