Springfield Lyft Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Rideshare Accident Victims in Springfield

A Springfield Lyft accident lawyer knows that rideshare trips don’t always end as expected. What should be a simple ride across town can quickly turn into a serious collision, leaving victims dealing with painful injuries.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent those hurt in car accidents involving a Lyft driver or rideshare vehicle in Springfield, IL, helping them deal with insurance, gather evidence, and fight for the fair compensation they need to move forward.

Rideshare Accident Settlement Examples 

With a strong history of helping injured clients throughout Sangamon County, our experienced car accident attorneys in Springfield have recovered millions for individuals hurt in rideshare accidents, including:

• $1,000,000 for a passenger injured while stepping out of a vehicle when the driver suddenly accelerated, resulting in hip and foot injuries.
• $350,000 pre-litigation settlement for a backseat passenger who sustained a herniated cervical disc after the driver rear-ended another car at a high speed.
• $945,000 for a pedestrian struck by a rideshare driver near a transportation hub, causing severe leg injuries and multiple surgeries.

Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Our Springfield rideshare accident lawyers are committed to helping victims hold negligent drivers and rideshare companies accountable. With years of experience handling personal injury cases across Sangamon County, our law firm has built a reputation for delivering results for those injured by someone else’s negligence.

Lyft’s Insurance Coverage in Illinois

Understanding how insurance coverage works is critical if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Springfield.

Period 0: Driver Is Offline

If the Lyft driver is not logged into the app, they are considered off-duty. In this case, only the driver’s auto insurance policy applies. Lyft provides no coverage, and any personal injury claim would be handled like a typical car accident involving a private driver.

Period 1: Driver Is Online and Waiting for a Ride Request

Once the driver is active on the app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride, Lyft provides limited liability insurance, including:

• Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury;
• $100,000 per accident;
• $25,000 for property damage.

Period 2: The Driver Is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger

When the driver accepts a ride request and is on the way to pick up a passenger, Lyft provides up to $1 million in liability insurance. This covers injuries or damages caused to others in the event of a rideshare accident during this period.

Period 3: Passenger Is in the Vehicle

While the rideshare driver is actively transporting a passenger, Lyft’s highest level of coverage applies:

• Up to $1 million in liability insurance;
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage;
• Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage (if the driver carries these coverages on their policy).

Laws and Regulations in Springfield That Impact Your Lyft Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Springfield, your case will be governed by Illinois personal injury law and specific rideshare services statutes.

Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57/) mandates different levels of liability insurance depending on whether the rideshare driver is offline, available, en route, or transporting a passenger.

Illinois Comparative Fault Rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) states that you can still recover compensation if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your percentage of fault reduces your damages.

Liability in a Springfield Lyft Injury Case

After a car accident caused by a rideshare vehicle in Springfield, figuring out who is legally responsible can be complicated. Liability in a rideshare accident is typically based on:

• Driver negligence – If the Lyft driver was distracted, speeding, or failed to yield, they may be held directly responsible.
• Vicarious liability – Lyft may share legal responsibility if the accident occurred while the driver was using the app.
• Negligent hiring – If Lyft allowed a driver with a history of dangerous behavior to operate, the rideshare company could be liable.
• Third-party negligence – If another driver caused the crash, their auto insurance policy would likely be the primary source of recovery.

Common Injuries in Springfield Lyft Accidents

Victims of rideshare accidents in Springfield often suffer a wide range of injuries, some of which can lead to long-term complications or permanent damage.

• Whiplash and neck injuries;
• Spinal injuries;
• Head injuries;
• Broken bones and fractures;
• Lacerations and soft tissue injuries;
• Internal injuries.

Emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD are also common after traumatic rideshare crashes and can affect your quality of life long after the physical injuries have healed.

Where Lyft Accidents Are Most Likely to Occur in Springfield  

• Veterans Parkway –  One of the busiest roads in Springfield, Veterans Parkway is prone to collisions due to its high traffic volume, frequent lane changes, and speeding.
• Dirksen Parkway and Stevenson Drive – This intersection is a hotspot for rear-end and turning accidents, especially during peak traffic hours.
• Wabash Avenue and Chatham Road – Known for congestion and complex traffic patterns, it is a risky area for drivers and pedestrians.
• South Grand Avenue and 11th Street – An older intersection with poor visibility and frequent congestion, increasing the likelihood of car crashes.
• Clear Lake Avenue and North 19th Street – This area is close to schools and residential neighborhoods and often experiences accidents involving pedestrians and turning vehicles.

What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Springfield

If you’re involved in a Springfield rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver—follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

• Check for injuries and move to a safe area if possible.
• Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
• Get contact and insurance details from all parties involved, including the rideshare driver.
• Take photos and videos of damage, injuries, and road conditions.
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
• Report the accident to Lyft (if you were a passenger).
• Do not admit fault or give detailed statements to insurance companies.
• Contact a Lyft accident lawyer in Springfield to discuss your rights and next steps.

How Our Law Firm Investigates Your Springfield Rideshare Accident Claim

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we take a thorough approach to building your car accident case. We start by obtaining the Springfield Police Department accident report, including key details about the accident. Our team then works to gather critical evidence from Lyft, such as driver information, trip data, and relevant insurance coverage. 

We speak with eyewitnesses, preserve any available video footage, and, when needed, consult with accident reconstruction experts to clarify how the crash happened. This detailed investigation allows us to build a strong claim and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Consult a Springfield Lyft crash lawyer 

Potential Economic and Non-Economic Damages

• Medical expenses;
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity;
• Property damage;
• Pain and suffering;
• Disability and disfigurement;
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

If the accident was fatal, surviving family members may also be entitled to wrongful death damages to help cover funeral costs and the loss of financial and emotional support.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Determines The Value of Your Lyft Claim

An experienced car accident attorney will consider a range of factors when calculating what your claim may be worth, including:

• The type and extent of your injuries (e.g., brain injuries, back injuries, or internal bleeding);
• The cost of your medical treatment, including future medical bills;
• How long you’ve been out of work and your reduced earning potential;
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident;
• Whether you’ve suffered any long-term disability or disfigurement;
• The level of insurance coverage available through the rideshare driver’s or the rideshare company’s policies.
• Your percentage of fault, if any, based on Illinois’ comparative fault rules.

Why You Need a Springfield Lyft Accident Lawyer

Hiring a Lyft accident lawyer in Springfield gives you an experienced advocate who understands how to handle complex rideshare accident claims. These cases often involve multiple insurance companies, unclear liability, and unique legal challenges due to the driver’s status as an independent contractor. 

An attorney can gather key evidence like police reports, medical records, and trip data to build a strong case. They’ll also manage communication with insurers and push for a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. With legal help, you can focus on recovery while your attorney handles the rest.

FAQs About Springfield Lyft Accidents

How Long Does It Take To Settle a Lyft Accident Case in Springfield?

The time it takes to settle a Lyft accident case can vary based on the severity of your injuries, how clearly liability is established, and how cooperative the insurance companies are. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others, especially those involving serious injuries or multiple parties involved, can take a year or more.

Can I Recover Compensation if the Lyft Driver Didn’t Have a Clean Driving Record?

Even if the Lyft driver had a history of violations, you may still be able to recover compensation. In some cases, their driving record could support a negligent hiring claim by the rideshare company, potentially strengthening your personal injury case.

What if a Lyft Driver Caused the Accident, but Another Driver Was Also at Fault?

If more than one driver caused the crash, both may share liability. Illinois follows a comparative fault system, meaning you can still seek compensation if you are less than 50% at fault. An experienced attorney can help determine how fault is divided and pursue claims against all responsible parties.

Can I File a Claim if a Lyft Driver Hit Me While I Was Walking or Cycling in Springfield?

If you were hit by a Lyft vehicle as a pedestrian or cyclist, you could file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver and potentially Lyft’s insurance coverage, depending on the driver’s status in the app when the accident occurred.

What is The Time Limit to File a Springfield Rideshare Accident Claim?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the rideshare accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202). You may lose the right to pursue fair compensation if you miss this deadline.

Consult a Springfield Lyft Accident Attorney Near You!

If you were injured in a Lyft accident in Springfield, IL, don’t face the legal process alone. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our experienced team represents rideshare accident victims and fights to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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.