Aurora Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Illinois attorney helps victims of Uber and Lyft injuries
Services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way that people in Illinois and other states get somewhere when they don’t have an available car of their own. However, drivers associated with these companies usually do not have substantially more safety training than other motorists on the road. At Amoni Law Offices, P.C., Larry Amoni is an Aurora rideshare accident attorney who assists passengers and others who are hurt in collisions involving vehicles associated with transportation network companies. Drawing on decades of experience, Mr. Amoni battles to get injured victims the compensation they need to address their medical costs, lost income and other expenses stemming from a rideshare vehicle crash.
Are rideshare vehicles are more prone to accidents than other cars?
Studies show that auto accidents have increased across the United States with the expansive use of rideshare services. While this might be due in part to an increased number of vehicles on the road, several common elements of rideshare service can contribute to a collision, such as:
- Drivers speaking with vehicle passengers
- Distracted driving due to operators focusing on the vehicle’s GPS display while traveling on unfamiliar roads
- Contracted drivers focused on getting their next fare
- Speeding in order to complete a ride and take on another
- Driver fatigue associated with long hours on the road
Whatever led to the accident in which you or a loved one was injured, our firm will conduct a thorough investigation to pinpoint exactly who was liable for the crash.
What should you do if you’re injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle?
Nothing is more important than your well-being and the well-being of others involved in a rideshare accident. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after being in a crash, even if you do not believe your condition is urgent. If you’re able, write down relevant information about the crash, including your driver’s name and the service you were using. With your phone, you can take photos of the accident scene and mark down contact information of any witnesses. From there, you should start the process of enforcing your legal rights. As an experienced Aurora car accident attorney, Larry Amoni can advise you of your legal options and get to work right away on obtaining a fair financial recovery for you.
What happens if an Uber or Lyft driver causes an injury by hitting your car?
Responding properly to an accident when your car has been hit by a driver for a transportation network company is similar to the process when you are a passenger in a rideshare accident. It’s important to remember that many drivers contract with more than one company, so make sure you note what service they’re working for at the time.
Does insurance cover a rideshare accident in Illinois?
For the purposes of auto insurance coverage status, a rideshare driver can be in one of these three periods of activity:
- Logged out — If a contractor does not have their service activated, they are not eligible to pick up riders. As such, they are not covered by the rideshare service’s policy. The driver’s personal coverage would be responsible for any claims.
- Logged in, awaiting a fare — Drivers who are logged into the app and waiting to connect with a fare receive limited insurance coverage from their rideshare service company. Standard policies for these situations include injury coverage for up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- Carrying a passenger or driving to pick them up — From the point an Uber or Lyft driver agrees to pick up a passenger until the requested trip ends, rideshare service companies provide insurance that covers up to $1 million for injuries and property damage caused by the at-fault driver.
We’ll review the circumstances to confirm the extent of insurance coverage from both the driver and the rideshare company and use that information to press for the payment you deserve.
Determining fault for injury in Uber and Lyft accidents
There might be several parties at fault for an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle. Typically, rideshare drivers are independent contractors, so the companies themselves usually are not defendants in a personal injury lawsuit unless it can be shown that they failed to act reasonably in screening their driver. There might be cases where a third party, such as the operator of another vehicle or the manufacturer of a defective part, bears responsibility for negligence. You can rely on our firm to take action against all of potentially liable individuals and businesses.
Contact an experienced Illinois injury lawyer for a free consultation
Amoni Law Offices, P.C. in Aurora, Illinois represents clients across the Western Suburbs who have been hurt in auto accidents involving rideshare vehicles. For a free consultation, please call 630-473-4008 or contact us online. Our office hours are generally 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but we meet with clients on evenings and weekends by special request. We can also meet at your home, hospital room or other location if you have trouble traveling.