Law Blog

In today’s digital era, getting a ride is as easy as pressing a button on your phone. Rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, are popular and convenient ways for people to get around town while reducing the number of drunk or impaired drivers behind the wheel. Yet, while this travel option may be safer in certain situations, the reality is that car accidents can still happen when you least expect them to.
 
If you are ever injured in a rideshare vehicle as a driver or a passenger, you should arm yourself with this information to ensure your rights to compensation are protected. 
 

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

 
The steps you must take after being injured in an Uber or Lyft vehicle are very similar to the ones you would follow after any other Illinois car accident. When a crash happens, you should contact emergency services as soon as possible.  If you are injured, always seek medical attention and always file a police report. 
 
Additionally, you will want to gather some essential pieces of information from any and all drivers involved, including:

1. Names and contact information
2. License plate numbers
3. Vehicle makes and models 
4. Insurance information 

If there were any witnesses, get their contact information as well. Take as many photos and videos as you can of your injuries and those of the surrounding scene, including the vehicles, road, weather conditions, or street signs. These will be used as evidence by your personal injury attorney later on.
 
An additional step you will need to take after a rideshare accident is to report the accident on the app.
 

Liability and Insurance Coverage Options

 
The specific insurance coverage that is available will essentially depend on two factors: who was at fault for the crash and the specific period of time that the crash occurred. For both Uber and Lyft accidents, these periods vary on the following: 
 
When an Uber or Lyft driver is inactive, which means they are not logged into the app and they are driving on their own time. In other words, their driving is unrelated to the rideshare company. If you are injured by another person in an accident during this time, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage or your  own insurance would be utilized. 
 
When an Uber or Lyft driver is not yet paired with a passenger but has the app open and the driver is waiting on standby to pick someone up. If a driver is injured during this time period but personal insurance does not cover the entirety of the claim, both Uber and Lyft provide the following coverage. 

 

When an Uber or Lyft driver is paired with a passenger and when that passenger is already in the vehicle. Either of these events triggers a $1 million insurance policy that both rideshare companies carry in the state of Illinois, which can be used to cover damages related to passenger and driver injuries. The policies cover liability on the driver’s behalf as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, contingent comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage. 
 

We Will Fight For You

Rideshare accidents can be legally complicated, but the good news is that having a skilled attorney by your side can help you financially, physically, and emotionally recover. At Sherwood Law Group, our accident attorneys are standing by ready to fight aggressively for maximum compensation on your behalf.
 
Check us out at www.sherwoodlawgroup.com or our various social media pages. You can reach us directly at 312.627.1650 or info@sherwoodlawgroup.com. 
 
If you’ve been injured, contact SLG to schedule your free consultation today.