With more people relying on Uber to navigate busy cities comes an increase in accident rates. If you were involved in an Uber accident, your options for seeking compensation may not seem clear.
Liability in an Uber accident isn’t always easy to determine and often requires a thorough case investigation with the help of an Elgin Uber crash attorney.
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How Our Elgin Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help
Accidents involving an Uber can be complicated as it’s not always clear who’s liable for damages. A thorough investigation into your case is crucial to understanding who’s responsible. An Uber accident lawyer from our team can help navigate your case and determine the appropriate source of compensation.
Our Elgin car accident attorneys will also help file your Uber lawsuit within the state’s required timeframe while collecting the necessary evidence to prove liability.
Navigating car accidents isn’t easy. Determining liability while factoring in driver status and insurance coverage can be even more confusing in an Uber accident.
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, meaning they’re only covered by Uber’s insurance coverage when they’re actively logged into the app. Additionally, Uber doesn’t have specific hiring or training protocols, meaning they can’t typically be held liable for a lack of driver training.
With so many stipulations affecting the outcome of your Uber accident case, it’s advisable to work with an experienced lawyer. Our Elgin car accident attorneys offer a free consultation so you can explore your legal options with no obligation. We work with rideshare drivers, injured passengers, and other drivers on the road who may have suffered injuries.
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Damages an Uber Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover
Uber car accident victims typically incur expensive medical bills, and an inability to work can make it difficult to keep up with them. Illinois allows injured victims to seek the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Anticipated medical expenses
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Property damages
Uber accident victims can seek both non-economic and economic damages, covering monetary and non-monetary expenses. Illinois also allows for punitive damages, which are meant to punish the responsible party’s negligence. Our car accident attorneys can help calculate the value of your case.
Statute of Limitations for Uber Car Accident Claims in Elgin, IL
Illinois allows Uber accident victims just two years to file a lawsuit. The two-year time limit begins on the date of the accident. Wrongful death and product liability lawsuits also have two-year limits on filing a personal injury lawsuit.
It’s best to contact an Elgin Uber car accident lawyer as soon as possible following an Uber accident to give your legal team as much time as possible to investigate and prepare your case. Failing to meet the state’s time limits will make you ineligible for financial compensation.
Liability for Uber Car Accidents
Liability in an Uber accident refers to the party from whom you seek compensation. Our Elgin car accident lawyers play an important role in investigating the details of your case and determining who is liable. The unique employment agreement Uber drivers have can make it difficult to determine liability when accidents occur.
Any of the following pirates could be liable in an Uber accident:
- Uber company: Uber isn’t typically liable when accidents occur since its drivers are considered independent contractors. However, Uber has insurance that covers drivers for any damages they may cause, up to one million dollars [1].
- Uber driver: Uber’s insurance policies cover rideshare drivers when they’re logged in and active in the app. Rideshare drivers en route to or actively transporting a passenger have coverage through the rideshare companies’ insurance policies.
- Other drivers: Other drivers on the road could be at fault when an accident occurs. Since Illinois is an at-fault state, the driver’s insurance company should cover any incurred damages.
- Pedestrians: A pedestrian who ignores state laws could be responsible if their negligence causes an accident.
- Product manufacturers: Defective tires or faulty vehicle parts can lead to an Uber accident. In this case, injured passengers could seek compensation through a product liability case against the manufacturer.
Insurance policies, including Uber and personal policies, have limits. While these limits tend to be high, severe accidents with life-changing injuries could exceed the maximum compensation available.
Additionally, Uber requires its drivers to carry the state’s minimum insurance requirements. If your medical bills and other damages exceed the maximum coverage available through insurance, an Elgin Uber injury lawyer may be able to seek additional funds through a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact us to discuss the specifics of your case
What You Should Do After an Uber Accident in Elgin, IL
Accidents involving an Uber rideshare require timely reporting and immediate medical care. Here are a few necessary steps to take following a rideshare auto accident:
- Report the Uber accident: Reporting a car accident is one of the first things you should do. Call Elgin police and notify them of the accident. You or the driver should also report the incident to Uber as soon as possible using the app [2].
- Seek immediate medical care: Always seek immediate medical care following an Uber accident. Keep track of medical records and document your injuries.
- Notify your insurance provider: If you were partially to blame for the car accident, you may need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. An Elgin Uber car accident attorney can help determine your insurance provider’s role.
- Collect evidence: Try to collect time-sensitive evidence as needed. Photographs, videos, or witness contact information can be difficult to gather later.
- Contact an Elgin ridesharing accident lawyer: An Uber accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. However, since you have just two years to pursue compensation, it’s crucial to contact a law firm as soon as possible.
The Cost of Hiring an Elgin Uber Accident Attorney
Pursuing compensation in an Uber accident case can help you collect the money you need to cover medical expenses and lost wages. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis, which means you never pay anything unless we win your case.
Our law offices also offer a free case evaluation, so there’s no risk to learning more about your legal options. Our Elgin personal injury attorneys are here to help those injured in Elgin auto accidents involving an Uber.
Navigating an Uber accident can be overwhelming. An Elgin Uber crash lawyer can help you determine liability, collect evidence, and file your claim within the state’s time limits. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has years of experience helping victims of auto accidents collect the compensation they need for recovery.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an Uber accident in Elgin, Illinois, make sure to contact us today at (888) 424-5757.
Resources: [1] Uber, [2] Uber Insurance
