Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made transportation more accessible and convenient, but these convenient modes of transportation have also introduced complex liability issues when accidents occur.

At Cooney & Conway, our knowledgeable attorneys understand how to determine liability between drivers, rideshare companies, and third parties. Our trusted law firm is prepared to help you to navigate the unique challenges of these cases and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call our firm at (800) 322-5573 today to get started

Do I Have a Valid Rideshare Accident Case in Chicago?

You may have a valid rideshare accident case if you sustained injuries as a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or occupant of another vehicle involved in a collision with an Uber or Lyft.

Victims, or their attorneys, have the burden of proving another party’s negligence led to the crash that injured them. Valid claims typically involve establishing:

• The at-fault party owed you a duty of care.
• A violation of the legal duty occurred, resulting in the Uber or Lyft car accident
• As a direct result of the rideshare accident, you were injured require.
• You sustained measurable damages, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.

Who May Be Liable for My Damages From a Rideshare Car Accident in Chicago?

Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies. The insurance that will be responsible for your damages depends on the status of the rideshare driver when the crash occurred.

Coverage That Applies When the Driver Is Offline

The Uber or Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance applies if the crash occurred while they were offline from the app. In other words, they were not transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger when the crash occurred.

Both Uber and Lyft require their drivers to maintain minimum insurance coverage limits according to state laws. However, most insurance companies do not cover accidents for ridesharing activities. Many rideshare drivers purchase additional rideshare insurance to ensure they have sufficient insurance coverage.

Coverage When the Driver Is Online and Available for a Trip

When drivers activate the app and wait for ride requests, both Uber and Lyft services provide liability protection for damages incurred in a rideshare car accident:

• Bodily injury coverage provides: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
• Property damage per accident includes: $25,000

Additional coverages vary by state regulations and may include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, personal injury protection for medical expenses, and lost wages regardless of fault determination.

Coverage Available if the Driver Was on An Active Ride

Uber maintains comprehensive $1,000,000 liability insurance that activates when a rideshare driver is found at fault for your accident. This protection extends to passengers, third parties, and property damages when drivers bear fault for accidents.

Depending on the circumstances of the crash, Uber may provide additional cover in certain circumstances:

• An uninsured driver struck the rideshare driver’s car
• The rideshare driver and/or passenger were injured by a hit-and-run driver
• Personal injury protection for medical expenses, lost wages, regardless of fault

How Much Is My Chicago Rideshare Accident Case Worth?

We cannot give you a specific dollar amount without knowing more about the type of injuries you sustained and how long it may take you to heal from them. However, the overall value of your Chicago rideshare accident case will be based on several key contributing factors, including:

• The type and severity of your injuries
• Whether you suffered long-term effects, secondary complications or permanent disability as a result of the rideshare crash
• The extent of the medical treatment you may need to recover
• Whether you require surgical intervention to aid your recovery
• How the injuries you suffered have impacted your life and ability to work
• Lost wages and Impact on your quality of life
• And more

Your case value is also affected by the available insurance policy limits. If your Uber or Lyft driver was logged into the app when the rideshare crash occurred, the policy limits may be higher. If another party was responsible for the crash, the policy limits may be different.

Who Pays for My Injuries After an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

Who pays for your injuries after a rideshare car accident depends on several factors, including the driver’s status and insurance coverage at the time of the collision.

When the Rideshare Company Pays

• Driver actively transporting passengers or in route to pick up passengers
• $1 million commercial liability coverage applies
• Covers both passenger and third-party injuries

When the Driver’s Personal Insurance Pays

• Driver not logged into the app
• Standard personal auto insurance applies
• May have coverage gaps if their policy excludes commercial use

When Multiple Insurance Policies May Apply

• The driver is logged in but waiting for a ride request
• Possible hybrid coverage (lower rideshare policy plus personal insurance)
• Coverage limits are typically lower than during active rides

When Another Driver Is at Fault

• Their insurance becomes the primary source of compensation
• Rideshare uninsured/underinsured coverage may apply
• May require legal assistance to coordinate between policies

What Should I Do Immediately After a Rideshare Car Accident?               

It is often difficult to think clearly in the first moments after a crash. The most important thing is to remain calm.

Once you feel focused, take immediate action after a rideshare accident in Chicago to protect your health and legal rights.

Ensure Safety First

• Check yourself and others for injuries
• If your car is drivable, move it off the road and further away from moving traffic.
• Call 911 to report the accident

Document the Scene

• Take photos of all vehicles, damage, and the area where the crash occurred
• Note weather and road conditions
• Collect contact information from witnesses

Exchange Information

• Get the rideshare driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information
• Record the driver’s rideshare app status at the time of the accident
• Obtain information from any other drivers involved

Report the Accident

• Notify the rideshare company through their app
• File a police report with the Chicago Police Department and request a copy
• Do not admit fault or make statements about your injuries

Seek Medical Attention

• Get prompt medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor
• Follow all medical recommendations
• Keep detailed records of all treatments and expenses

Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney

• Consult with a lawyer before speaking to insurance companies
• Preserve evidence and documentation
• Prepare for potential testimony

Can I Still Be Compensated if I Was Partly at Fault for the Accident?

Yes, you may still receive compensation even if you were partially at fault for a rideshare accident, thanks to Illinois’ modified comparative negligence law. Under this system, you may recover damages as long as you are less than 51 percent responsible for the accident. However, if you contributed to the crash, any compensation awarded to you will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 30 percent responsible, you would receive $70,000

Insurance companies often attempt to assign higher percentages of fault to plaintiffs to reduce payouts. When the insurance company investigates the crash to determine fault, having a knowledgeable attorney manage your case helps to ensure your legal rights and best interests are protected.

Time Limits for Filing Rideshare Accident Claims in Illinois

Victims injured in rideshare accidents generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.

There are important exceptions to these standard time limits that might affect how long you have to file. If the injured party is a minor, for example, the statute of limitations may be extended for as long as two years after they reach the age of 18.

Why You Need a Specialized Chicago Rideshare Accident Attorney

Working with one of our highly qualified Cooney & Conway lawyers frees you up to focus on the healing process.

Our legal team understands the unique complexities of rideshare accident cases involving multiple insurance policies, corporate defendants, and evolving regulations.

Expertise in Rideshare Insurance Complexities

• Aware of how rideshare driver status affects insurance coverage
• Knowledge of policy limits and exclusions
• Experience with coverage disputes between insurers

Evidence Collection Capabilities

• Access to specialized accident reconstruction experts
• Knowledge of rideshare app data recovery
• Ability to obtain electronic records from rideshare platforms

Experience with Corporate Defendants

• History of negotiating with rideshare company legal teams
• Understanding of corporate liability structures
• Competitive resources to match large company defendants

Regulatory Knowledge

• Familiarity with Chicago and Illinois rideshare regulations
• Awareness of driver qualification requirements
• Knowledge of all available damage categories to maximize compensation

Injured In a Rideshare Accident? Contact a Dedicated Cooney & Conway Attorney Today

At Cooney & Conway, our attorneys are prepared to help you after a rideshare car crash injury. We have the knowledge and resources to handle these unique cases effectively. Our law firm understands the rideshare insurance coverage system and how it differentiates these claims from standard auto accidents.

We remain committed to securing favorable compensation for your damages while you focus on recovery. Contact our office today or complete our online case evaluation form for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your rideshare case. Billions recovered for our clients. Call: today (800) 322-5573