Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers in Chicago

Securing Fair Compensation for Uber & Lyft Accident Victims

With the rise in popularity of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft in urban areas, personal injury claims involving Uber and Lyft drivers have begun cropping up across the United States. The technological advancements employed by ridesharing services are unprecedented. Due to this innovation, legislators see the need for new laws regarding ridesharing company liability.

As experienced car accident lawyers, our team at McNabola & Associates, LLC understands the complexities of ridesharing liability law and how best to apply it to your Uber or Lyft accident claim.

If you were injured in a car crash involving Uber or Lyft in Chicago, call McNabola & Associates, LLC at (312) 888-8700 for a free consultation.

Understanding the Unique Challenges of Rideshare Accidents

When you are injured in a car accident by a negligent driver who is not employed by a ridesharing company, determining liability is much simpler.

Accidents involving ridesharing services and vehicles are unique because of:

• Insurance complexities – Ridesharing drivers are required to maintain a minimum level of liability coverage for their cars to qualify as an Uber or Lyft driver. Additionally, Uber provides its drivers with a $1 million liability policy for verifiable trips. However, if your trip could not be verified for any reason, the driver’s personal auto insurance would be the limit of recovery. Unfortunately, some insurance policies list exclusions like driving-for-hire/commercial driving in their policies. These exclusions could be overlooked during the hiring process, which could lead to complications when filing a personal injury claim.
• Risks of untrained Uber and Lyft drivers – When you get into the car with an Uber or Lyft driver, you are essentially being transported by an untrained commercial driver. Uber and Lyft do not offer commercial driving training to their drivers, and the screening process is not thorough. Furthermore, rideshare apps require their drivers to use cell phones to accept trips, sometimes even during their drive. This practice leads to distracted driving. Countless studies have shown the dangers of using a cell phone while driving.
• Independent contractor status of drivers – Lyft and Uber claim their drivers are not employees but are instead “independent contractors.” Uber and Lyft make this claim to distance their company from their drivers, which they use to deny liability when their drivers cause injuries to the public.

Distracted Driving: A Common Issue with Uber & Lyft Drivers

Due to the nature of the app-based rideshare business structure, Uber and Lyft drivers are required to use their phones to track their work in order to get paid. This includes contacting a passenger, routing to the destination, accepting passengers, and changes settings. As a result, they are using their phones while driving, creating a distracted driver.

Additionally, the more rides an Uber or Lyft driver completes, the more income they receive. This undoubtedly means that these drivers are in a rush, trying to complete one ride to move on to the next one.

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident

Regardless if you are a passenger in the Uber or Lyft driver's vehicle, or in the other vehicle as a driver or passenger, the steps following any car accident are very similar. First, seek medical treatment for any injuries and assist, as best you can, other injured victims. Then remember the following:

• Exchange driver information, including license numbers, car insurance information, names, contact information.
• Take notes and pictures at the accident site. Jot down any details that may be helpful later - location, mile markers, skid marks, time of day, driver behavior etc.
• Notify Uber or Lyft. In addition to the driver's personal insurance information, you can ask for the rideshare company's insurance policy information.
• Document all medical treatments, costs, injuries, damages, and missed days of work.
• Contact a Chicago Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer for Legal Assistance.

Get Help from Chicago's Trusted Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

If you were injured while taking an Uber or Lyft or were in a collision with one of their drivers, you deserve to be adequately compensated for your injuries. As a passenger injured in an accident, it can be frustrating to have your claim denied or to be offered inadequate insurance settlements. Let our skilled Chicago Uber and Lyft accident attorneys help you get the compensation you need after your injuries.

Reach out to our firm today to schedule a free consultation – just call (312) 888-8700.