Decatur Uber Accident Lawyer

Helping Victims of Rideshare Accidents Seek Compensation

If you were injured in a crash involving an Uber in Decatur, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. A skilled Decatur Uber accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you deal with the insurance company, and fight to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have experience handling complex rideshare accident cases involving Uber and Lyft drivers, whether the crash involved a ride request, a pedestrian, or another vehicle. We understand how to manage insurance coverage disputes, gather medical records, and build strong personal injury claims on behalf of accident victims.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn your legal options and how we can help you seek compensation after an accident in Decatur involving a rideshare driver.

Our Rideshare Car Accident Case Settlements

$1,680,000 settlement for a motorcyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle while it was dropping off a passenger, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.

$2,000,000 sexual assault recovery for a woman attacked by a rideshare driver who followed her into her home.

$433,333 settlement for a passenger injured while exiting a rideshare vehicle.

Common Causes of Uber Accidents

Uber accidents in Decatur, Illinois, can result from various forms of driver negligence, mechanical failure, or rideshare company oversight. Whether you were a passenger in the Uber vehicle, a pedestrian, or the occupant of another car, understanding the cause of the crash is critical to pursuing fair compensation.

Illinois is a fault-based state, which means the at-fault party’s insurance company is generally responsible for covering damages. According to the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/), all drivers—including Uber drivers—must operate their vehicles with reasonable care and obey all traffic laws.

Distracted Driving

One of the most frequent causes of rideshare accidents in Decatur is distracted driving. Uber drivers rely heavily on apps for navigation and ride coordination, which increases the risk of texting while driving or taking their eyes off the road. 

Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2), using a handheld device while driving is prohibited and considered a primary offense. A distracted Uber driver can be held liable for any accident and injuries resulting from their negligence.

Driver Fatigue and Overworked Uber Drivers

Fatigue plays a major role in Uber crashes, especially when drivers work long hours to increase their earnings. Tired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and impaired focus. 

While there is no state-mandated limit for Uber driving hours in Illinois, Uber’s internal policies cap active driving time at 12 hours per day. If a driver exceeds this or is drowsy at the wheel, they may be held accountable for resulting damages under Illinois negligence law.

Speeding, Reckless Driving & Other Violations

Violating traffic laws like speeding, failing to yield, or making improper lane changes significantly increases crash risk. These actions violate local ordinances and the Illinois Rules of the Road. If an Uber driver is found to be speeding or driving aggressively at the time of the collision, this can be used as evidence of fault in your injury claim.

Vehicle Maintenance Failures

Uber drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles in safe working condition. Faulty brakes, bald tires, and worn steering systems can all lead to avoidable crashes. 

While Illinois law doesn’t require Uber to inspect each vehicle, a failure to perform necessary maintenance may still support a claim of negligence. If Uber failed to remove a driver with a known safety issue or vehicle defect, Uber’s liability insurance may apply under certain circumstances.

Why Hire a Decatur Uber Accident Lawyer

Navigating the aftermath of an Uber accident in Decatur, IL, can be overwhelming, especially when you’re injured and unsure of your legal rights. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our team has extensive experience handling rideshare accident claims across Illinois, including those involving Uber and Lyft drivers. We understand the unique legal challenges these cases present, including how to handle multiple insurance policies, prove liability, and pursue fair compensation for serious injuries.

Whether the accident was caused by distracted driving, a traffic violation, or a negligent Uber driver, our attorneys are prepared to guide you through the claims process from start to finish. We fight aggressively to hold the responsible parties accountable and help you secure maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.

Building Your Uber Accident Case

To recover compensation for a Decatur Uber car crash, our legal team must prove four key elements: that the at-fault party had a duty of care, that they breached that duty, that their negligence caused your injuries, and that you suffered damages as a result. 

Liability in a Decatur Uber Accident 

Determining who is legally responsible for an Uber or Lyft accident in Decatur can be complex, as multiple parties may share liability depending on how the crash occurred. Below are the most common parties that may be held accountable:

Uber or Lyft Driver

If the rideshare driver caused the accident by texting while driving, speeding, or failing to follow traffic laws, they could be considered the at-fault party. Their personal auto insurance or Uber’s supplemental coverage may apply.

The Rideshare Companies

While Uber and Lyft often claim their drivers are independent contractors, they can still be held liable under certain circumstances, especially when the accident happens during an active ride request. Our legal team can examine the insurance coverage in place at the time of the crash to determine their involvement.

Other Negligent Drivers or Third Parties

Another driver who caused the crash, a municipality responsible for unsafe road conditions, or a vehicle manufacturer with a defective part may also be liable. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for the accident, which can impact how compensation is recovered.

Potential Compensation for an Uber Accident in Decatur

If you’re injured in an accident involving an Uber driver, you may be eligible for compensation that includes both financial losses and emotional harm. 

These damages often include medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications for the injuries sustained. Lost wages can also be recovered if your injuries prevent you from working. If the injuries affect your future ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of earning potential.

Property damage, such as repairs to your vehicle or replacement of personal items damaged in the crash, is also compensable. 

Non-economic damages—while more difficult to quantify—are equally important. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and loss of enjoyment. 

In tragic cases, Illinois law also allows for wrongful death damages to be awarded to surviving family members.

The Value of Your Uber Accident Injury Claim

The value of your Decatur Uber accident claim depends on several factors, including:

• Emergency medical costs and hospitalization
• Ongoing care, therapy, and future medical costs
• Lost income during your recovery
• Reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of normal life
• Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings

Each case is unique, and Illinois law requires injury victims to provide clear documentation to support their personal injury claims. Our experienced Uber accident lawyers work with medical and occupational experts to assess the full impact of your injuries and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage

Uber’s insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time the accident occurred. The stage of the ride — whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting one — plays a critical role in determining which insurance policies apply. Here’s how it breaks down:

The Driver Is Offline

If the Uber driver is not using the app and is simply driving for personal reasons, only their personal auto insurance applies. Uber provides no coverage in this scenario.

App Is On, Waiting for a Ride Request

When the Uber app is on and the driver is available but has not yet accepted a ride, Uber provides contingent liability coverage. This includes:

• $50,000 in bodily injury per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 in property damage

This kicks in only if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t fully cover the damages.

En Route to Pick Up or Transporting a Passenger

If the Uber driver has accepted a ride or is carrying a passenger, Uber’s commercial insurance policy applies. This includes:

• $1 million in liability coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has this on their personal policy)

This high-limit policy is designed to cover serious injuries, property damage, and wrongful death claims.

The Cost of Hiring a Decatur Uber Accident Attorney

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the financial stress that comes with being injured in a crash. That’s why we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay any legal fees upfront. In fact, you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer a free consultation to evaluate your legal options and help you decide what to do next.

Consult a Decatur Uber Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash involving an Uber vehicle, don’t wait to take action. Accidents involving rideshare services can be complex, and time is limited under Illinois law. An experienced Decatur rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, deal with the insurance company, and pursue the maximum compensation for your losses. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call our law firm at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form. 

Related Practice Areas

• Decatur Personal Injury Lawyer
• Decatur Lyft Accident Lawyer
• Decatur Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Decatur Rideshare Accident Lawyer
• Decatur Slip and Fall 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.