by Allan Gregory
Rideshare services are a great way to get around Chicago without having to worry about parking or the hassle of driving yourself. When using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, however, you must remember that the drivers are ordinary people just like you. These drivers can get into accidents, and when they do, you can get injured as a result.
A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation if you get injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident. They can assess your insurance coverage under Uber or Lyft’s policy and work hard to settle your claim. If your rideshare service doesn’t cooperate, a lawyer can file a lawsuit and sue the liable party in your wreck.
Coverage Provided by Uber and Lyft
When you get injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident with Uber or Lyft, you should first try to recover compensation from Uber or Lyft’s insurance company. Thankfully, both companies have broad coverage that protects their drivers and passengers.
Although Uber and Lyft drivers are required to have their own car insurance policies for when they’re not driving with the rideshare company, both companies provide $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person per accident, $100,000 in injury liability total per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability when the driver has the app turned on or has accepted a ride.
When an Uber or Lyft driver has picked up a passenger, both rideshare companies provide $1 million in total liability. Although both policies seem clear when outlined, you may still have trouble receiving a settlement if your Uber or Lyft driver wasn’t at fault for the wreck. If you have trouble obtaining a settlement from Uber or Lyft, you may need to file a lawsuit.
Identifying Who’s at Fault
If you determine that a lawsuit is necessary, you can identify who’s at fault in your accident by using evidence such as photographs, the police report, witness testimonies, and video footage. Your driver may have a better perspective on what happened because they were more directly involved in the collision. Any information you can get into the events that took place can support your claim.
Damages You Can Recover as a Chicago Rideshare Passenger
Once you can identify the at-fault party in your lawsuit, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Your economic damages may include lost wages from taking time out of work, medical expenses, and property damage. Your non-economic damages may include loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
A Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
As a passenger in your rideshare accident, you were solely a victim. You must prove negligence if you hope to receive both justice and money to heal quickly. Seeking assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney in Chicago can help you obtain the settlement you deserve. While you focus on recovery, your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and work to maximize your claim.
About the Author
Allan Gregory is an author, designer, engineer, artist, playwright, and comedy writer. His work across multiple disciplines broadly addresses the narratives of human experience. As a playwright, Allan has had his pieces performed at multiple playhouses. As an artist and illustrator, he has had his art exhibited at multiple galleries. His work has appeared on a number of online and offline outlets.
