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Buffalo Grove Uber Accident Lawyer
A Buffalo Grove Uber accident lawyer can negotiate with Uber and rideshare drivers on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your rideshare accident. Contact our experienced personal injury law firm today for a free case review.
Verdicts and Settlements from Our Uber Car Crash Cases in Naperville
$3,500,000 for a rideshare-related shooting
$1,680,000 for a motorcyclist struck by a rideshare vehicle
$945,000 for a pedestrian struck by a rideshare driver
$433,333 for a pedestrian hurt while exiting a rideshare
$350,000 for a rear-end collision
The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer for Your Uber Accident Case in Buffalo Grove, IL
Uber accident claims are more complicated than other car accidents because liability and insurance coverage are slightly different. As such, Buffalo Grove car accident lawyers play a key role in investigating the details of your case and identifying who’s liable.
For example, a car accident lawyer must prove the driver was logged into the Uber app at the time of the accident in order to make a claim against the company’s insurance policy. We also need to determine liability, which means finding which parties were responsible and to what degree.
Our Uber accident lawyers must negotiate with the relevant insurance provider to seek compensation. This can be challenging if the driver’s status is unclear or if the company refuses to provide the necessary information. Thankfully, our lawyers have years of experience in Uber accident claims and know the tactics providers use to deny responsibility.
Determining Liability for Uber Accidents
Liability refers to the person or provider responsible for your damages. Uber accidents are unique, as are some of the factors that determine who is at fault for an accident. Since these drivers are contractors, knowing who to sue for damages can be more complex.
In some cases, it’s possible to sue Uber directly if the driver was actively working at the time of the accident. However, if you’re involved in an Uber accident with a driver who is logged out of the app, you may need to seek compensation from their personal insurance coverage or through a third-party lawsuit instead.
A Buffalo Grove ridesharing accident lawyer can help you thoroughly investigate your case and determine liability.
Driver’s Status
A driver’s status refers to their level of activity at the time of the accident and impacts whether insurance coverage is through their policy or Uber. Here are a few scenarios to consider:
Offline status: When an Uber driver is offline, meaning they’re not logged into the app, they are not covered by Uber’s insurance policy. Their personal insurance coverage will be responsible for any damages.
Logged in waiting for a ride: Uber drivers who are logged in but waiting for a ride should be covered by Uber’s insurance coverage. This offers up to $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
En route with or without passenger: An Uber driver en route to pick up or drop off a passenger is considered active. This provides up to $1,000,000 per accident to riders or third parties when the Uber driver is responsible.
Negligence
Filing a personal injury case in Illinois requires proof of negligence. In an Uber accident, negligence must include a breach of the legal duty of care. Uber drivers who agree to transport passengers owe a standard duty of safety to that passenger and other drivers on the road.
A successful personal injury lawsuit also shows that the responsible party breached that duty of care by being negligent. Additionally, a personal injury case must demonstrate that negligence caused the injuries and that the injuries are eligible for compensation.
The negligence of any of the following parties could be to blame when an Uber accident occurs.
Uber Driver: A driver who speeds, ignores traffic laws, or is under the influence may have to pay for Uber accident claims.
Pedestrians: Pedestrians who cross the road in undesignated areas or who are distracted could be at fault when an accident occurs. For example, Illinois law prohibits pedestrians from crossing the street anywhere other than a designated crosswalk, also known as jaywalking (§625 ILCS 5/11-1002). If an Uber accident happens because a pedestrian runs across the road, then they could be held partially responsible.
Other Drivers: If someone else’s negligence contributed to the accidents involving a rideshare car, our experienced attorneys can hold them accountable. As an example, another driver could rear-end an Uber worker who dropped off a passenger, resulting in serious injuries.
Uber: Lawsuits like Leaks v. Uber Technologies are fighting to reclassify Uber drivers as employees rather than independent contractors. If these lawsuits are successful, injured passengers would be able to sue Uber for accidents involving rideshare services. As it stands, a Buffalo Grove car accident lawyer can sue Uber if it negligently allowed an unsafe driver to use the platform.
Automotive Manufacturer: A manufacturer with faulty or defective parts could be liable for personal injury claims in a product liability suit. However, this may not be possible if the car is more than 12 years old (§735 ILCS 5/13-213). Uber allows drivers to use vehicles up to 16 years old.
City of Buffalo Grove: While it can be challenging to hold a city accountable for an Uber accident due to the Tort Immunity Act (§745 ILCS 10/1-101), they could be liable if unsafe road conditions were a deciding factor in the crash. Our accident lawyers will fight hard to make sure the city pays its fair share.
Buffalo Grove rideshare accident attorneys can help build a successful case demonstrating each of these important elements. Your personal injury lawyer will work to prove negligence by investigating your case and collecting evidence, including driver logs, police reports, medical records, photographs, and videos of the accident scene, as well as witness statements.
Illinois has modified comparative negligence laws (§735 ILCS 5/2-1116), which means more than one party can be at fault when an accident occurs. If you were injured in an Uber accident, you’re able to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit as long as you are less than 50% to blame.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Buffalo Grove Uber Drivers
This city has around 43,212 residents, making it one of the smaller Chicago suburbs. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 566 car crashes in the city during 2023, including one fatal crash. In contrast, Lombard has about 43,779 residents and saw 808 crashes in 2023.
While this village has fewer accidents than other similarly sized cities in the Chicago metropolitan area, this does not mean drivers should not exercise caution. Some of its most well-traveled roads are particularly dangerous due to high traffic volumes, more distracted driving, and a greater risk of pedestrian collisions.
These five intersections represent the highest danger to Uber drivers and their passengers.
Buffalo Grove Road: Sadly, a pedestrian was killed at this road’s intersection with Larraway Drive in 2024.
Arlington Heights Road: A 2022 petition about Arlington Heights Road at Plum Grove Road and Bernard Drive/Nichols Avenue at Arlington Heights Road received 900 signatures due to the high risk these areas pose to local schoolchildren.
McHenry Road: The intersection of McHenry Road and Arlington Heights Road has been the site of multiple serious crashes over the years.
Lake Cook Road: The Lake Cook Corridor is one of the most well-traveled areas in the city and has thousands of commercial spaces.
Dundee Road: The intersection of Dundee Road and Arlington Heights Road, as well as the area by Old Arlington Heights Road, is currently under redevelopment, meaning high traffic and many commercial vehicles.
IDOT does not keep track of the number of accidents involving rideshares in any one city. However, the University of Illinois-Chicago found that one-third of rideshare drivers admitted to being in a crash while working in a recent survey.
What to Do After an Uber Accident in Buffalo Grove, IL
Timely reporting and medical care are a requirement after an Uber accident. If you or a loved one is involved in an Uber accident, make sure you take the following steps:
Get to a Safe Space: After an Uber accident, prioritize your safety. If possible, get out of the way of oncoming traffic.
Call 911: Tell the dispatcher where the Uber accident occurred, with the cross streets or a prominent location. For example, the crash happened at Arlington Heights and Plum Grove Road, or near Bison Park.
Report the accident: Report the accident as quickly as possible. Illinois requires filing a crash report if the accident results in more than $1,500 of property damage. If any of the drivers are uninsured, the threshold is only $500. You have just 10 days to report the incident.
Gather Details: Get the driver’s insurance information and contact details. You should also get contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident, as their testimony can be crucial for Uber accident claims.
Get Evidence: Take pictures of the Uber accident and your injuries. You should also screenshot your ride confirmation from the Uber app.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel hurt at the accident scene, you may be seriously injured. Getting medical care right away also helps to support your claim for fair compensation.
Notify Uber of the Accident: You should also notify Uber of the accident. You can easily report Uber accidents using the app.
Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters or Uber: Insurance adjusters will do anything they can to limit their liability, and Uber itself may try to offer you a low settlement. Let our Buffalo Grove Uber accident lawyers handle all negotiations with third parties on your behalf.
Contact a Buffalo Grove Uber Accident Lawyer: Navigating Uber accidents can be more complex than traditional car accidents. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the Uber accident claims process and protect your legal rights.
Buffalo Grove Car Accident Victims Have Limited Time to File an Uber Claim
Illinois limits personal injury claims to just two years from the date of the accident (§735 ILCS 5/13-202). For wrongful death, it is two years after death. With vehicle damage, you have five years to file (§735 ILCS 5/13-205).
There are different statutes of limitations for Uber accidents involving minors or disabled individuals. For example, the statute of limitations for minors is tolled or paused until they turn 18, at which point they have two years to file (§735 ILCS 5/13-112).
Make sure you reach out to a Buffalo Grove Uber accident lawyer for experienced legal representation, as we can determine which statute of limitations applies to your case.
Damages Our Buffalo Grove Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover
Illinois allows for both economic and non-economic damages in Uber accident claims. While economic damages cover hard expenses, non-economic damages consider how the accident changed your life and led to hardship. You may seek compensation for the following:
- Lost wages
- Future lost income
- Medical expenses
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial expenses for wrongful death
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inconvenience
If your Buffalo Grove car accident lawsuit goes to court, the jury may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish a negligent party for actions that go beyond simple negligence, such as road rage or drinking while driving.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Determines The Value of Your Uber Accident Claim in Buffalo Grove
While you may see statistics about the average settlement for certain types of claims, the reality is that every case is different. What a fair settlement may be for your case varies significantly depending on what happened, who was involved, and how badly you were injured.
Some of the factors that contribute to fair compensation for an Uber accident lawsuit include the following.
Severity of Injuries: Those with serious injuries will have higher medical bills, which will be included in damages. They will also have a greater impact on their quality of life, increasing the pain and suffering damages they can receive.
Prognosis: If you require ongoing medical treatment or have chronic physical pain, our experienced attorneys can negotiate for more insurance coverage.
Time off Work: In addition to medical expenses, you can receive compensation for lost wages. If you had to spend more time off work or could not return to your previous job, your settlement may be higher.
Cost of Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the crash, you will need to get an estimate of potential repairs or replacement costs. This will contribute to your overall compensation amount.
Impact on Your Life: While every accident is going to impact your life to some extent, you may receive more if you suffer lifelong changes, such as facial disfigurement. We will use testimony from friends, family, and medical professionals to support your claim.
Insurance Coverage Available: Insurance claims involve policy limits. If the parties involved did not have insurance, you may be limited in what you can receive. You would have to file a claim through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which typically has much lower limits than would be available through third-party liability coverage.
Driver’s Status: As previously mentioned, the type of insurance that applies depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. Uber’s insurance has much higher policy limits than the typical motorist coverage, so we will be able to push for higher compensation.
Liability: In general, everyone in an Uber accident case will be considered partially liable, but the percentage of their fault will determine whether or not they can claim compensation. We will look at state and local laws to determine whether anyone broke the law, which may make them more liable. We’ll also ensure you are not assigned more blame than would be fair based on your actions.
Evidence Available: Uber accident claims require plenty of evidence, like police reports and surveillance footage. The more information your accident lawyers have to prove liability, the easier it is to seek compensation.
You can use our personal injury settlement calculator to get a rough estimate of what your case may be worth. These calculators take things like lost wages, future medical needs, and other elements of your Uber accident case into consideration.
However, only skilled Uber accident lawyers will be able to fully evaluate claims, as there are so many contributing factors influencing how much you will receive. We will speak to experts to get a comprehensive picture of your future needs, which lets us seek compensation to cover everything you’ll need now and in the future.
The Cost of Hiring a Buffalo Grove Uber Accident Attorney
Our Buffalo Grove Uber accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. If we do not win your case, you don’t pay anything. Instead, we deduct our legal fees from your settlement, so you don’t need to worry about paying legal bills while you recover.
During your consultation, we will explain what expenses you may have to pay during the lawsuit process so you are fully aware of your responsibilities. Our accident lawyers aim to be transparent and honest with all our clients, as we believe that trust is a critical factor in the attorney-client relationship.
Why Uber Car Accident Victims Need a Buffalo Grove Attorney
Uber accident claims can be incredibly complicated, making it challenging to receive a fair settlement on your own. A Buffalo Grove Uber accident lawyer fights hard for your rights and will represent you in negotiations with the insurance company.
We will use all available evidence, such as police reports and medical records, to justify our demands for fair compensation. This research will help us determine who is liable and identify contributing factors that may not have been obvious at first.
For example, we may take depositions of witnesses who reveal that another driver strayed out of their lane. This may not have been discussed in the original Uber accident report, and it helps us pursue compensation from additional parties. We know what questions we can legally ask witnesses so their testimony can be used in a lawsuit.
An experienced lawyer is also highly familiar with the insurance claims process and can help you determine which insurance coverage pertains to your Uber accident in Buffalo Grove. We’ve worked with all major insurers on cases like yours and know the exact procedures they follow.
Companies often attempt to deceive, offer low settlements, or falsely deny claims for accident victims who don’t have legal representation. These companies understand the average person isn’t familiar with the intricacies of insurance claims, and they will use this to their advantage.
With accident lawyers on your side, you level the playing field and ensure companies don’t try to take advantage of you.
Lastly, our legal team will guide you through every step of a lawsuit. We will determine when it’s time to file a complaint, handle the paperwork, and consult with the other side’s legal team on issues like discovery, depositions, and court appearances. With our support, you will be ready to share your story in front of a judge and jury.
Consult a Buffalo Grove Uber Accident Lawyer Near You!
Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss Uber accident claims in Buffalo Grove, IL. Our lawyers have worked with over 5,000 clients nationwide and have a 98% success rate, which makes us a law firm insurance companies fear.
During your Uber accident case, you can expect aggressive negotiation that prioritizes your needs and compassionate, helpful advice every step of the way.
Call (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation with a Buffalo Grove Uber injury lawyer. You can also fill out our online form, and we will contact you.
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Reaching out to this firm was a lifesaver after my car accident. My lawyer handled everything with professionalism and care, from dealing with insurance companies to ensuring I got the settlement I deserved. They were always available to answer my questions and kept me updated throughout the process. Thanks to there hard work, my medical bills were covered, and I felt supported every step of the way. Highly recommend this office for anyone needing a dedicated personal injury attorney!
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Related Practice Areas
- Buffalo Grove Personal Injury Lawyer
- Buffalo Grove Car Accident Lawyer
- Buffalo Grove Lyft Accident Lawyer
- Buffalo Grove Rideshare Accident Lawyer
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.