Pursuing Compensation for An Injury Suffered During An Uber or Lyft Ride In Illinois 

 Posted on October 05, 2022 in Personal Injury

Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern-day society. According to the Pew Research Center, 36 percent of adults in the United States say they have used ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft. Many individuals use apps like these because they provide a safe transportation alternative, especially if you are traveling to the airport or other locations with limited parking. In addition, Uber and Lyft are often seen as attractive alternative modes of transportation for a night out on the town. However, what happens if you are in an Uber or Lyft and your driver gets into an accident, causing you to suffer injuries?  

If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident, consider contacting an experienced personal injury attorney who is familiar with rideshare car accident cases to get the compensation you may be entitled to receive. 

Your Uber or Lyft Driver Was At Fault in a Car Accident, and You Were Injured. Now What? 

If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you might feel overwhelmed and confused about what exactly happened. Often, passengers in rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are in the backseat and not paying any real attention to what’s happening on the road. For the sake of this blog, let us assume that your Uber or Lyft driver was at fault for the accident and that you sustained injuries. In Illinois, drivers are legally required to have car insurance. Illinois also sets minimum insurance levels required for Uber and Lyft drivers to carry. Uber and Lyft insurance policies when carrying a passenger exceed the minimum required under Illinois law. 

The Murky Waters of Employee Versus Non-Employee Classification

Here is where it gets tricky. Uber and Lyft do not classify their drivers as traditional employees. Instead, they are categorized as “independent contractors.” These drivers use their vehicles, set their hours, and do not receive benefits. To avoid paying out money to injured passengers, Uber or Lyft may claim that since their drivers are not employees, the company is not responsible. 

Meanwhile, to make matters even more complicated, the Uber or Lyft driver’s car insurance may claim that they, too, are not responsible for the accident since the driver was working at the time of the accident. At this stage, there can be a lot of fingers pointing and blame going around. To avoid getting caught in the crossfire, have an attorney look over the facts of the case to ensure that the correct party or parties are held responsible for the accident and the injuries you sustained.

Contact A Naperville Uber and Lyft Injury Attorney

Getting injured in a car wreck is an extraordinarily unpleasant and scary experience. This unpleasantness can be compounded when it is unclear as to who is responsible for the injuries you have sustained. Consider contacting a Will County Uber and Lyft injury lawyer who will fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call Michael J. Lichner at 331-330-7429 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/01/04/more-americans-are-using-ride-hailing-apps/