Springfield Uber Accident Lawyer

Filing a Claim for Legal Damages After a Rideshare Accident

A Springfield Uber accident lawyer can make all the difference in your injury claim. Springfield is a large city with well over 100,000 residents. At any given time, there are also plenty of travelers in town, and many rely on rideshare services like Uber to get around. Unfortunately, Uber drivers and passengers can be involved in motor vehicle accidents. 

If you are hurt in a collision involving a rideshare vehicle, you could seek compensation for legal damages via an injury claim. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is an experienced law firm that can support your claim and secure maximum compensation. 

Getting involved in a legal dispute with a rideshare company or insurance carrier can be an intimidating prospect, so working with our attorneys will level the playing field and help you secure compensation to cover medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.  

Past Settlements for Our Clients

Our firm has years of experience helping injured victims in rideshare accident cases. Here are some settlements we have secured to cover client losses.

• $4 million in a wrongful death claim for a passenger who was killed when the rideshare driver ran a red light
• $2 million for a woman who was followed into her home and sexually assaulted by her rideshare driver
• $1.68 million for a motorcyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury when they were hit by a rideshare vehicle before dropping off a customer
• $1 million for a woman who was injured while exiting the vehicle because the driver pulled away too soon
• $945,000 for a victim who was hit by a rideshare car at the airport

Our Firm’s Commitment to Representing Springfield Residents Injured in Uber Accidents

As you can see, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has represented many clients in rideshare accident cases, securing compensation for their losses. We are dedicated to assessing all damages and aggressively negotiating for the maximum settlement. 

Our team is familiar with local trends and locations regarding rideshare accidents and where they are most likely to happen, especially near bars, event venues, and airports. 

Let us work with you to build a strong case and increase your chances of earning fair compensation. 

Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Springfield

Numerous circumstances could cause your rideshare accident. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of all motor vehicle accidents. If an Uber driver is fatigued from long hours or late-night trips, their reaction time may be impaired. Exceeding the speed limit can also contribute to a rideshare accident. 

In some cases, the at-fault driver may even be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A driver who violates the Illinois vehicle code 625 ILCS 5/11, which could include not following traffic signals, is likely at fault for your car crash. 

Potholes, road debris, slippery conditions, bicyclists, pedestrians, and malfunctioning vehicle components are other potential causes of these crashes. 

Uber’s Insurance Coverage in Illinois

Multiple insurance policies may play a role in your rideshare accident claim. This is one of the reasons why accidents involving Uber drivers are more complicated than other auto accidents. 

The insurance coverage that applies to your claim depends on the status of the rideshare driver at the time of the collision. 

• The driver is offline. Uber does not provide insurance coverage, so the driver’s auto insurance will apply. The state minimums for injuries are $50,000 per accident, and for property damage, they are $20,000 per accident.
• The driver is online and awaiting ride requests – At this point, Uber provides limited insurance coverage with $100,000 per accident for injuries and $25,000 per accident for property damage. 
• If the driver is en route to or transporting a passenger, Uber currently provides full insurance coverage for car accidents. This includes $1,000,000 for injuries and property damage per accident, plus additional coverage options like Personal Injury Protection (PIP), MedPay, and Occupational Accident.

Navigating insurance claims or injury claims after a rideshare accident can be challenging because of these nuances. Therefore, speaking to experienced car accident lawyers in Springfield is essential to discuss your options for compensation. 

Who is Liable in a Springfield Uber Accident?

All personal injury cases depend on your ability to establish liability. If you want to obtain compensation, you must determine who is at fault and provide evidence to support that claim. Several parties may be potentially liable for an Uber car accident.

The most common defendant in this type of case is the rideshare driver. 

However, there could be other drivers involved in the collision that are at fault as well. Uber could be held liable for negligent hiring or retention practices under the legal theory of vicarious liability. If a defective car part caused the accident, such as faulty brakes, a car manufacturer could be responsible for paying damages. 

What to Do Immediately After an Uber Accident in Springfield

Mistakes in the immediate aftermath of your rideshare accident could completely undermine your legal options. It is essential to know what steps to follow should an Uber accident occur, especially if you are hurt. 

Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, follow these steps after a collision.

• Get to safety – If possible, remove yourself from the road and quickly assess your injuries
• Call 911 – Get the authorities on the scene to investigate the crash and have medical personnel treat your injuries
• Gather information – Collect driver information, insurance company details, and witness contacts from the accident scene
• Preserve evidence – Keep all physical evidence from the crash, including possessions or damaged clothing
• Do not admit fault – Avoid speaking to anyone, especially insurance companies, about the accident before consulting a lawyer
• Contact an experienced car accident attorney – Consult a rideshare accident lawyer to discuss your legal options for compensation 

Investigating Your Springfield Uber Accident Claim

If you want to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to investigate the accident and gather evidence. A professional lawyer will guide you through this process and increase your chances of success.

The first step in injury and insurance claims investigations is obtaining the police report. This document details the accident and all the information gathered by the police at the scene. Next is obtaining witness statements. You should also gather evidence from Uber, such as trip data or driver information. 

Lastly, you can work with accident reconstructionists to determine the narrative of the crash. For example, an expert could determine another driver broke Springfield’s municipal code 74.05, which grants pedestrians the right-of-way when walk signals are illuminated, thereby establishing fault with the driver. 

An investigation is much more likely to succeed if an experienced lawyer is involved. 

Potential Compensation in a Springfield Uber Accident Case

Accident victims can recover numerous losses from injury claims. The two main categories of damages are economic and non-economic. 

Economic damages include lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and future medical bills. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, PTSD, pain and suffering, disability, and loss of quality of life. 

Motor vehicle fatalities could lead to wrongful death claims. In these cases, surviving family members could also seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of consortium. 

Why You Need a Springfield Uber Accident Lawyer

Legal representation is essential if you are seeking compensation for medical bills, emotional suffering, or other losses. First, you may be going up against the rideshare company, their insurance carrier, the driver’s own auto insurance policy, or even lawyers. Having a legal representative to protect your rights will level the playing field.

Additionally, an experienced lawyer knows what type of evidence will strengthen your case, as well as how to obtain it. Insurance companies will try to undermine your claim, such as accusing you of exaggerating losses or offering a low initial settlement. Lawyers know how to negotiate for what their clients deserve. 

FAQs About Springfield Uber Accidents

What if the Uber Driver Was at Fault, but Uber Denies Responsibility?

It is not unusual for Uber to claim no responsibility for a rideshare accident because their drivers are independent contractors. If this occurs, your damages may be paid by the driver’s insurance policy or Uber’s coverage, depending on the driver’s status. Uber may only be liable if they negligently hired the driver. 

What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state. This means you can still receive compensation for an accident as long as you are less than 50% responsible. However, your percentage of fault will likely reduce the maximum settlement you can receive. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Car Accidents in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injuries is two years from the date of the incident. If you wait longer than two years to pursue legal action, your case could be dismissed. 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Uber Rideshare Accident Attorneys?

Our law firm charges a contingency fee. This means there are no upfront costs for our legal services, and we only receive payment if we secure a settlement for you. Even then, our fee is deducted from the settlement itself rather than your pocket. 

Will I Have to Go to Court After a Springfield Rideshare Accident?

Most accidents involving a rideshare company do not end up in civil court. Typically, these claims are settled before a trial is necessary. However, if the auto insurance policy denies coverage or there is a dispute of fault for the accident, your case could proceed to trial, in which case your lawyer will represent you. 

What if the Uber Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?

Uber drivers are required to have personal auto insurance to become independent contractors for the rideshare company. However, if an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you, either rideshare insurance policies or your own liability insurance should cover the damages. 

Consult a Springfield Uber Accident Attorney Near You!

A rideshare car accident can be a devastating experience, especially if you are seriously hurt because of it. Navigating the claims process after the collision can be overwhelming and confusing due to conflicting insurance policies. 

Whether you are suffering under the weight of lost wages, current medical bills, or emotional distress, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is prepared to guide you through the claims process.

We offer a free consultation, during which you can ask our car accident lawyers questions about the legal process or your specific rideshare car accident. Call us today at 888-424-5757 or complete the online form to schedule your free consultation. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My coworker and I were in an Uber and someone hit us. Went through a series of attorneys that said that they couldn’t help us until we ran across Jonathan. He was very patient with us and helped us get the money we deserved.

Thanks again Johnathan!

FRANK IVY

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.