After a car accident, you may be facing painful injuries, medical bills, and time away from work that you can’t afford. If someone else’s negligence caused the crash, you shouldn’t have to shoulder those financial burdens on your own. The at-fault driver’s insurance should provide some relief.
However, if your accident involved a rideshare driver, the whole process can be more complicated than you expected. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Schaumburg can help you hold the right party accountable and get the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Postman Law has recovered more than $3 billion in jury awards and settlements on behalf of injured accident victims. Learn more about how our personal injury lawyers in Schaumburg can help when you call for your free consultation. Others promise. Postman delivers.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents
A rideshare accident involves a driver working through a transportation network company, such as Uber or Lyft. These drivers use their personal vehicles to transport passengers who request rides through a mobile app.
Rideshare services are now a common part of life in Schaumburg and the greater Chicagoland area. While they provide convenience, they can also bring complicated legal issues when accidents happen.
Because rideshare drivers frequently switch between personal and commercial driving activities, determining which insurance policy applies isn’t always straightforward. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Schaumburg can evaluate your crash and explain your legal rights.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer serving Schaumburg, call 844-767-8626
How Our Team Can Help After a Rideshare Accident
It is smart to consult with a personal injury lawyer after any serious accident. When a rideshare company is involved, legal representation becomes even more valuable.
Who is liable often depends on the driver‘s status when the collision occurred and whether they were:
- Using the vehicle for personal reasons
- Logged into the rideshare app and waiting for a ride request
- Traveling to pick up a passenger
- Transporting a passenger
Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce or deny claims, and rideshare companies take steps to minimize their liability. While you’re focusing on your recovery, our team can work to protect your interests and hold the right party accountable.
Schaumburg Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me 844-767-8626
When Is a Rideshare Company Responsible for a Crash?
Companies like Uber and Lyft generally classify their drivers as independent contractors, which removes some of their legal responsibility when accidents happen. However, there are situations where the rideshare company’s insurance coverage may apply.
The rideshare company’s liability coverage kicks in when a driver is using the app for work. This includes times when they accept a ride request, drive to pick up a passenger, or transport a passenger.
Liability may also arise from other issues, such as failing to properly screen or hire drivers, ignoring reports of dangerous behavior, or not removing drivers who have known safety concerns.
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When Is the Driver Personally Liable?
If a rideshare driver was not logged into the app or was using their vehicle for personal reasons, the claim may proceed through the driver’s personal insurance policy.
Illinois law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. Currently, the required minimum limits include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 for property damage
Depending on the circumstances, additional insurance policies may also provide coverage. Determining which policy applies is one of the most important parts of a successful rideshare accident claim. Our team can help you understand what to do if an Uber or Lyft crashes.
Compensation in a Rideshare Accident Claim
Every injury claim is unique, so the value of a rideshare accident case depends on the specific losses you’ve experienced. Our Schaumburg rideshare accident lawyers will evaluate your hardships and seek maximum compensation.
This often includes economic damages such as:
- Emergency services like ambulance transportation and ER visits.
- Hospital stays and surgical procedures
- Follow-up medical care
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost income while recovering
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Future medical expenses
In many cases, injured victims may also pursue compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Our team can help determine which damages may be available based on your circumstances.
Time Limits for Filing Your Claim
The Illinois statute of limitations for personal injury actions is set forth in 735 ILCS 5/13-202, which generally requires these claims to be filed within two years of the date the cause of action accrued.
Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation, even if the other party is at fault. Some exceptions may apply that could lengthen or shorten your time period. Our attorneys can determine the exact timeline you will need to deal with.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Schaumburg Today
A rideshare accident can disrupt nearly every part of your life. Between the pain of your injuries, your medical appointments, and your financial struggles, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed.
When you add in the confusion about who is responsible, this becomes a tough fight to handle alone. You don’t have to. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Schaumburg are here to answer your questions, investigate your claim, and pursue the compensation you need.
Our team at Postman Law has served over 1.4 million clients and helped injury victims recover compensation after serious accidents. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and tell us about your rideshare accident case.