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More and more Chicago residents use rideshare services to get around the city. They are extremely popular at night when people leave establishments after drinking.
Unfortunately, rideshare drivers can get into accidents just like everyone else.
If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a rideshare driver, The lawyers in TopDog Law’s legal network empathize with your circumstances, and they are here to help. Our network of Chicago rideshare accident attorneys can protect your rights and guide you through the complex insurance claims process.
While various insurance policies can cover your losses, that doesn’t mean recovery will be simple. Insurance companies regularly deny claims using various technicalities and other tactics.
The Chicago personal injury attorneys in our network have handled numerous cases filed by passengers and others injured by rideshare driving. While having an attorney’s services at the beginning is ideal, you can still contact them for a case review after starting a claim.
An attorney can build your case by gathering evidence and investigating who is responsible for the crash. TopDog Law’s network lawyers have numerous resources they can tap into that help injury victims.
Their goal is to get you compensation for your injury case. They will handle all insurance communications and negotiate for a favorable settlement. If it becomes necessary, they will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
The concept behind ridesharing is relatively simple. A rider downloads an app, plugs in some information, and then requests a ride.
A nearby driver receives a ride request and accepts it. They will then pick you up and take you where you want to go. When a driver accepts a ride, they will get your profile information, and you will get theirs.
You will find information such as:
Payments are made electronically through the app. This can include tips so you never have to worry about exchanging money, increasing the safety of the transaction.
Safety seems to be at the forefront of rideshare company’s initiatives. However, while they market themselves as safe, there are many dangers. Uber and Lyft provide extensive information about their drivers so riders feel safe getting in the vehicle.
All of that said, rideshare drivers can cause serious accidents that leave people seriously injured. The University of Chicago partnered with Rice University to study the impacts of rideshares in the city. They found there was a two to three percent increase in fatal accidents that correlated with the arrival of rideshare services in the city.
Several factors can cause ridesharing accidents, but they often result from driver error. One of the most significant causes of these collisions is distracted driving. The role of a rideshare driver heavily depends on using their phone.
This can present various issues, such as:
These accidents may resemble other car accidents, except for the complex insurance process. Rideshare insurance policies are often very complicated, and the coverage they provide depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident.
For example, if a rideshare driver is in the process of giving a ride or is waiting to accept a ride with the app active, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will likely cover any injuries they cause.
On the other hand, if the driver’s app was off, their own insurance company will likely cover any injuries they cause.
A Chicago rideshare accident lawyer can sift through these policies and get compensation for injuries you may sustain, such as:
Rideshare companies go to great lengths so they can avoid liability. However, the City of Chicago has taken steps to protect passengers under new legislation. There is hope that it will catch on a national level.
The biggest takeaway from the legislation is:
You can file an insurance claim to recover compensation for your losses if you suffer injuries in a rideshare accident. Remember, however, that insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying you what your claim is worth.
Examples of losses that rideshare victims often pursue in personal injury claims include:
The Chicago rideshare accident lawyers in TopDog Law’s network will review your case and find all avenues to compensation. They will defend your claim and investigate faults, damages, and more. They will negotiate with the insurance company for a favorable settlement.
The most significant complication you may encounter is determining the insurance company you can get compensation from.
You can often file a claim with the rideshare driver or other motorists. However, Uber and Lyft provide drivers with a $1 million liability insurance policy in certain situations. Sometimes, you can file a lawsuit against the rideshare company.
Another complication in these cases is that insurance companies can only provide payment up to their policy limits. Some rideshare drivers only carry the minimum insurance or have a personal policy. You can face additional issues if they do not have a commercial policy or inform the insurance company they use the vehicle for work.
You may think your case will be straightforward until the insurance company gives you pushback. Your primary focus should always be on your medical treatment. Obtaining care and documenting your recovery is the best way to protect your right to compensation.
You should also try to:
When rideshare drivers cause accidents, people can get seriously hurt. At TopDog Law, the Chicago rideshare accident lawyers in our network know how to hold rideshare companies and drivers accountable and will do everything they can to ensure victims get the compensation they deserve.
For your free case evaluation, call our office today at (708) 734-6928 or contact us online.
