Accidents Involving Illinois Rideshare Drivers: Why They Happen and Your Rights To Compensation
Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing companies provide convenience and help protect motorists’ safety by reducing drunk driving. However, high demand for services and a corresponding increase in the number of ridesharing drivers increase the risk of car accidents in Illinois.
Crashes and collisions involving Uber, Lyft, and other companies can leave passengers, motorists, and others on the road suffering serious harm. Our Marion rideshare accident lawyer explains why they happen and your rights in seeking compensation.
Why Rideshare Accidents in Illinois Happen
When ridesharing first launched in 2009, it was credited with reducing drunk-driving risks. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that, while there was a significant drop, increased demand for drivers creates additional hazards on the road. Reckless behavior on their part that increases Illinois ridesharing accident risks includes:
- Drowsy driving;
- Distracted driving;
- Speeding and going too fast for conditions;
- Sudden lane changes, cutting others off, and failing to yield;
- Running red lights;
- Driving under the influence.
Ridesharing accidents can impact passengers, other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. While both Uber and Lyft promote million-dollar insurance policies designed to protect victims, these claims are often disputed, downplayed, or denied.
How to Protect Your Rights After an Illinois Rideshare Accident
When a ridesharing driver causes you harm, you have the right to hold them and the ridesharing company responsible. Under the Illinois Statutes, compensation available in a negligence claim includes payment for property damages, lost income, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
However, ridesharing companies and their insurers limit payouts based on whether the driver had a passenger or was logged into the app at the time of the crash. Even if you are eligible for compensation, denials are common.
To get the total amount you need to recover, take these steps immediately after a crash or collision:
- Call 911 and make sure an official police report is filed documenting the crash and the driver’s rideshare status at the time.
- Get the driver’s name, license plate number, insurance information, and the name of the rideshare company.
- Screenshot the rideshare app if you were a passenger, including trip details, the driver’s name, and the route.
- Photograph all vehicles involved, the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention right away and keep all records of treatment and expenses.
To protect yourself and your rights to compensation when dealing with insurers or companies such as Uber and Lyft, contact an experienced Illinois ridesharing accident lawyer before making any statements or signing any documents.
Request a Consultation Today With Our Experienced Marion Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing accidents in Illinois are common and can leave passengers, motorists, and other road users suffering potentially severe injuries. To protect your rights when dealing with the ridesharing company and its insurer, contact Whitfield Crosby & Flynn.
Our experienced Marion rideshare accident lawyer knows how to deal with these companies and helps victims get the maximum compensation. Request a consultation today. We proudly serve clients in Madisonville, Kentucky; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Indianapolis, Indiana and Marion, Illinois.
Sources:
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6248466/
uber.com/us/en/blog/uber-us-insurance/
ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K2-604.1
