Most of us have probably hopped in the back of an Uber or Lyft at some point. Unfortunately, some of us never reach our destination because of an accident. If that is the case, call a lawyer to discuss how to get fair compensation.
If you are in an accident with a ridesharing vehicle, you should immediately call for help and remain at the scene until the authorities arrive. Exchange information with others at the scene so we can talk to them later and take photos if you can. Call a lawyer as soon as possible. You must file your civil case no later than 2 years after the crash, barring special circumstances. Damages in auto accident cases may be very high depending on the severity of your injuries. The financial and emotional toll of the accident might be significant, and your lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. In many cases, uber and Lyft drivers are to blame, although we should also consider including other drivers involved in the accident.
Get a confidential evaluation of your claims for free by calling our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166.
What You Should Do Following an Uber or Lyft Collision in Des Plaines, IL
Vehicle crashes can be overwhelming. After a crash, you might be injured, confused, and in need of help. Your first course of action should be to call for emergency help. Dial 911 and ask for the police and an ambulance to be sent to your location. Even if you think the accident might be minor and your injuries are not a big deal, call for help. Reporting the accident as quickly as possible might help you get compensation for your damages.
Remain at the scene until the police arrive. You must remain at the scene even if you were not driving during the crash. If you were a passenger in the Uber or Lyft vehicle, it might be tempting to simply give your name and number to the driver, just in case, and leave. This is not a good idea, especially if you have injuries and later need to cover your damages. Leaving the scene will not look good in an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
While waiting for help to arrive, exchange information with others. Get the name and contact information of any drivers and passengers involved in the crash. Depending on what kind of legal action we take later, you might need this information. For example, if our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers help you file a lawsuit against the rideshare driver, we might need the other drivers to testify as witnesses.
It would help if you also tried to document the scene. Take photos and record videos. If you do not have a camera, write down details of the accident or just make clear mental notes of everything going on. This information might come in handy later as evidence.
How Soon You Should Begin a Legal Claim for a Lyft or Uber Crash in Des Plaines, IL
It is never too early to meet with a lawyer and start planning your injury case for an Uber or Lyft crash. In fact, you only have a limited time to get your claims into court, and time is of the essence. The statute of limitations sets the time limit for plaintiffs to file lawsuits. If the statute expires, you might never be able to sue for your injuries.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois is under 735 I.L.C.S. § 5/13-202 and gives you 2 years to file a case. While 2 years might seem like more than enough time, you might be surprised how quickly the time passes and how much time is needed to effectively prepare a lawsuit. The sooner you get started, the better.
If the limitation period is about to expire or has already expired, all hope might not be lost. Under specific conditions, you might be able to have the statute of limitations tolled. This means that a certain amount of time will not count toward your limitation period, thereby extending the deadline.
Tolling might be available for minors and people under a legal disability, according to § 5/13-211(a). The limitations period would not begin until a minor turns 18 or someone with a legal disability sees that disability removed. This might be important in Uber and Lyft accident cases, as young people under 18 often use these ridesharing apps.
Claiming Damages in Des Plaines, IL Uber and Lyft Accident Cases
Damages in Uber or Lyft collisions may be more substantial than you realize. Injuries and property damage are expensive to deal with, and you should not have to foot the bill. Instead, the person who caused the crash should have to pay you fair compensation for what you have endured.
Compensatory Damages
Damages related to actual losses and painful experiences are considered compensatory damages. These include economic damages related to monetary expenses and non-economic damages for subjective experiences.
Economic losses may include, but might not be limited to, hospital bills, property damage, vehicle repairs, and even lost income if you miss work because of your injuries. These damages tend to vary from case to case, so keeping track of all your expenses is important.
Non-economic injuries are more subjective but often involve painful experiences of some kind. Often summed up as “pain and suffering,” these damages may include pain from bodily injuries, mental anguish, psychological trauma, depression, anxiety, or even PTSD if the accident was especially traumatic.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not awarded to make up for something you lost. Instead, these damages are awarded to punish defendants if their behavior is especially egregious. While these damages may be valuable, they are rare and not always available.
Under 735 I.L.C.S. § 5/2-1115.05(a), punitive damages may be available in personal injury cases, such as those involving Uber or Lyft collisions. These damages may be worth no more than 3 times the value of economic damages.
According to § 5/2-1115.05(b), you must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with an evil motive or with an outrageous and reckless indifference to highly unreasonable risks of harm and a conscious indifference to the safety and rights of others.
This is an incredibly high bar, and punitive damages are uncommon. Even so, talk to your lawyer about whether they are possible in your case.
Get Help From Our Des Plaines, IL Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys
Get a confidential evaluation of your claims for free by calling our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166.
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