Waukegan Uber Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Uber Accident Victims in Waukegan

A Waukegan Uber accident lawyer knows a rideshare trip can go from routine to life-altering in seconds. 

Whether your crash happened on busy Grand Avenue, near the I-94 corridor, or at a congested intersection like Belvidere and Lewis, the impact can leave you facing more than just vehicle damage. Injuries, stress, and confusion often follow, especially when you’re unsure who’s responsible or how to deal with the insurance company.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Waukegan rideshare accident attorneys focus on helping you move forward. We understand the challenges of dealing with Uber’s complex insurance coverage, and we’re here to protect your rights.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Uber Accident Cases in Waukegan

With a proven track record of securing fair compensation for victims of rideshare accidents, our Waukegan Uber accident lawyers have helped clients recover millions for injuries caused by reckless driving, distracted rideshare drivers, and high-impact collisions, including:

• $4,000,000 wrongful death settlement for the family of a rideshare passenger who lost their life when a driver ran a red light, causing a deadly crash.
• $2,855,000 settlement for a pedestrian struck by a rideshare vehicle while crossing a downtown street. The individual sustained a serious leg injury that required two surgeries.
• $1,680,000 settlement in a case involving a motorcyclist who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury after being hit by a rideshare driver during a passenger drop-off.

Our Law Firm’s Commitment to Representing Victims of Uber Accidents in Waukegan

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to standing up for individuals injured in Uber or Lyft accidents throughout Waukegan and Lake County. Our personal injury lawyer team understands how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be, especially when a large rideshare company is involved. 

That’s why we take a hands-on, client-focused approach—keeping you informed, answering your questions, and taking the burden off your shoulders while we fight to hold the responsible party accountable.

Uber’s Insurance Coverage and Liability in Illinois

When an Uber accident occurs in Waukegan or anywhere in Illinois, understanding how insurance coverage applies is key to knowing who may be financially responsible. 

Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees, adding complexity to rideshare accident cases. Uber’s liability depends heavily on the driver’s status in the app when the car accident occurred.

Period 0: Driver Offline or App is Off

If the rideshare driver is not logged into the Uber app, they are considered off-duty. Uber provides no coverage in this case, and any injuries or damages must be handled through the driver’s personal insurance policy.

Period 1: Driver Online, Waiting for a Ride Request

Once the driver is logged in and available to accept a ride, Uber provides limited liability coverage, which includes:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person;
• $100,000 per accident;
• $25,000 for property damage.

This coverage applies only if the driver’s insurance doesn’t cover the full amount.

Period 2: Driver En Route to Pick Up a Passenger

Uber’s insurance increases significantly if the driver accepts a ride and drives to pick up the passenger. During this period, Uber offers up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage, which may apply to injuries and damage caused to others.

Period 3: The Driver Has a Passenger in the Vehicle

From the time the passenger enters the rideshare vehicle until drop-off, Uber maintains:

• $1 million in liability coverage;
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage;
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver carries it on their policy).

This period offers the highest level of protection for both passengers and third parties.

Who is Liable in a Waukegan Uber Accident?

Liability in a Waukegan Uber accident often depends on how the crash happened and which parties contributed to it. An experienced Waukegan car accident attorney can help identify those responsible and hold them accountable.

The Uber Driver

If the rideshare driver caused the accident through distracted driving, speeding, or another negligent act, they may be personally liable. Whether their personal insurance or Uber’s insurance coverage applies will depend on whether the driver was logged into the app and at what time.

The Rideshare Company (Uber)

While Uber classifies drivers as independent contractors, the company may still share responsibility under certain conditions, especially when maintaining proper insurance coverage during active rides.

Another Driver

In some rideshare accident cases, a third-party driver is the responsible party. Their insurance company would then be responsible for covering damages.

A Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer

If a defect in the Uber vehicle or a failure of parts like brakes or airbags contributed to your injuries, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Waukegan Uber Drivers

Certain roads and intersections often see increased traffic, poor visibility, and frequent stops, creating more opportunities for collisions involving rideshare vehicles.

• Green Bay Road – A heavily traveled north-south corridor with high traffic volume and multiple intersections.
• Grand Avenue – A major east-west roadway where speeding and congested traffic contribute to frequent motor vehicle accidents.
• Belvidere Road – Known for high crash rates, especially near intersections with Lewis Avenue and Green Bay Road.
• Washington Street and Lewis Avenue Intersection – One of the city’s busiest and most dangerous intersections, with a history of severe collisions.
• Sheridan Road – Heavy traffic and limited visibility in some areas make this route risky for drivers and pedestrians.

What to Do After an Uber Accident in Waukegan, IL

If you’re involved in an Uber accident in Waukegan, knowing what to do immediately after the crash can help protect your health and legal rights. Follow these steps to ensure you have the best chance of building a strong personal injury case:

• Prioritize Safety – Check yourself and others for injuries. If it’s safe, move to a secure location away from traffic.
• Call 911 – Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if anyone is hurt. An official police report will be necessary for your case.
• Gather Information – Get the Uber driver’s name, contact information, vehicle details, and insurance information. If other drivers are involved, collect their details, too. Remember to speak to any witnesses and get their contact information.
• Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of the vehicles, accident scene, visible injuries, and anything relevant.
• Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Some serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
• Do Not Admit Fault – Avoid making statements about who caused the crash. Let the facts and investigation determine liability.
• Contact a Waukegan Uber Accident Lawyer – An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, deal with the insurance adjusters, and help you recover compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses.

How Our Car Accident Lawyers Investigate Your Waukegan Uber Accident Claim

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we take a thorough and strategic approach to building strong cases for victims of rideshare accidents. When you hire a Waukegan rideshare accident attorney from our firm, we immediately investigate your case to identify the at-fault party, preserve critical evidence, and support your right to recover compensation.

Our Waukegan personal injury attorneys request a copy of the official police report from the Waukegan Police Department or another responding agency. This report contains details such as the crash location, parties involved, citations issued, and initial observations.

We take legal steps to obtain relevant records from Uber, including trip data, driver activity logs, and communications. Since Uber is a rideshare company, it may not be willing to release this information without a formal legal request.

Our team speaks with anyone who saw the crash, including pedestrians, other drivers, and passengers. Witness statements can be essential in confirming how the accident occurred.

In more serious or disputed cases, we collaborate with reconstruction specialists to analyze vehicle damage, road conditions, and driver behavior and recreate the events leading up to the crash.

Potential Compensation in a Waukegan Uber Rideshare Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident in Waukegan, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses – Covers all costs related to your medical treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and future care needs.
• Lost wages – Compensation for time missed at work due to your injuries and future lost income if you cannot return to your job or earn at the same level.
• Pain and suffering – For the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured since the rideshare accident.
• Property damage – If you were driving your vehicle during the crash, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
• Disability and disfigurement – For permanent injuries that affect your ability to live independently, move freely, or alter your appearance.
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Compensation for the inability to engage in hobbies, activities, or daily routines you previously enjoyed.

If the rideshare accident tragically resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may be able to pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our goal is to help you pursue the maximum compensation available under Illinois law based on the severity of your injuries, your financial losses, and the overall impact on your life.

How We Determine the Value of Your Waukegan Uber Accident Claim

Determining the value of a Waukegan Uber accident claim involves carefully reviewing several factors that reflect the physical, emotional, and financial toll the crash has had on your life. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys evaluate every aspect of your situation to build a case for fair compensation.

More serious injuries, such as fractures, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, often result in higher settlements due to long-term impacts and increased medical expenses. The type, duration, and cost of your medical care, including future treatment needs.

Time missed from work, and whether your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or affect your future income. Physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life were caused by the accident.

Any lasting disability, disfigurement, or emotional trauma that affects your ability to live independently or enjoy life. The extent of the at-fault party’s responsibility and the limits of applicable insurance policies, including Uber’s coverage.

Why You Need Waukegan Uber Injury Lawyers

Hiring a Waukegan car accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Rideshare accident cases often involve multiple parties, complex insurance coverage, and corporate legal teams working to minimize payouts. 

Without legal representation, you may be pressured into accepting a low settlement from an insurance company that doesn’t come close to covering your complete losses.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our team doesn’t just settle cases; we’re prepared to take them to trial. That means we thoroughly investigate your claim, collect evidence like medical records, police reports, and witness statements, and consult experts when needed to prove the full extent of your damages.

FAQs About Waukegan Uber Accidents

What if I Was Injured as a Passenger in an Uber Accident?

If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber accident in Waukegan, you have the right to pursue a personal injury case, regardless of which driver was at fault. Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is actively transporting a passenger, which may apply to you.

Depending on the circumstances, you may also be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, whether that’s the Uber driver or another motorist involved in the crash. 

Because rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties and overlapping insurance policies, it’s essential to speak with a Waukegan car accident lawyer who can identify all available coverage and help you recover compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Was in an Accident With an Off-Duty Uber Driver?

Yes, you can still file a personal injury claim if you were involved in an accident with an off-duty Uber driver in Waukegan. When rideshare drivers are not logged into the Uber app, they are considered off-duty, and Uber’s insurance coverage does not apply. 

In these cases, the driver is treated like any other motorist, and their auto insurance policy becomes the primary source of compensation.

How Do I Prove That an Uber Driver Was Responsible for My Accident?

Proving that an Uber driver was responsible for your rideshare accident requires gathering clear evidence that shows they acted negligently. This might include demonstrating distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield, or other reckless behavior that led to the crash.

To build a strong case, your Waukegan Uber or Lyft accident lawyer will collect key evidence such as:

• The official police report, which may include statements from the drivers and officer observations.
• Statements from passengers, other motorists, or pedestrians.
• Traffic camera or surveillance footage showing the accident as it occurred.
• Uber’s trip data can reveal whether the driver was actively working and what actions they took before the crash.
• Medical records documenting your injuries and the timeline of treatment.

Working with experienced Waukegan personal injury attorneys ensures all available evidence is secured, establishes liability, and protects your rights throughout the personal injury claim process.

What if the Uber Driver Who Hit Me Was Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol?

If you were hit by an Uber driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. Driving impaired is illegal in Illinois and a profound act of negligence. If the Uber driver was logged into the app during the crash, Uber’s $1 million liability coverage may apply to your personal injury case.

How Long Does an Uber Accident Case Take To Resolve in Waukegan?

The timeline for resolving an Uber or Lyft accident case in Waukegan can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, how clear liability is, and how cooperative the insurance adjusters are during negotiations.

Some cases may settle within a few months, especially if there are minor injuries and the fault is not disputed. However, more complex cases involving serious injury or contested liability may take a year or longer, particularly if a personal injury lawsuit is required.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Waukegan rideshare accident attorneys are focused on building strong cases, using police reports, medical records, and witness statements to press for a fair settlement as efficiently as possible. 

While we aim to resolve claims quickly, we never recommend rushing into a low offer. Our priority is securing the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

What is The Time Limit to File a Waukegan Uber Accident Claim

In most cases, Illinois personal injury law gives you two years from the Uber or Lyft accident date to file a lawsuit. This time limit—the statute of limitations—applies to claims involving injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, including rideshare drivers.

If the accident involved a government entity (for example, due to unsafe road conditions), the time limit may be shorter, and special notice procedures may be required.

Contact a Waukegan Uber Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident in Waukegan or anywhere in Lake County, the experienced legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help.

Our Waukegan rideshare attorneys have a strong record of helping injured victims hold rideshare drivers and insurance companies accountable. We handle every step of the legal process—from investigating the accident scene and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and pursuing a fair settlement or trial verdict.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we win your case. Call us at (888) 424–5757 to schedule a free consultation or fill out our contact form.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I was pleased with the way that Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers handled a car accident case involved Uber for me. I was hesitant to get an attorney but now am glad that I did. Will definitely pass along firm to friends in need of this type of law firm.”

— Kevin “Kevvv” Simmons

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Related Practice Areas

• Waukegan Personal Injury Lawyer
• Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer
• Waukegan Lyft Accident Lawyer
• Waukegan Rideshare 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.