Champaign Lyft Accident Lawyer

In 2022, over 2,700 auto accidents occurred in Champaign, Illinois [1]. While all car accident insurance claims are complicated to navigate, accidents involving Lyft vehicle drivers present a unique set of challenges.

Unlike a standard auto accident, accidents involving Lyft drivers involve multiple insurance companies, independent contractors, and other third parties. The drivers’ insurance coverage will vary depending on their status in the app at the time of the accident.

Considering all this, teaming up with a Champaign Lyft injury lawyer from our firm is the best way to seek justice for victims of auto accidents involving a Lyft vehicle.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to securing the highest compensation for clients involved in Lyft accidents. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts in rideshare accident cases:

• $4,000,000 – Fatal rideshare passenger accident
• $3,500,000 – Rideshare passenger shot by driver
• $2,855,000 – Pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle
• $2,000,000 – Rideshare driver sexual assault case
• $1,680,000 – Motorcyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle
• $1,000,000 – Hip and foot injury exiting a vehicle

We meticulously investigate every aspect of your case to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully addressed. Our deep expertise in Lyft accident claims allows us to navigate the complexities of these cases effectively and fight vigorously for your rights.

The Difference Between Car and Lyft Accidents

Lyft crashes are more complicated than other motor vehicle crashes for two main reasons: the Lyft driver’s status as an independent contractor and the various factors impacting their insurance coverage. In most cases, Lyft, as a company, rarely covers damages for crashes involving its drivers.

However, with the passage of new legislation in August 2023, Illinois law now recognizes transportation network providers like Lyft as having the same responsibilities as taxi drivers to ensure public safety.

With this bill, the Illinois House revoked Lyft’s special status that reduced their liability for drivers’ actions, making it much easier for Lyft to be held accountable in the event of a crash. However, even with this new law, Lyft’s insurance company only covers a motor vehicle accident if the driver is actively accepting rideshare clients at the time.

On the other hand, a personal auto policy may not cover rideshare activities since a personal vehicle is being used as a commercial vehicle. Some drivers may not purchase additional rideshare coverage if they only work part-time, making it difficult to determine which insurance policy is liable for compensating victims.

To determine which insurance company is responsible, a lawyer must examine various types of evidence, including surveillance footage, police reports, medical records, and vehicle repair records. Champaign Lyft accident lawyers also conduct witness interviews to gather even more detail about a case, and motor vehicle accident reconstructionists are often consulted to help determine responsibility.

Given the complexity of this process, it’s crucial for victims of a Lyft crash to contact experienced Champaign car accident lawyers to secure compensation from the liable party.

Understanding Lyft Accident Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage for a Lyft crash in Champaign, Illinois, depends on the driver’s status at the time of the collision. As discussed above, different personal or company policies are involved depending on whether the car is considered a private motor vehicle or a Lyft vehicle.

Here are the situations affecting a Lyft driver’s insurance status:

• App Is Off – The Lyft contractor is not currently active or available to pick up new passengers, so Lyft insurance does not apply. The driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible.
• The App is On, and the Driver Can Receive Requests – If the Lyft app is on and the driver is logged in at the time of the collision, Lyft provides coverage of up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily harm and $25,000 for property damage [2].
• Driver Is En Route or Transporting a Passenger – In Illinois, Lyft offers $1,000,000 in third-party auto liability coverage and first-party coverage to Lyft drivers en route to or currently transporting a passenger. The first-party coverage provides coverage for underinsured and uninsured motorists, as well as MedPay coverage. It also includes contingent auto repair coverage with a $2,500 deductible [2].
• Other Types of Insurance—In some cases, another driver or a vehicle part malfunction may be deemed liable for a crash, meaning the individual or manufacturer’s insurance policy could be held liable.

The Most Common Causes of Lyft Accidents

Some of the most common causes of Lyft crashes in Central Illinois include the following:

• Distracted Driving – The driver may be checking their Lyft app or texting while driving, which can lead to a serious crash.
• Reckless Driving – Speeding and tailgating are major concerns that put everyone at risk.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals – Despite the city recently approving 18 new intersection cameras to better protect the public, Lyft operators and other drivers may still run red lights or disobey other traffic signals, leading to potential dangers on the road [3].
• Drunk Driving – Lyft has a no-tolerance policy for drug or alcohol use by their contractors, and the State of Illinois does not tolerate blood alcohol levels over 0.08% [4]. However, this does not always stop drivers or other motorists from abusing substances while driving.
• Drowsy Driving – Fatigue can impair stop times and lead to serious collisions.
• Vehicle Defects – An old vehicle or one with a recalled or failing part can create deadly road hazards at high speeds.
• Road Hazards—Central Illinois is known for heavy snow, which can lead to potholes. One in five Champaign roadways is in very poor condition [5]. Road hazards like these can lead to car crashes, even when a driver is being safe.
• Bad Weather – Blinding snow or heavy rains can cause serious crashes.

Common Injuries Among Lyft Accident Victims

Common injuries that a Champaign Lyft crash lawyer from our law firm can help recover compensation for include:

• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Burns
• Paralysis
• Facial injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Bruises and lacerations
• Head and neck injuries
• Death

Damages Our Champaign Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Help You Recover

Your personal injury settlement amount will depend on various factors, including how badly you were injured and who was responsible. Thankfully, Illinois does not impose a cap on settlement amounts.

There are two types of damages to consider: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages compensate you for financial losses, such as:

• Motor vehicle repair/replacement
• Property damage
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential

Non-economic damages cover intangible losses, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Inconvenience

If you have sadly lost a loved one due to a Lyft vehicle crash, our Champaign wrongful death lawyers can assist you in gaining additional damages, including:

• Burial expenses
• Hospital expenses before death
• Loss of financial support
• Bereavement
• Loss of companionship

Statute of Limitations for Lyft Accidents in Champaign, Illinois

Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including vehicle crashes, wrongful death, and product liability.

However, the product liability statute of limitations may be extended by an additional three years if it can be proven that the plaintiff did not realize the product caused the issue.

The statute of limitations for property damage is five years from the date of the incident in Illinois.

While these timelines may seem long, it is important to act as soon as possible. Before filing a lawsuit, our Champaign personal injury lawyers will work hard to settle with the relevant insurance carriers, which can take time.

What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Champaign County

Acting quickly after a Lyft crash can help ensure you are safe and your rights are protected.

After a crash has occurred, follow these steps:

• Stay at the Crash Scene—In Illinois, leaving the scene of a car crash is a felony for anyone involved. Do not leave until everyone’s immediate needs have been addressed.
• Call 911 – Describe your location to the 911 operator to ensure first responders can find you as quickly as possible.
• Take Photos – Document the scene with photos or video, which will help determine liability.
• Exchange Information – Gather insurance details and contact information from all drivers involved and contact details for any witnesses.
• Seek Medical Attention – Seeking medical attention as soon as possible after an accident is essential, regardless of whether or not you think you’re injured. Not all injuries are visible or immediately apparent, so get checked out either way. Plus, your medical records will serve as crucial evidence in your case.
• Request a Copy of the Police Report – In some cases, a police officer may provide you with a copy of the police report on-site. If not, you can download a copy from the City of Champaign’s website [6].
• Submit an Insurance Claim – Submit a claim as soon as possible. If you’re making a claim against another driver, they must provide you with the necessary documentation within 15 working days of the accident.
• Call a Lawyer—You can Contact our Illinois personal injury attorneys at any time by calling (888) 424-5757 or requesting a free consultation through our online form.

The Cost of Hiring a Champaign Lyft Accident Attorney

Our Champaign personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we will deduct our fees from your settlement rather than charging you out of pocket. If your Champaign Lyft accident injury lawyer does not earn you a settlement, you won’t owe us any fees. Everything from your consultation to your court representation is free until your case is won.

Contact a Champaign Lyft Car Accident Lawyer Today!

With years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and investigating all aspects of a crash to determine liability, our lawyers are highly skilled at gaining fair settlements for Central Illinois Lyft crashes. We have recovered millions for our clients, always working on a contingency-fee-basis so that our clients owe nothing upfront. Throughout the entire process, we provide compassionate and transparent support, keeping you informed and confident every step of the way.

Contact our Champaign rideshare accident lawyers at (888) 424-5757 or go online to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to helping you seek justice.

Related Practice Areas

• Champaign Truck Accident Lawyer
• Champaign Slip and Fall Lawyer
• Champaign Car Accident Lawyer
• Champaign Personal Injury Lawyer
• Champaign Uber Accident Lawyer
• Champaign Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Champaign Rideshare Accident Lawyer
• Champaign Wrongful Death Lawyer
• Champaign Construction Accident Lawyer
• Champaign Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Champaign Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Resources: [1] Illinois Dept. of Transportation; [2] Lyft; [3] The News Gazette; [4] Lyft; [5] CU CItizen Access; [6] City of Champaign

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.