Chicago Ridesharing Accident Lawyer

September 4, 2023 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a mainstay of getting around Chicago for locals and visitors alike, but as their popularity has grown, so has the number of accidents on Chicago streets involving rideshare vehicles, resulting in injuries to innocent crash victims.

If you or someone close to you recently sustained injuries in a Chicago ridesharing accident—whether as a rideshare passenger, a driver or passenger of another vehicle, a cyclist, or a pedestrian—you may have the legal right to receive significant financial compensation. To learn about your rights and options, contact an experienced Chicago ridesharing accident lawyer at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, today for a free consultation.

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Why Choose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA?

Navigating the legal landscape after a ridesharing accident can be daunting, especially when dealing with the trauma of injuries and the disruption of daily life. That's where we come in. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, has a long track record of success in handling rideshare accident claims, which means we have the answers, resources, and tenacity you need to seek justice and recover your rightful compensation.

With years of experience under our collective belts, Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, has successfully handled numerous ridesharing accident cases.

Our lawyers are well versed in rideshare company policies and the complexities of securing compensation from liability insurance policies rideshare drivers carry. We have a reputation for not backing down from tough negotiations or court battles, always prioritizing the needs of our clients.

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Ridesharing Accident Compensation

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Seeking compensation after a ridesharing accident can be a complex process, but it's a crucial step toward repairing the damage and moving forward with your life.

Victims of ridesharing accidents have the right to seek compensation for the full scope of harm they've suffered, including their:

  • Past and future medical expenses.
  • Lost income and job benefits from missing work.
  • Loss of future earning capacity due to a disability.
  • Physical pain from injuries and medical treatments.
  • Emotional suffering from the trauma of the accident.
  • Diminished quality of life or loss of independence.
  • Scarring, disfigurement, or loss of bodily function.

Sometimes, ridesharing accident victims may also have the right to seek punitive damages to punish the party at fault for the crash and deter others from similar misconduct. In the event of a tragically fatal ridesharing accident, the victim's surviving spouse or family members may seek compensation for their pecuniary losses (such as loss of income, support, and consortium) through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Here at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we pursue the maximum compensation possible for victims of ridesharing accidents. We work closely with every client, meticulously evaluating their losses to ensure that we seek every penny of damages they deserve.

Ridesharing Accident Liability

Team of Chicago rideshare attorneys at Dolman Law Group

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can raise complex questions about who should bear the financial responsibility for the harm done. As a general proposition, anyone whose careless, reckless, or intentional misconduct causes a crash will face liability to injured victims.

In a rideshare accident, like any motor vehicle crash, that could mean liability for:

  • A negligent rideshare driver or driver of another vehicle.
  • The employer of the driver of a commercial vehicle that crashes with a rideshare car.
  • An automotive manufacturer responsible for a defective vehicle that is part of the crash.
  • A government entity at fault for creating unreasonably hazardous road conditions.

These are just a few examples. Every ridesharing accident is different, which is why, at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we meticulously investigate all the evidence surrounding a crash to pin down who should compensate our clients for their injuries and losses. We leave no stone unturned to ensure our clients have the best possible chance of recovering the monetary damages they deserve.

Data on Ridesharing Accidents in Chicago

Chicago, being a bustling city with millions of inhabitants and visitors, sees its fair share of traffic accidents, a growing proportion of which involve rideshare cars. According to Illinois Department of Transportation data, more than 98,000 motor vehicle crashes occurred in the Windy City in a recent year, causing at least 230 deaths and more than 24,000 injuries.

Chicago's government has studied traffic patterns around the city and found that certain areas are hotspots for accidents. Busy thoroughfares such as Lake Shore Drive and Western Avenue and the downtown area around Wacker Drive see a disproportionate share of crashes, as do I-90 and I-290. The city does not publish precise statistics on the number of accidents that involve rideshare cars, but a recent University of Chicago study suggests that the rise of ridesharing in major cities correlates with an increase in traffic fatalities.

No matter where in Chicagoland your ridesharing accident occurred, Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, possesses the local knowledge and resources to investigate the facts and explore your legal options. We provide sophisticated, aggressive legal representation to Chicagoans who suffer injuries in ridesharing crashes.

Chicago Ridesharing Accidents and Injuries We Can Handle

Attorney Rebecca Dolman

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, our team has extensive experience dealing with a wide range of ridesharing accident scenarios and injuries.

Common types of ridesharing accidents we handle include:

We have helped numerous clients who have suffered from various injuries common to ridesharing accidents.

These injuries vary significantly in severity and long-term impact but can include:

No matter what kind of injury you sustained in a Chicago ridesharing accident, our dedicated team at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, has what it takes to secure the maximum compensation available under Illinois law. Contact us to learn more.

The Significant Role of Insurance in Chicago Ridesharing Accident Cases

Attorney Matthew Dolman on a phonecall

Insurance plays a critical role in compensating the victims of nearly every Chicago ridesharing accident. Victims of ridesharing accidents may benefit from coverage under multiple insurance policies: their own, the rideshare or another driver's personal car insurance, and the liability insurance that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft must supply to their drivers under Illinois's Transportation Network Providers Act (TNPA).

Of these, the latter is the most potentially significant. The TNPA mandates that all rideshare drivers carry supplemental liability insurance, over and above their personal auto liability coverage. This coverage provides a potentially significant source of payment for a victim's injury when a ridesharing driver's negligence causes a crash.

Even when the rideshare driver is at fault, this doesn't ensure the applicability of the supplemental rideshare liability insurance.

The availability of this coverage depends on the rideshare driver's status on the ridesharing app at the time of the crash. It covers at least $1 million in bodily injury liability if the crash happens when the driver has accepted a ride request or is transporting a passenger. It covers at least $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person, and at least $100,000 bodily injury per accident, when the driver is logged in to the ridesharing app and available to take a fare. It doesn't supply any coverage, however, if the driver isn't logged in.

This makes proving the rideshare driver's fault and status on the app crucial in Chicago ridesharing accident cases. At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we know how to find and secure the evidence necessary to establish these critical facts, negotiate with insurers, and ensure you get the benefit of every dollar of insurance coverage available.

Safeguard Your Rights After a Ridesharing Accident in Chicago

Team of Chicago Ridesharing Accident Lawyers at Dolman Law Group

The actions you take following a ridesharing accident could have a significant influence on your legal rights and the level of compensation you may receive. Here are several steps you should consider taking to protect your interests:

Prioritize Healing

The aftermath of a ridesharing accident can be extremely traumatic, so it's important to prioritize your health and well-being. Get the care you need and follow all medical advice and instructions as best you can. Ignoring your injuries and treatment plan could not only jeopardize your health but could also undermine any future legal claim you may pursue.

Your success in a legal action or insurance claim for compensation may depend on having comprehensive medical records showing your injuries and the steps you took to heal from them.

Beware of Quick Settlement Offers From Liability Insurance Companies

In the wake of an accident, an at-fault party's liability insurance company may offer to settle your claim quickly, even before you've filed paperwork or spoken with a lawyer. Do not agree to or sign anything without first talking to a skilled lawyer.

Liability insurers—especially providers of high-value rideshare liability coverage—often offer quick, lowball settlements directly to victims like you, hoping you'll agree without realizing you deserve much more money that a lawyer could get for you.

Your safest option for securing maximum compensation is to ask an experienced Chicago ridesharing accident lawyer to respond to any offer on your behalf and handle all insurance settlement negotiations going forward.

Preserve All Documentation

Keeping accurate records is a crucial part of building a convincing case for damages after a Chicago ridesharing accident. Save all documentation connected to the crash, your injuries, treatment costs, loss of income, and other related expenses and losses, including insurance statements, medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and correspondence from your employer.

The information in these documents can be crucial in determining the value of your claim, proving it in court or to an insurer, and ensuring full and fair compensation.

Hire a Lawyer Immediately

There are numerous benefits to hiring a lawyer immediately after a Chicago ridesharing accident. An attorney may need to act quickly to secure evidence of the rideshare driver's app status before that data gets lost or deleted.

They might also need to take action to meet the statute of limitations applicable to your case. The sooner you have an experienced lawyer in your corner, the better your chances of securing maximum monetary damages for your losses.

What We Can Do for Chicago Ridesharing Accident Victims

The dedicated team of ridesharing accident lawyers at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, provides a comprehensive set of services that support accident victims and enhance their chances of getting the maximum damages possible.

Here's a snapshot of what we do:

  • We conduct meticulous investigations into the accident to establish fault and gather persuasive evidence.
  • We handle all dealings with insurers and hold them to their obligations.
  • We handle all the paperwork and legal formalities in pursuing insurance claims and lawsuits, so you can focus on healing.
  • We are skilled negotiators who can secure top-dollar settlements, but we won't hesitate to go to trial if necessary to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
  • We keep you informed throughout the process and answer any questions you may have.
Dolman Law Group Personal Injury Lawyers

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we understand the financial strain that a ridesharing accident can bring. That's why we strive to make our services affordable for anyone who needs them. Your first consultation with our team is free of charge, and we work on a contingent fee basis, which means you don't pay us unless and until we secure compensation for you.

Contact an Experienced Chicago Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Today

Matthew Dolman
Matthew Dolman, Chicago Ridesharing Accident Lawyer

If you or someone close to you recently sustained injuries in a Chicago traffic accident involving a rideshare car—as a rideshare passenger, occupant of another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist—you may recover significant compensation. To learn about your rights and options, contact or call (312) 500-2901 Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, today for a free consultation with a skilled Chicago personal injury lawyer.

Glad I chose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. Hiring Matt Dolman is the best decision you could make if you are injured in an accident. He resolved my case quickly (it only took about 4 1/2 months) and it was a pleasure to deal with the staff. The communication was great as I always knew what to expect with each stage of the process.

Anne

Refreshing. It was very refreshing to work with an attorney that took such a professional and personal approach to helping me with my legal needs. I was kept informed on everything Mr. Dolman was doing so I never felt “in the dark”. Another positive was Mr. Dolman’s knowledge in the trial procedures. I never felt misled through the whole process and recieved the services and results that I was promised upon our initial consultation. There were no unexpected issues or occurrences.

Anonymous

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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