Over the last few years, rideshare companies, like Uber, have revolutionized travel and gained immense popularity, due to numerous reasons, such as:
When passengers order an Uber through the app, they’re generally unconcerned about getting into an accident and trust the driver will get them to their destination safely. Unfortunately, as rideshare companies, like Uber, grow in popularity, the number of accidents also increases. When an Uber or rideshare accident occurs, issues regarding liability, fault, damages, and various other problems arise.
If you or a loved one was injured in an Uber or rideshare accident, Kasan Law’s Uber and rideshare accident lawyers are available to review your matter to determine whether you are eligible to receive compensation.
In Chicago and Illinois, traditional transportation services, like taxis or buses, are called “common carriers.” Generally, taxi drivers and bus drivers are employees of the company or city. In an accident, traditional transportation service companies must comply with many regulations and maintain an insurance policy. If the taxi or bus driver’s negligence caused the accident or injury, the companies’ insurance policy protects and compensates riders and others who may be injured for claims against the driver and company.
Generally, Uber and rideshare drivers are not considered employees. Rather, Uber and rideshare drivers fall into the category of independent contractors. Transportation Network Companies, like Uber and other rideshare services, operate as middlemen that connect customers with independent contractors. Since rideshare drivers work as independent contractors, Uber is not directly responsible for the driver’s negligence.
Additionally, rideshare drivers’ personal vehicle insurance often excludes coverage for accidents that occur while driving for Uber or other rideshare companies. The drivers’ personal vehicle insurance company might decline coverage because the driver used the vehicle for services that are considered commercial.
Uber maintains automobile liability insurance and provides passengers with some protections. While Uber provides a $1 million insurance liability policy to all drivers, there may be situations where no coverage is available to compensate riders and others that are injured due to the driver’s negligence.
Uber provides its drivers with varying degrees of insurance coverage. Depending on how the accident occurs, Uber’s liability in an accident will depend largely on the driver’s status at the time the accident occurs. Some examples are:
After an accident involving an Uber driver, determining liability and insurance coverage for injuries and damages can be complicated. An experienced Uber and rideshare injury attorney can help you pursue monetary damages and guide you through the legal issues. Common examples of potential personal injury cases against Uber can involve:
As with car accidents, an Uber accident results in similar injuries. As such, minor collisions may only inflict slight bruising on the occupants of the vehicles involved. More serious wrecks can leave occupants recovering from:
Whether you are a passenger, pedestrian, or driver injured in an Uber accident, the case will usually focus on:
In order to receive damages and compensation, you must successfully demonstrate that the Uber driver or other party’s negligence caused the collision by proving:
Similar to other vehicle accidents, if the victim can establish that the Uber driver’s negligence caused their injuries and damages, they can be awarded economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are meant to help cover bills, expenses, and property loss. Economic damages provide compensation for the monetary losses you have experienced, which can include:
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate the victim and place a monetary value on the intangible and non-financial losses they suffered after an accident, such as:
Before being approved to drive, rideshare companies are required to conduct a background check for all drivers. However, this creates a false sense of safety because rideshare companies can make mistakes when conducting background checks. While the possibility of a collision is the first danger many people think of when getting into Uber, taxi, or rideshare, there are other risks associated with getting into a stranger’s vehicle.
While these occurrences are uncommon, Uber, taxi, and rideshare service passengers have suffered other injuries.
Each Uber or rideshare collision claim is unique, presents multiple variables, and can become complex depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. At Kasan Law, our Chicago and Illinois Uber and rideshare injury attorneys will attempt to negotiate a favorable settlement. However, if a favorable settlement cannot be reached, our Chicago and Illinois litigators are prepared to fight for your rights in court.
At Kasan Law, we take all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay any legal fees unless we get you compensation for your case. Our consultations are free and carry no obligations.
If you or a family member has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact our Chicago and Illinois Uber and rideshare injury attorneys to schedule your free consultation and case review by calling (312) 300-6724, e-mailing us at Info@LawKasan.com, or schedule your consultation online.