What Are My Rights If I Am Injured in an Accident with an Uber or Lyft?

For about a decade, rideshare companies have been a convenient alternative to taxis in Chicago. Along with convenience, however, comes potential risk as you could be an accident with an Uber or Lyft. If that happens, you may wonder what your rights are.

The best way to find the answer to what your rights are when you’re injured in an accident with a rideshare vehicle is to consult an experienced Uber accident lawyer in Chicago, IL.

Understanding Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident

If you’re hurt in an accident involving Uber or Lyft, understand that you have the same right to compensation for your injuries from the party at fault (who was “negligent”) as you would in any other kind of auto accident. Financial responsibility for the injuries typically falls to the insurance company of the at-fault party.

Parties that could potentially bear fault for a rideshare accident include:

• the Lyft or Uber driver
• rideshare company
• another driver (if a multi-vehicle accident)
• a pedestrian or cyclist
• vehicle or parts manufacturer

Because identifying who is liable, or if more than one party is at fault, is important to your claim, you need to consult with us after you’ve been injured in an auto accident. We’ve handled many rideshare accident cases and know where to look for insurance coverage that can provide the compensation you need for your injuries.

How to Protect Your Rights After an Uber or Lyft Accident

If you’re injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your right to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do after an Uber or Lyft accident:

Steps to Take at the Scene and Shortly After

• Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. A police report can be valuable evidence.
• Gather driver and vehicle information – Get the Uber or Lyft driver’s name, contact information, license plate, and insurance details.
• Identify witnesses – Collect names and contact info for anyone who saw the accident.
• Take photos and video – Document the scene, damage to your vehicle, visible injuries, and road conditions.
• Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not appear right away. Getting treatment creates a medical record.

Keep Detailed Records After the Accident

• Preserve important documents – Hold on to medical records, police reports, and any communications with the rideshare company or insurance adjusters.
• Track accident-related expenses – Save receipts and keep a running list of medical bills, transportation costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
• Document your recovery – Maintain a journal of your pain, emotional suffering, physical limitations, treatments, and how the injury affects your work and family life.
• Notify your employer – If you need time off, make sure your employer is informed and keep records of your lost wages.

Be Cautious When Communicating with Insurance Companies

It’s critical to avoid making statements to the rideshare driver’s insurer, your own insurance provider, or the company itself without legal guidance.

• Don’t downplay your injuries – Saying “I’m fine” or “It’s no big deal” can be used to minimize your claim.
• Don’t sign anything – Insurance adjusters may ask you to sign forms or accept a quick settlement. Speak with an attorney first.
• Understand their goals – Uber, Lyft, and their insurers want to close cases quickly and cheaply. They may sound helpful, but they are not on your side.

Staver Can Help if You’re Hurt in a Rideshare Accident

One minute you’re using Uber or Lyft to head cross town to a meeting or out to Happy Hour with friends, and the next you’re injured in an accident. You may not understand your rights and how to seek all the compensation you deserve. That’s where our rideshare attorneys can help. Questions of liability and whose insurance policy applies is best left to us while you concentrate on getting better.

Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan.

If you’ve been hurt as a passenger in a rideshare, or hit by an Uber or Lyft while driving, walking, or biking, schedule a consultation with Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. There’s no cost to you unless we recover. Call (312) 236-2900 or use our online form to make your appointment.