Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Figuring out who is responsible after an Uber or Lyft crash in Chicago is confusing, and the insurance situation is even worse. You may be dealing with three or four different policies, none of which wants to pay your claim.
That’s not a good situation to be in when you are injured and financially strained by missed work and costly medical bills.
Our Chicago rideshare accident lawyers at Kennedy Watkins Injury Attorneys help passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers who have been injured in crashes involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicles across Cook County.
We know how to identify the liable parties, untangle the rideshare insurance confusion, and pursue maximum compensation for you.
Call Us 24/7 at (312) 448-8181 or get in touch with us online. Our consultations are free and come without pressure or obligation.
We are located at 350 N. Orleans St., Suite 9000N, Chicago, IL 60654 but we will visit you anywhere in Illinois if your injuries prevent you from traveling.
Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer for a Rideshare Crash?
Rideshare accident claims involve layered insurance policies, corporate legal teams, and Illinois laws most people have never encountered. If you were injured, the team of rideshare accident attorneys at Kennedy Watkins can identify every policy that applies, deal with Uber and Lyft’s claims process, and fight for the full value of your injuries.
A car accident insurance study published by Forbes found that people who hired a lawyer after an accident received a payout 91% of the time. Without a lawyer, that number dropped to 51%. Even after paying attorney fees, represented clients walked away with roughly three times as much as those who settled their own cases.
Uber and Lyft do not make the claims process easy. They classify their drivers as independent contractors, which limits the company’s direct liability. The Insurance Information Institute notes that rideshare insurance disputes are among the most complicated in the auto claims industry because personal auto policies typically exclude commercial ride-sharing activity. Our Chicago Uber and Lyft accident lawyers handle the fight, keeping the pressure on rideshare insurers to settle fairly so you can focus on getting better.
Why Chicago Rideshare Accident Victims Trust Kennedy Watkins Injury Attorneys
Attorneys Jack Kennedy and Daniel Watkins built this firm to fight for families harmed by another person’s or party’s negligent or reckless actions. They collaborate on every case from the first phone call through resolution.
Their results in personal injury cases include a $34,000,000 wrongful death verdict, a $10,000,000 recovery for a pedestrian struck by a CTA bus, a $7,365,000 verdict for a fatal truck accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway, and a $2,100,000 recovery for a pedestrian who suffered a broken arm and leg in a motor vehicle collision.
Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but they show the level of fight we bring to all of our cases.
What Our Clients Say
Results are one thing, but the true measure of our success is summed up in the words our clients use to describe their experience working with us.
“From the very first conversation, we knew we made the right choice. Everything was always communicated from the beginning to the end.”
“Professional. Efficient. Personable. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times.”
“They were extremely helpful throughout the entire process and delivered amazing results for me.”
We have nearly 100 five-star ratings on Google.
Making Sense of Rideshare Coverage
Multiple overlapping policies, coverage gaps, and corporate adjusters make rideshare claims uniquely frustrating. We know how to identify every applicable policy and hold insurers accountable for paying what they owe.
We Are Available 24/7 and Will Come to You
A rideshare accident can happen anywhere in Chicago, from a late-night pickup in Wicker Park to a morning airport run on I-190. Our attorneys answer calls around the clock and will meet you at your home, hospital, or wherever works best.
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win Your Case
We handle every rideshare accident case on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, no hourly rates, and no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Our office is at 350 N. Orleans Street, Suite 9000N, Chicago, IL 60654, in River North. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you. Call us at (312) 448-8181 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
Whose Insurance Covers Me After a Rideshare Accident in Illinois?
The insurance that applies after a rideshare accident in Illinois depends entirely on what the driver was doing with the app at the time of the crash. The Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57) divides rideshare activity into three coverage periods with very different insurance limits.
Period 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride Request
The driver has the app turned on but has not yet accepted a ride. During this period, the rideshare company provides limited contingent liability coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. This coverage only kicks in if the driver’s personal auto policy denies the claim.
Period 2: Ride Accepted, Driving to Pick Up the Passenger
Once the driver accepts a ride request, Uber and Lyft’s $1 million primary liability policy takes effect. This covers injuries to passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Period 3: Passenger in the Vehicle
The $1 million policy continues through the entire trip until the passenger exits the vehicle. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage also applies during this period, which protects passengers if a third-party driver without adequate insurance causes the crash.
| Coverage Period | Driver Status | Insurance Available |
|---|---|---|
| Period 1 | App on, no ride accepted | $50,000/$100,000 contingent liability |
| Period 2 | Ride accepted, en route to passenger | $1 million primary liability |
| Period 3 | Passenger in vehicle | $1 million primary liability + UM/UIM |
| App off | Not logged in | Driver’s personal auto policy only |
The Illinois Department of Insurance provides consumer guidance on how rideshare insurance works in the state. The gap between Period 1 and Period 2 coverage is enormous, and it is one of the main reasons rideshare accident claims require an experienced attorney.
Who Can I Hold Responsible for a Rideshare Accident in Chicago?
Rideshare accident liability depends on who caused the crash and what was happening at the time. Several parties may owe you compensation.
The Rideshare Driver
If your Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident through distracted driving, speeding, running a red light, or another traffic violation, you can pursue a claim against the driver and the applicable insurance policy.
Rideshare crashes happen frequently in high-traffic areas like the Loop, River North, and the congested pickup zones near O’Hare and Midway airports.
Uber or Lyft’s Insurance
While Uber and Lyft are generally shielded from direct liability because their drivers are classified as independent contractors, their insurance policies still cover the crash during Periods 2 and 3.
The rideshare accident attorneys at Kennedy Watkins know how to access that coverage and push back when the insurer tries to minimize your payout.
A Third-Party Driver
If another driver caused the crash while you were riding in an Uber or Lyft, you would file a claim against that driver’s insurance first. If they are uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company’s UM/UIM coverage applies during Periods 2 and 3.
The City of Chicago or a Government Entity
Dangerous road conditions, missing signage, or poorly designed intersections can contribute to rideshare crashes. The City of Chicago’s Vision Zero initiative has identified several high-crash corridors across the city.
Claims against a government entity are subject to significantly shorter filing deadlines, so contacting a lawyer as quickly as possible is important.
Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Kennedy Watkins will review the app data, insurance policies, and accident details to identify every source of compensation available to you.
Talk to a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
What Types of Rideshare Accident Cases Does Kennedy Watkins Handle?
Our Chicago rideshare accident attorneys represent clients across a range of crash scenarios. Each one involves different insurance coverage and different legal strategies.
- Passengers injured during an Uber or Lyft trip when the rideshare driver or another driver caused the crash
- Pedestrians hit by a rideshare driver in crosswalks, parking lots, and busy streets along Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, and Western Avenue.
- Cyclists struck by a rideshare vehicle pulling over for pickups or drop-offs, such as in bike lanes along Dearborn, Milwaukee Avenue, and the Lakefront Trail
- Other drivers hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle on the Dan Ryan Expressway, the Kennedy Expressway, I-90/I-94, Cicero Avenue, and other major Chicago roadways
- Rideshare drivers injured by another motorist’s negligence during an active trip
Every scenario has its own insurance path. A rideshare accident lawyer at Kennedy Watkins can sort out which policies apply and how to maximize your recovery.
Ask Kennedy Watkins About Your Chicago Rideshare Accident Claim
Q: Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly after a rideshare accident in Chicago?
A: Generally, you cannot sue Uber or Lyft directly for a driver’s negligence because the companies classify drivers as independent contractors. However, you can file a claim against their insurance policies, which provide up to $1 million in liability coverage during active trips. Our rideshare accident attorneys at Kennedy Watkins will pursue every available policy to maximize your compensation.
Q: What if I was a pedestrian hit by an Uber or Lyft driver in Chicago?
A: Pedestrians injured by rideshare drivers in Chicago have a strong claim. The insurance that applies depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash. If the driver had accepted a ride or had a passenger, the $1 million policy would cover your injuries. Even during Period 1, a contingent policy may apply.
Q: Who pays my medical bills after a rideshare accident in Illinois?
A: The at-fault party’s insurance is responsible for your medical bills. In a rideshare accident, that may be the driver’s personal policy, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, or a third-party driver’s insurance. Our Uber accident lawyers at Kennedy Watkins will identify which policies apply and handle the claims process for you.
Q: What if the rideshare driver’s app was off when the crash happened?
A: If the rideshare driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the crash, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. The rideshare company’s policies do not cover crashes that happen when the app is off. A Kennedy Watkins rideshare accident attorney can review the app data to determine exactly what coverage is available.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Rideshare Accident in Chicago?
Rideshare accident victims in Illinois can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Illinois does not cap personal injury damages, so the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and how they have affected your daily life.
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages |
|---|---|
| Emergency room and hospital bills | Physical pain and suffering |
| Surgery and follow-up medical care | Emotional distress and anxiety |
| Prescription medications | Scarring and disfigurement |
| Physical therapy and rehabilitation | Loss of enjoyment of life |
| Lost wages and reduced earning capacity | Loss of consortium for a spouse |
| Rideshare and transportation costs during recovery | Fear and anxiety related to riding in vehicles |
Rideshare accident injuries often include whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and soft tissue damage. A crash at a busy intersection or a highway can leave you facing months of treatment at Northwestern Memorial or the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Our rideshare accident attorneys at Kennedy Watkins will work with medical professionals and economists to calculate the full cost of your injuries, including future care you have not yet received.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Illinois?
Illinois’ statute of limitations generally gives rideshare accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a rideshare accident caused the death of a loved one, the family also has two years to file a wrongful death claim.
Claims against the City of Chicago or another government entity may have a deadline as short as one year, with notice requirements that apply even sooner.
Critical evidence like app data, GPS logs, and driver status records can disappear quickly. Contacting a Chicago rideshare accident attorney at Kennedy Watkins as early as possible protects your claim and gives us time to secure the evidence that matters most.
Questions Chicago Rideshare Accident Victims Are Asking
What if the Uber or Lyft driver had a passenger from a different ride when they hit me?
If the rideshare driver had an active passenger during the crash, the full $1 million liability policy applies regardless of whether you were the passenger or a third party. That policy covers injuries to everyone involved in the accident.
Can I still file a claim if I do not know which rideshare company the driver worked for?
Yes. Our Lyft and Uber accident attorneys at Kennedy Watkins can obtain police reports, app records, and insurance information to identify the rideshare company and the applicable insurance policies. You do not need to know every detail before reaching out for help.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes, you may still have a claim if you were partly responsible. Illinois uses comparative fault, which means your compensation can be reduced based on your share of blame, as long as you are less than 51% at fault. Insurance companies often try to shift more fault onto injured people, so a lawyer can help protect you from being unfairly blamed.
What if my Uber driver was also working for Lyft at the same time?
Some drivers run multiple rideshare apps simultaneously. The insurance that applies depends on which app had the active trip at the time of the crash. If the driver had accepted a ride on one platform, that company’s $1 million policy is primary. A rideshare accident lawyer can sort through the app data to determine which insurer is responsible.
How much does a rideshare accident lawyer in Chicago cost?
A rideshare accident lawyer at Kennedy Watkins costs nothing upfront. We work on contingency, so you owe no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is free and confidential.
What if the rideshare accident happened at O’Hare or Midway Airport?
Rideshare accidents near O’Hare and Midway are common because of heavy traffic in airport pickup and drop-off zones. The same Illinois insurance rules apply at the airport as anywhere else. If the crash happened on airport property, government entity liability may also be a factor. Contact a Kennedy Watkins rideshare accident attorney to discuss the specifics.
Talk to a Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyer at Kennedy Watkins Today
Insurance companies rarely play fair when processing insurance claims. If you were injured in a crash involving an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle in Chicago, sorting out the insurance on your own or talking with adjusters is a risk you do not need to take.
Our rideshare accident lawyers at Kennedy Watkins are ready to review your case, identify every applicable policy, and fight for the compensation you need.
Call (312) 448-8181 or get in touch with us today for a free, confidential consultation. We are available around the clock and will come to you.