Uber And Lyft Accident Attorneys Who Unravel The Liability
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed our travel habits, providing convenient transportation with a simple app. However, the situation is more complex when a rideshare driver is involved in a car crash. Unlike regular car collisions, rideshare ones involve multiple parties – the driver, the other driver involved, the rideshare company, and often an innocent third party in the back seat. Sorting out insurance coverage and liability details can be confusing due to the unique business model of these on-demand transport services.
Filing a personal injury claim after an Uber or Lyft accident in Chicago involves several steps and various unique issues. The Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at D&W Law Group have experience getting results in Chicagoland with this newly emerged area of personal injury law. Featuring 75 years of collective experience, our lawyers work hand in hand with victims and their families to get a fair and equitable amount for damages from the responsible parties’ insurance companies, whether it means going to trial before a judge or settling out of court.
Understanding Uber And Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Both have insurance policies that cover their drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. The coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- Offline or app off: If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance is the only coverage available.
- App on or waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
- En route to pick up passengers or during a trip: Both companies have at least $1 million in third-party liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage.
Steps To Take Immediately After the Accident
These are smart measures that should be done after any motor vehicle accident.
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed. A police report will be crucial for your claim.
- Gather information: Collect the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details and the driver’s status on the app (whether they were waiting for a ride, en route to pick up a passenger or carrying a passenger).
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic signals, skid marks and any visible injuries.
- Get witness information: If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact details.
Reporting The Accident To Uber Or Lyft
After ensuring your or the victim’s immediate safety and gathering necessary information, report the accident to Uber or Lyft through their app or website. Both companies have a process for handling accident reports:
- Uber: Go to the “Help” section in the app, select “Trip Issues and Refunds,” then “I was in an accident.”
- Lyft: Go to the “Help” section in the app, select “Report an Accident” and follow the prompts.
Filing A Personal Injury Claim
While each case is different, here’s a general step-by-step outline of the process:
- Contact an attorney: It’s advisable to consult with a rideshare injury attorney experienced in Lyft and Uber accidents. They can help you understand your rights and navigate the claims process.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your own insurance company about the accident, even if you were a passenger. Your policy may provide additional coverage.
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance: If the rideshare driver was at fault, you’ll need to file a claim with their insurance company. If another driver was at fault, file a claim with their insurance.
- File a claim with Uber or Lyft’s insurance: If the rideshare driver was on the app and either waiting for a ride or carrying passengers, you can file a claim with Uber or Lyft’s insurance. Provide all necessary documentation, including the police report, medical records, and any other evidence of your injuries and damages.
Illinois Is An At-Fault State
Illinois operates under an at-fault system, also known as a tort system. This means that the driver found to be most at fault for the accident is responsible for covering the damages and injuries resulting from the crash. Fault is determined by the following:
- Investigation: After an accident, an investigation will determine who was at fault. It involves reviewing the police report, witness statements and evidence such as traffic camera footage.
- Comparative negligence: Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
Can Rideshare Platforms Be Held Accountable?
Uber and Lyft designed their platforms to limit their liability in accidents involving their drivers. However, there are circumstances under which they can be held accountable:
- Negligent hiring: If plaintiffs can prove that Uber or Lyft failed to vet their drivers properly, the platforms may be liable for accidents caused by those drivers.
- Vehicle maintenance: If a vehicle defect that the rideshare company should have known about caused the accident, they could be held responsible.
- App malfunctions: If a malfunction in the rideshare app contributed to the accident, the company might be held liable.
Steering Clients Through the Aftermath
Determining liability and navigating the insurance claims process demands a thorough understanding of state laws and rideshare company policies. If you are injured in a rideshare accident, seeking guidance from an accident attorney experienced in this niche field can help ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at D&W Law Group have the specific knowledge and experience to handle the intricacies of rideshare accident claims. They are also skilled negotiators who can deal with insurance companies to get you the largest possible settlement. Our lawyers advocate for your rights and provide peace of mind, allowing victims to focus on their recovery while their lawyer manages the legal aspects.
Initial consultations are free, and we charge no legal fees until we secure damages in court or a fair out-of-court settlement. Use our contact form or call us today at 312-888-8888.