You book a rideshare, and the driver causes an accident. Or you are driving your car when an Uber or Lyft slams into your vehicle. Both of these situations are incredibly frustrating for all involved. Fortunately, you have the right to request damages from the liable party. Do so by hiring a Chicago rideshare accident lawyer to serve as your legal representation.
Therman Law has recovered over $100 million in compensation for our clients. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys guide you through the legal process. We give your rideshare accident case the attention it deserves. Discuss your case with a Chicago car accident lawyer.
Why You Need Legal Representation if You Are Injured in a Rideshare Accident
You have legal options if you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident caused by someone else. Regardless, an at-fault party or their insurer could refuse to cover your losses. Alternatively, you could get a settlement offer that is far less than what you will have to pay to treat your injuries.
A Chicago personal injury lawyer is your legal advocate. They find out who is liable for your ridesharing accident and calculate your losses. Next, they prepare an argument to show the court that you deserve compensation from any at-fault parties.
Therman Law brings more than 35 years of combined legal experience to your personal injury case. We can connect you with a Chicago rideshare accident attorney who protects your legal rights during litigation or settlement negotiations. Schedule a free case evaluation.
When to File a Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawsuit
The Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) restricts the window in which you are allowed to sue for a personal injury. Per 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you may have two years from the date of a ridesharing accident to sue a liable party. A rideshare accident lawyer in Chicago determines if you have grounds for a lawsuit. If so, they can file your claim in alignment with state law.
Your attorney explains who is liable for your car accident injuries. They could help you get compensation for your injuries through an insurance claim. If the liable party’s insurer does not offer adequate compensation, your lawyer may encourage you to move forward with a lawsuit.
Filing a lawsuit does not guarantee that you will receive compensation. Your attorney gathers evidence from a wide range of sources to support your argument. They use accident scene photos, witness statements, and other forms of proof. If you have compelling evidence, you are well-equipped to secure maximum damages.
Compensation You Can Get in a Ridesharing Accident Lawsuit
What you receive in compensation is based on how the court views your case. A rideshare accident attorney in Chicago wants you to obtain economic and non-economic damages. Reasons you could receive these include:
- Costs of repairing or replacing your car
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
Your lawyer accounts for your losses as they craft your argument. They want your argument to show the court that you are in no way liable for your ridesharing accident. Otherwise, the court could find you are partly liable. If this occurs, you may recover partial compensation. Even worse, the court could choose not to award damages.
How Modified Comparative Negligence Can Impact Your Rideshare Accident Case
A judge or jury considers your argument and the defendant’s case as they decide whether to compensate you. In some cases, the court rules that multiple parties are liable for a rideshare accident.
If this happens in your case, a modified comparative negligence rule applies. This could cost you money, as it gives the court the right to provide partial damages.
With modified comparative negligence, you can receive compensation if you are partly to blame for a rideshare accident. This is the case if you are 1-50% liable. For example, a judge or jury says you are 20% to blame for an Uber collision. From here, the defendant may have to cover 80% of your losses.
Modified comparative negligence keeps you from recovering damages if you are more to blame than anyone else for your ridesharing crash. Therefore, if the court states you are primarily at fault for your accident, you may be ineligible for damages.
Tips to Help You with a Rideshare Accident Case
Select a lawyer who has relevant rideshare accident case experience to represent you. Trust an attorney who has received many positive client testimonials. This lawyer can share tips to help you throughout your case proceedings, such as:
Prioritize Your Health and Well-Being
Treat your injuries and continue to do so for as long as necessary. Track your medical bills and share these with your lawyer. Your health can improve as you receive medical care. Meanwhile, your lawyer can use your medical expenses in your case against a liable party.
Set Your Online Profiles to Private
Make sure your online profiles are not publicly accessible, and do not publish content about your accident and injuries on the internet. A liable party or their insurance company could search online for photos and videos of you. This content could help either party prove that your injuries are not as bad as you claim.
Let Your Lawyer Handle Your Legal Matters
Expect an at-fault party or their insurance carrier to contact you about your case. At this time, direct the liable party or their insurer to your attorney. Allow your lawyer to discuss your case on your behalf. This helps you avoid saying anything that could hurt your chances of getting compensation.
Along with these things, stay in touch with your lawyer. If you have legal concerns or questions, your attorney can address them. Your lawyer keeps you updated about your litigation. If an at-fault party or their insurer offers a settlement, you can review this proposal with your lawyer and decide whether to approve it.
Partner with Therman Law and Choose Charlie
The personal injury lawyers at Therman Law understand that every rideshare accident case is different. As such, we tailor our legal services and support to you and your case.
Our team learns about your ridesharing crash and develops a legal strategy to help you prove you deserve damages. Speak to us about your ridesharing collision case.