Champaign Lyft Accident Lawyer

Work With a Reputable Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Champaign, IL

A Champaign Lyft accident lawyer can assist you with these complicated legal cases, which often result in severe injuries.

In 2023, 2,769 auto accidents occurred in Champaign, Illinois. While all car accident insurance claims are complicated to navigate, accidents involving Lyft vehicle drivers present a unique set of challenges due to the fact that Lyft drivers are independent contractors and different insurance policies are involved than with personal cars.

Consulting 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. Call us today for a free legal review of your accident case.

Rideshare Settlements Secured by Our Personal Injury Lawyers

$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

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The Difference Between Car and Lyft Accidents

Lyft crashes are more complicated due to the different insurance policies at play. 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.

With the passage of Public Act 103-0527, Illinois law now recognizes transportation network providers like Lyft as having the same responsibilities as taxi drivers to ensure public safety. This makes it easier to pursue damages from Lyft, though it can still be a challenge.

To determine which insurance company is responsible, a lawyer must examine various types of evidence, including surveillance footage, police reports, witness statements, medical records, and vehicle repair records.

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. 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.
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, as well as uninsured motorist coverage.
Other Types of Insurance—In some cases, another driver or a vehicle part malfunction may be deemed liable for a crash, meaning the individual’s or manufacturer’s insurance policy could be held liable.

The Most Common Causes of Lyft Car Crashes in Central Illinois

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 – Champaign has a general speed limit of 30 mph on streets and 15 mph in alleys (§33-22). However, Lyft drivers may be rushing to their next request.
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.
Drunk Driving – Illinois bars drivers from using any substance that would impair their ability to drive safely (625 ILCS §5/11-501). 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—Champaign is known for heavy snow, which can lead to potholes. One in five Champaign roadways is in very poor condition. 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

Consult a Champaign Lyft crash attorney

Damages Awarded to Lyft Auto Accident Victims

Your settlement amount will depend on various factors, including the severity of bodily harm and liability. Illinois does not impose a cap on settlement amounts due to the Illinois Supreme Court case Lebron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital.

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
Future medical expenses
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 wrongful death (735 ILCS §5/13-202). The statute of limitations for property damage is five years (735 ILCS §5/13-205).

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 accident can be a felony (625 ILCS §5/11-401). 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 – When accidents occur, victims may not realize they have suffered serious injuries right away. Visit the Carle Foundation Hospital or Kirby Medical Center as soon as possible.
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 Police Department website.
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 an Accident Lawyer—Call us as soon as possible so we can ensure all liable parties are held accountable.

The Cost of Hiring a Champaign Lyft Accident Attorney

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.

Consult a Rideshare Attorney Near You!

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

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.

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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hi, I was lucky enough to get Jonathan Rosenthal to represent me and the accident I had.It was very professional and I recommend him highly

–Jennifer Manzella

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