Evanston Uber Accident Lawyer 

Consult an Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer for Compassionate Legal Representation

Evanston Uber accident lawyers are crucial for rideshare crash cases, as these accidents involve multiple insurance policies and complex liability. Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, which releases the company from some liability, but it’s still possible to pursue a case against Uber’s insurance company. 

We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and help you recover compensation for someone else’s negligence, including Uber drivers and the company itself. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights. 

Settlements and Verdicts from Our Illinois Uber Accident Attorneys

• $4,000,000 for wrongful death after a driver ran a red light
• $3,500,000 for fatal shooting by a rideshare operator
• $2,800,000 for a man hit by a rideshare
• $2,855,000 for a pedestrian accident involving a rideshare
• $1,680,000 for a motorcyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury
• $1,000,000 for hip and foot injuries caused when a rideshare driver pulled away

How Our Uber Accident Attorneys Can Help 

Our firm’s rideshare crash lawyers have over 100 combined years of experience helping clients pursue compensation after accidents. We can assist you with the following tasks regarding your Uber accident case. 

• Free consultation – You can contact us and ask questions about your case to determine what legal options make the most sense for you.
• Case investigation – We will examine the details of your case, including who the responsible parties are, what caused the accident, and what type of claim makes the most sense.
• Collect evidence – Evidence is needed to prove your claim, and your attorney will know what is required in order to build a strong case.
• Negotiate with insurance – Insurance companies will use several tactics to avoid paying you what your case is worth, so we will negotiate for fair compensation.
• Representation in court – Cases rarely go to court, but if yours does, our lawyers can represent you throughout the proceeding to protect your legal rights.

Most Common Causes of Uber Accidents 

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that there were 949 car crashes in Evanston, IL, in 2023. However, they do not keep records on how many of these were caused by rideshares like Uber.

Instead, we can look at statistics from the company itself. The company reports that from January 2021 to December 2022, there were 1.8 billion US trips, and 99.9% ended without any safety incident, such as a car crash or physical altercation. 

This may be an underestimate, as drivers and passengers may not report crashes. A study from the University of Illinois-Chicago found that one-third of rideshare drivers surveyed had gotten into at least one accident while on the job, which suggests that the true accident rate for these companies is much higher than what is reported.

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles, including those driven by Uber contractors, can happen for a number of reasons. These include the following.

• Distracted Driving: Uber drivers may be distracted by using their app to find directions or search for another ride request. This can lead to serious crashes. 
• Drunk Driving: Illinois law requires that drivers not be under the influence of any drug or chemical that could prevent them from driving safely (625 ILCS §5/11-501). Sadly, though, many ignore this and choose to drive while intoxicated. 
• Speeding: The speed limit on Evanston streets is 25 mph (§10-1-7). However, many Uber drivers may drive faster to accommodate more ride requests. 
• Fatigued driving: Drivers may be picking up Uber requests in addition to a full-time job or studying at Northwestern University, meaning they’re not paying full attention to their surroundings. 
• Ignoring Traffic Signs: Stop signs, left turn signals, and other traffic measures are meant to keep people safe, but some drivers may ignore them, causing accidents. 
• Dangerous Intersections: Places like Ridge Avenue and Church Street, or Davis Street/Sherman Avenue/Orrington Avenue, can be challenging to navigate, even for experienced and alert drivers.

The cause will play a role in proving your claim and providing evidence that will result in a successful settlement.

Most Common Injuries Sustained by Uber Crash Victims  

The extent of your injuries will also impact the compensation package you can receive with the help of an Evanston car accident attorney. Injuries in these collisions can vary from relatively minor to life-threatening. The most common injuries sustained in Uber accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Head injuries
• Whiplash
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Organ damage
• Road rash
• Nerve damage
• Internal bleeding
• Death 

Insurance for Rideshare Companies

Uber accidents can be challenging due to the different insurance policies that may apply. Which insurance company will have to pay for damages depends on the Uber driver’s status at the time of the crash.

Uber drivers are independent contractors who use their personal vehicles to transport customers. As such, they are only covered by Uber’s policy when they are waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a customer, or actively transporting a customer. 

There are three distinct periods of coverage, which include the following.

• App Is Off: At this point, Uber vehicles are considered personal automobiles, and Uber drivers’ personal insurance companies must pay for any damages. Illinois law requires all motorists to have at least $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage (625 ILCS §5/7-203). 
• The app is on, and the driver is waiting for a Ride Request. At this point,Uber provides limited third-party liability coverage. The limits are $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. 
• Driver Is En Route To or Transporting a Passenger: At this point, Uber provides $1,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage to passengers and other third parties in an accident where the Uber driver is at fault. 

Illinois law requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for all drivers, including rideshare drivers. This means that Uber’s insurance should pay for the damages in Uber accident cases where an uninsured driver was at fault. 

Determining Liability for an Uber Accident in Evanston, IL 

The success of your claim depends on your ability to establish liability. Liability is the existence of a party who is at fault for the accident. The liable party depends on the circumstances of your accident. For typical car accidents, there are fewer factors involved, so your Evanston car accident attorney can help you determine who is liable. 

Uber accidents, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated, so determining liability might take a little more work with the help of an Evanston ridesharing crash lawyer. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Uber, the company—After the Illinois Supreme Court case Doe v. Lyft,the legislature removed Uber and Lyft’s exemption from the Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS §57/1). This means that Uber is required to perform the same background checks as taxis or limos. If Uber does not properly screen its contractors, it may be subject to a lawsuit. 
• Uber driver – Driver negligence, such as texting while driving or failing to yield at a red light, can mean Uber drivers have to pay for your medical treatment and lost wages. 
• Other drivers—If other drivers were involved in the accident, they could be at fault for your injuries as well, so their insurance policies may apply. If they are driving a company vehicle, that company may also be responsible.
• Manufacturers – Malfunctioning vehicles can lead to an accident. If this happens, the maker of the faulty part or vehicle could be found negligent and have to cover the legal damages you have suffered.
• Government entities – Some agencies are responsible for the maintenance of public roads. If poor conditions caused your accident, the affiliated government entity may be a liable party in your case.

What If You’re At Fault? 

Sometimes, injured victims in Evanston, IL, can be partially at fault for the accident as well. Under the Illinois comparative fault system, a claimant must be less than 50% responsible for an incident to claim compensation for damages. This means if you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you cannot pursue a claim. 

The compensation you can receive will also be reduced based on your percentage of the blame. For example, if you are found 30% at fault for the collision, your maximum settlement amount could be reduced by 30%, though you will still be legally allowed to claim some damages. 

Damages Our Uber Accident Attorneys Can Help You Recover 

Your Uber accident lawyers will negotiate for compensation based on the damages you have suffered. These damages are divided into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Punitive damages are only awarded in rare cases where the defendant behaved with particular malice or recklessness. Economic and non-economic damages can include the following:

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Future lost wages
• Medical bills
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses like physical therapy or medication
• Future medical expenses
• Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death cases)
• Property damage

Non-economic Damages

• Physical and emotional pain 
• PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)

A fair settlement will differ depending on your specific injuries. For example, Uber accident claims for serious injuries, like spinal cord damage, will receive higher compensation than someone who only suffered bruises and contusions. 

You Have a Limited Time to File an Uber Car Accident Claim in Evanston, IL

For general personal injury cases, the time limit is two years from the date of the accident or discovery of the injury (735 ILCS §5/13-202). For product liability, you also have two years for personal injuries but five years for damaged property. Wrongful death claims must be filed by surviving family members within two years of the date of their loved one’s death. 

If you wait to file until after these deadlines, your case will be dismissed, so it is essential that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. 

What to Do After an Uber Rideshare Accident in Evanston, IL        

Your accident claim can be completely undermined if you do not go through the correct process after the incident. That is why it is important to follow these steps immediately after an Uber accident to pursue compensation and win.

Call 911

It is important to get an official report of the accident to the Evanston Police Department, so calling 911 is priority number one. Additionally, this will alert medical services in case you need treatment for injuries. Give the dispatcher your location, such as near Ridge Avenue at Lake Street. 

Collect Information at the Scene

The more information you have, the better. Collecting insurance coverage data, driver’s license information, images of the scene, eyewitness statements, and police reports will make it easier for a lawyer to prove your side of the case. 

Report the Accident to Uber

An Uber accident should be reported to the company as soon as possible so that they can begin investigating. You can do this via the Uber app or on their website. The app will ask questions such as where the accident happened, who was involved, and who the driver was. 

Seek Medical Attention

The next priority is your health. Even if you do not notice serious injuries, it is important to be evaluated to ensure there are no long-term effects of the accident. Plus, medical treatment records can be used by your lawyers as evidence in your claim. Visit Saint Francis Hospital or another medical facility as soon as possible for a full examination. Be sure to get your medical records, as our attorneys can use this to prove that the Uber accident caused your injuries. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

After doctors have thoroughly checked you out, you should call your own insurance company and notify them of the accident. Many carriers require notification of an accident within 24 hours, though you should check your policy to make sure. Failing to inform them could compromise your claim. 

Keep Thorough Records

Get copies of all your medical documents, communications from your insurance company, and messages from the Uber driver or Uber itself. Get a copy of the accident report from the Evanston Police Department. Do not speak to insurance adjusters without your attorney present, as they will attempt to downplay your injuries or blame you for the crash. 

Call an Evanston Personal Injury Lawyer 

Our Evanston personal injury attorneys can represent your interests throughout the claims process and help you win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means no upfront legal costs for you, and we only get paid if we win. 

Consult a Rideshare Accident Attorney Near You!

Having Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers on your side can be the difference between winning and losing your claim. Our team will negotiate with the relevant insurance company on your behalf, protecting you from their tactics and pushing for maximum compensation. We have helped over 5,000 clients receive compensation to cover damages like medical bills and lost income, and we can help you too. 

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you owe us nothing unless we obtain a settlement. As such, there’s no risk in contacting us for a free legal consultation about your Uber accident case. 

Don’t let an Uber accident in Evanston, IL disrupt your entire life. Call us today at 888-424-5757 for your free case evaluation or fill out our online form, and one of our lawyers will get back to you promptly to discuss your case. 

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I was injured in a car accident. Totaled my car out completely but this Attorney made sure I was totally taken care of. I appreciate his expertise

— Monikia Mason

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• Evanston Personal Injury Lawyer
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• Evanston Slip and Fall Lawyer
• Evanston Car Accident Lawyer
• Evanston Construction Accident 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.