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Naperville Uber Accident Lawyer
A Naperville Uber accident lawyer can help you hold an at-fault driver accountable for your expenses after an auto accident. Insurance policies and liability can be complicated with rideshare cases, making it even more important to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer who understands how Uber’s liability works.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation about your case.
Verdicts and Settlements from Our Uber Accident Cases in Naperville
- $2,800,000 for a pedestrian hit by a rideshare driver
- $4,000,000 for wrongful death in a rideshare crash
- $1,680,000 for a motorcycle accident with a rideshare resulting in a traumatic brain injury
Our Law Firm’s Commitment to Representing Victims of Uber Accidents in Naperville
Our personal injury law firm is committed to helping car crash victims in Naperville and throughout DuPage and Will Counties receive maximum compensation for their injuries. We are members of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and a Super Lawyers firm, which represents the highest professional standards for lawyers.
Our Naperville car accident lawyers have a 98% success rate in negotiations with insurance companies and are fierce advocates for our clients, ensuring negligent drivers are held accountable. Our experience has enabled us to secure large settlements from Uber itself, which is challenging due to a rideshare driver’s independent contractor status.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage and Liability in Illinois
Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This means that in a personal injury case, different insurance policies apply depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
There are four distinct periods based on the driver’s status, which determine how much insurance coverage is available for your needs.
The Driver is Offline: At this time, the driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible for crashes. Under Illinois law, all motorists are required to have $25,000 per person or $50,000 per crash in bodily liability and $20,000 in coverage for property damage.
The Driver is Waiting for a Passenger: During this period, Uber provides $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident in third-person bodily liability, $25,000 per accident in property damage, and uninsured motorist coverage.
The Driver is En Route or Has a Passenger: At this time, Uber offers up to $1,000,000 for property damage and personal injury to riders and third parties if the driver is at fault. Drivers who have comprehensive collision coverage on their personal policies can also receive collision coverage up to the cost of their car with a $2,500 deductible.
Drivers can also choose to get Optional Injury Protection through Uber, which will cover their own lost wages and medical bills. Under Illinois law, drivers are required to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (§ 5/143a-2).
Who is Liable in a Naperville Uber Accident?
Several parties can be held accountable for a car accident with a rideshare app involved, including the following:
- Uber Driver: In most car crash cases, the driver is the first person considered liable.
- Uber: It’s more challenging to hold Uber accountable because its drivers are independent contractors. However, if it can be established that negligent supervision or hiring contributed to the incident, our trial lawyers can pursue compensation from them.
- Another Driver: If another driver caused the crash, we can seek compensation from their insurance policy.
- Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer: When defective products play a role in a crash, we can seek a product liability settlement.
- City of Naperville: The Tort Immunity Act (§745 ILCS 10/) protects cities from being held responsible for accidents due to road hazards. However, it may still be possible to sue them for potholes, poor signage, or other road issues.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Naperville
94% of car crashes are caused by driver error, while only 2% are due to vehicle malfunction or other issues. Some of the most common reasons for accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Using the Uber app while driving takes the driver’s attention off the road.
- Driver Fatigue: Most Uber drivers are not full-time drivers and instead pick up gigs in addition to other work. This can mean they’re tired and not thinking clearly.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: According to Schedule IV of the Naperville Municipal Code, most residential streets have a 25 mph speed limit. However, many drivers go far faster than this, increasing the risk of crashes.
- Failure to Yield: All drivers must yield right-of-way at intersections but may fail to do so when in a hurry.
- Driving While Intoxicated: Uber must have a zero-tolerance policy on driving under the influence for its drivers by law (§625 ILCS 57/25), but other drivers may still choose to drink and drive.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Though teen drivers made up less than 4% of all registered drivers in 2023, they account for 7% of all fatal crashes.
- Weather: Naperville is on the banks of the DuPage River, which means there’s a high risk of fog and slick weather conditions at certain times of the year. This Chicago suburb also experiences heavy snowfall and rain.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Naperville Uber Drivers
Some areas of Naperville are more dangerous than others, including these high-risk areas:
- Ogden Avenue at Route 59: High traffic volume and confusing traffic signals make this a particularly risky area.
- North Aurora Avenue at Route 59: Both of these roads are very busy on their own, which means when they come together, there’s a high risk of crashes.
- Diehl Road at Route 59: This intersection is close to I-88, which has a high traffic volume. Proximity to the interstate increases the risk of high-speed crashes.
- Ogden Avenue and Aurora Avenue: These two main thoroughfares come together to create a very busy intersection, including high pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
- Jefferson Avenue at Washington Street: This busy area is right in the middle of Naperville’s business district, which means there are many shoppers and workers here at all times of the day.
What to Do After an Uber Accident in Naperville, IL
You must act quickly if you’ve been in an Uber crash, both to protect your safety and ensure you have a personal injury claim. Follow these steps as soon as possible.
- Prioritize Safety: Move to a safe location.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the Naperville Police and request an ambulance.
- Gather Details: Get contact details and insurance information from all drivers and witnesses.
- Report to Uber: Use the Uber app to report the crash.
- Document the Accident Scene: Take photos and videos of the crash site.
- Get Medical Attention: Go to Endeavor Health or another hospital, even if you don’t feel injured.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Do not speak to insurance adjusters or Uber without your attorney present.
- Contact an Attorney: Call us as soon as possible for a free consultation.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Investigate Your Naperville Uber Accident Claim
Our firm will thoroughly investigate the crash and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf. This process includes:
- Reviewing the police report
- Gathering evidence from Uber through subpoenas
- Interviewing witnesses for additional information
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Consulting with medical professionals about your treatment plans
Potential Compensation in a Naperville Uber Rideshare Accident Case
You may receive both economic and non-economic damages for your accident. Economic damages cover the financial losses, while non-economic damages consider the impact the accident had on your daily life.
Damages you can receive include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How We Determine the Value of Your Naperville Uber Accident Claim
A reasonable personal injury settlement will depend on your exact circumstances, and there is no set settlement amount. Factors that influence the value of your claim include:
- How badly you were injured
- How much evidence is available
- Your future treatment needs
- Liability of all parties involved
- The impact of the accident on your life
- How expensive your treatments are
Why You Need Naperville Uber Accident Trial Lawyers
The case Kramer v. Szczepaniak shows the challenges of suing Uber and its drivers. It started in 2014 and continued in appeals until 2018 when a court decided that Uber and its drivers could be held responsible for putting passengers in danger.
This shows how essential it is to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through every step of the legal process. We can investigate a case, review case law, negotiate with Uber’s insurance, and take the case to court if necessary. With our passionate and experienced attorneys on your side, you’ll be ready to challenge Uber and fight for compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naperville Uber Accidents
What if the Uber Driver Was at Fault but Didn’t Have Enough Insurance?
If this occurs, you can seek compensation through Uber’s underinsured motorist coverage, which offers up to $1,000,000 in coverage.
What if I Was a Passenger in the Uber?
Passengers in an Uber are covered by the company’s liability insurance, which provides up to $1,000,000 in coverage during an accident.
What if I Was a Pedestrian or Cyclist Hit by an Uber in Naperville?
Those hit by an Uber while walking or biking can still file a claim against the driver. The company’s third-party liability coverage includes those outside of the vehicle. In order to receive this compensation, you must be able to show that the driver was at fault.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Naperville, Illinois?
The Illinois statute of limitations for car crashes is 2 years for injury (§735 ILCS 5/13-202), while it is five years for property damage (§735 ILCS 5/13-205).
This may seem like a long time, but you should remember that your attorney needs to thoroughly investigate the case and negotiate with insurance in hopes of settling out of court. The settlement negotiation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on how complicated the case is and how willing the insurance adjusters are to negotiate.
As such, you should contact an experienced Naperville law firm as soon as possible after your accident to ensure we have enough time to file a lawsuit if necessary. Our team is available 24/7, waiting to assist you with your claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Uber Accident Lawyer in Naperville?
Our Naperville rideshare accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we are able to earn you compensation. Our legal fees will be deducted from your settlement, helping you focus on recovery rather than bills.
Consult a Naperville Uber Accident Attorney Near You!
Uber may be a convenient and helpful way to get around Naperville, but it can also lead to high medical bills and emotional trauma after an accident. Our skilled personal injury attorneys in Naperville are here to help car crash victims heal in dignity and with the funds they deserve.
To schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney, call (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form.
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I was in an accident in an Uber, and was looking for a lawyer. A friend recommended this office, and I was very pleased with the outcome of this case. They took care very good care of me. I will recommend them to others!
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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.