Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are so popular that they often outnumber traditional taxis in many towns and cities. While rideshare services can be convenient, they are not always as safe as we think, and accidents happen somewhat frequently. If you are hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash, get help and hire a lawyer as soon as possible.
Any car accident can be disastrous, including accidents with Lyft and Uber vehicles. You may have significant medical expenses, and your injuries could prevent you from returning to work, costing you income when you need it most. Some people experience injuries so severe that their quality of life suffers, and they deserve fair financial compensation. After the accident, contact a lawyer who can help you explore your legal options and pursue financial compensation from those responsible for the crash.
Ask our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys for a free, confidential legal review by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
Why You Should Take Legal Action After a Lyft or Uber Accident
If you are hurt in an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Every case is unique, and your specific damages will vary based on the facts of your case. Below are some common damages, although your case may differ.
Medical Expenses
Your hospital bills may be a significant portion of your overall claim for damages. Medical treatment is famously expensive, and even just one trip to the emergency room after a car accident can cost thousands of dollars. The greater your injuries, the higher your medical costs will likely be.
Your Ability to Work
An accident with a Lyft or Uber car could cause injuries so severe that you cannot work for a while. Taking time away from work to recover is normal after an accident, but you might lose significant income if you must step away from your job for a longer time. You may claim lost wages in our case, and our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys will help you calculate how much you have lost and how much you may continue to lose as the case proceeds.
Quality of Life
Unfortunately, many car accident victims find that their quality of life is significantly diminished because of the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver. Although these kinds of damages are subjective and arguably difficult to quantify, they may still warrant substantial compensation.
FAQs About Suing for Injuries from a Lyft or Uber Accident in Elgin, IL
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident?
Generally, no. While you can file claims against these rideshare companies related to your accident, it is difficult to hold them liable. Companies are only vicariously liable for accidents caused by employees. Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as employees but are instead independent contractors. Even so, your case might be different, and you should ask your lawyer about suing Uber or Lyft.
Who Can I Sue for Injuries from a Lyft or Uber Crash?
You may sue whomever you believe is directly responsible for the accident and your injuries. In many cases, this includes the Lyft or Uber driver and any other drivers involved in the accident. In more complex cases, like multi-vehicle accidents, you may include multiple other drivers.
Should I Call the Police After an Accident with an Uber or Lyft?
Yes. It is generally a good idea to report car accidents to the police. In Illinois, drivers are legally required to report car accidents to the police by the quickest means possible under any of the following circumstances:
- The accidents involve injuries or death
- There is property damage of more than $1,500
- The accident involves a school bus and was caused by a collision, sudden stop, or involves property damage, injuries, or death
- The crash occurs within 50 feet of a school bus and involves death or injury to anyone waiting to board the bus or exiting the bus
Do I Need to Go to the Hospital After a Lyft or Uber Accident?
Yes. The sooner you go to the hospital, the sooner you can get treatment for injuries, and the sooner doctors can begin compiling medical records about your injuries. We may need these records as evidence of your injuries and medical costs. If you wait to seek treatment, there may be a gap in your records, and they may be considered less accurate.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Lyft or Uber Crash?
AN attorney can advise you of all your legal options, determine what your claims are worth, and help you decide how to proceed with your case. They should also be your point of contact, and any communication between you and the defendant must go through your attorney. Once your case begins, your lawyer should be able to navigate complex legal procedures to keep your case on track.
How Do I File an Insurance Claim After Being Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Even if you plan to sue, you need to exhaust your insurance options first. In Illinois, drivers injured in accidents must file third-party claims with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. If your claim is denied or your damages exceed the policy limits, you may explore other possible insurance options before moving on to a lawsuit.
How Long After an Uber or Lyft Accident Should I File a Lawsuit?
You should seek legal help as soon as possible after an Uber or Lyft accident. In Illinois, plaintiffs filing personal injury lawsuits have only 2 years from the date of their accidents to do so. While this might seem like a long time, you must also complete insurance claims and explore any other possible legal options within this same time frame.
Where Do I Get Proof of My Claims in an Uber or Lyft Accident Case?
We can begin gathering evidence at the scene of the accident. If possible, take photos and record videos of the accident scene while you are waiting for help. Once the authorities arrive, the scene may be cleared away, and evidence could be lost. You should also get the names and phone numbers of everyone at the accident scene so they may be contacted later about possibly providing eyewitness testimony.
What Do I Do if I Cannot Afford My Bills While My Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit is Pending?
Accidents can be expensive, and many victims cannot afford to cover their damages while their legal claims are pending. After an Uber or Lyft accident, your attorney can help you figure out how to cover your bills while waiting for compensation. You may be able to negotiate a payment agreement with the hospital that treated you. You might instead borrow money from loved ones. Your lawyer can help you decide what to do.
Can I File an Insurance Claim and a Lawsuit for the Same Uber or Lyft Accident?
Yes. Typically, courts want plaintiffs to exhaust their other legal options, including insurance claims, first. If you can file a claim but choose not to, the court may put your case on hold until you file the claim to see if you can get compensation without a trial. Many plaintiffs file lawsuits for Uber and Lyft accidents only after exhausting their insurance options.
Review Your Case with our Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys in Elgin, IL
Ask our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys for a free, confidential legal review by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
Resources