Have you been involved in an accident with a Lyft driver in Chicago? Lyft and other rideshare companies have drastically changed how transportation works in the Chicago area. But the rise of rideshare trips means an increase in accidents with Lyft drivers.
If you have injuries from a crash with a Lyft driver, you need to speak to a rideshare accident lawyer in Chicago. Postman Law has experience navigating rideshare accident claims and can hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they’ve caused. We’ve recovered over $3 billion for victims just like you.
Contact our offices online or call us today to speak with a Lyft accident lawyer in Chicago.
Causes of Lyft Accidents in Chicago
Lyft doesn’t provide training for any of its drivers, and virtually anyone with a valid license can become one, so driver quality and experience can vary significantly.
Below are some of the most common causes of accidents with Lyft drivers:
- Distractions. Lyft drivers must contend with several distractions in their vehicles, like looking for passengers, checking directions, and using the app to find and accept trips.
- Frequent stops. Since Lyft drivers are picking up and dropping off passengers, they make frequent and unexpected stops, especially when driving in residential areas.
- Speeding. Lyft drivers are incentivized to finish trips quickly and complete as many as they can while on duty, so they may speed.
- Unfamiliar locations. Lyft drivers may have to navigate unfamiliar locations and can make mistakes, like turning the wrong way down a one-way street.
- Unsafe pickup/drop-off. Drivers might drop passengers off or pick them up in dangerous locations, like curbsides, intersections, parking lots, and road medians.
Regardless of the cause, you need to speak to a Chicago personal injury lawyer after an accident. They can investigate to identify the cause and the responsible parties.
For a free legal consultation with a lyft accident lawyer serving Chicago, call 844-767-8626
How Does Insurance Work in Lyft Accidents?
Lyft provides liability insurance to its rideshare drivers, though coverage is limited and active only during certain periods of the rideshare transaction process.
App Is Off
When the app is off and the driver is not signed in, then the driver’s personal auto policy is active. Filing an insurance claim in this situation would be the same as filing a claim in a typical auto accident.
Waiting to Accept Ride
When the app is on and the driver is waiting to accept a ride, Lyft offers limited liability coverage equal to the following amounts:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
During this period, Lyft’s liability coverage is secondary, meaning you have to file an insurance claim with the driver’s personal auto policy first and receive a rejection.
Driver en Route
When the driver has accepted a ride or is en route to a destination with a passenger, enhanced liability coverage applies. Lyft provides up to a $1 million combined limit for injuries and property damage.
Chicago Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me 844-767-8626
Can I Sue Lyft for an Accident With One of Its Drivers?
Since Lyft drivers are independent contractors and not employees, the larger rideshare company isn’t vicariously liable for their negligence. However, you may still be able to directly sue Lyft if they engaged in unsafe business practices that contributed to the crash.
For example, if Lyft ignored complaints about a driver, and they later caused a drunk driving accident, the company could be responsible for any injuries. A Chicago Lyft accident lawyer can assess your case to look for examples of business misconduct or inadequate driver training.
Click to contact our Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Chicago today
Compensation You Can Recover After a Lyft Accident
Depending on the circumstances, you can recover the following types of losses after a Lyft accident:
- Emergency medical bills
- Future medical expenses (e.g., prescriptions)
- Lost work income
- Reductions in lifetime earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket injury costs
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress
- Discomfort and inconvenience
We have recovered over $3 billion for clients from all walks of life and will fight to secure both short- and long-term losses in a settlement.
Time Limit to File a Lyft Accident Lawsuit
Under Illinois’s personal injury statute of limitations, you have two years to file a lawsuit for injuries after a Lyft accident. This time limit starts counting on the accident date. Even if certain symptoms take time to appear, the two-year clock still runs from the exact date of the crash.
The consequences of missing the statute of limitations are severe. You will lose your chance to recover compensation, no matter how severe your injuries are. If you try to file a lawsuit after the deadline, the court will reject it.
Contact a Chicago Lyft Accident Lawyer From Postman Law
Navigating the aftermath of a Lyft accident can be incredibly complex without the right help. A team member from Postman Law can help you assert your rights and protect your interests. We can focus on securing the money you need, while you can focus on moving forward with your life.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a Chicago Lyft accident lawyer.