There are tens of thousands of rideshare drivers in Chicago, including taxis, Uber, and Lyft. These services are easy and convenient, but the added congestion to the roadways comes with an additional risk of car accidents.
If you are involved in an accident with an Uber driver, you might wonder if they have commercial insurance coverage that might cover your expenses. Whether you are a passenger, in another vehicle, or a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation if the Uber driver was at fault for the accident. However, the type and amount of coverage depends on a few factors outlined below.
The insurance companies are not on your side. If you are seeking fair compensation for your injuries, you need an experienced Uber accident attorney. Paul and Steve will fight to get you the highest possible settlement after your Uber accident.
How Insurance Coverage Works for Uber Drivers
When you’ve been the victim of a car accident, auto insurance is meant to cover the damage to your vehicle, your medical bills, and more. Insurance will only pay out to the policy limits, however, which means if your injuries exceed the policy limits, you may be out of luck unless you can identify another insurance policy that can cover you.
For Uber drivers, the policy limits can vary based on their current status as a driver:
- If they are off the clock—meaning they’re not looking for, on the way to, or transporting a fare—the driver is covered by their personal auto insurance only, just as with a regular car accident. In Illinois, the minimum liability coverage amounts are $25,000 per injury and $50,000 per accident.
- If the Uber driver has the app open, but hasn’t accepted a ride request, Uber’s commercial policy will cover them up to $50,000 per injury and $100,000 per accident.
- If the Uber driver is on their way to pick up people or items, or they are currently transporting a fare, the policy limit of Uber’s insurance company is $1,000,000.
You might think that if you have an Uber accident claim, you’ve struck gold! But keep in mind that the financial compensation you may receive is just that: compensation. It is meant to replace the things you lost, and repay your medical expenses. If you have only minor injuries, you can expect minimal compensation. Generally, if you have more severe injuries, you can expect a much larger insurance claim.
An Uber Accident Settlement Can Help You Financially Recover
When a car accident leaves you with a serious injury, you may face a mountain of expenses. Uber accidents may leave you with permanent injuries, pain, and scars. You may not be able to continue your job, and you may no longer be able to participate in your hobbies. These kinds of accidents can be truly devastating.
If you’ve been the victim of an Uber or Lyft accident, you can expect your personal injury claim to cover the following:
- Property damage: the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it was damaged in the accident, and any personal belongings that were damaged in the accident.
- Medical costs: any costs you’ve already incurred as a result of the Uber accident, and if you expect more treatment to be needed, you should include future medical costs as well.
- Lost wages: if you had to miss work due to the accident, as part of your recovery, or due to medical appointments. This can even cover loss of future earnings if you are not able to continue doing your job.
- Pain and suffering: your Uber car accident injuries can leave you with ongoing physical and emotional pain, for which you deserve compensation.
While no amount of money can undo the accident, an accident settlement can help relieve the financial burden and hold at-fault parties accountable. A serious injury can put a serious strain on your life and livelihood. Unfortunately, Uber accident claims may not be simple or easy.
Insurance Companies May Not Treat You Fairly
An insurance company doesn’t make money by constantly paying out to personal injury claims. They will do everything in their power to cast doubt on your legal right to compensation. First, they will often lowball their initial offer to you, hoping that you will not realize what your case may be worth. Many people accept this first offer, because they need the money and they do not want to have to fight with the insurance adjusters.
Then, if you try to fight them, they will try to show that the Uber or Lyft driver was not at fault for the accident. They will try to minimize your injuries, including claiming that your injury was a pre-existing condition and not a result of the accident. They will use every aggressive tactic in the book to reduce the payout.
That’s why you should immediately get an experienced Uber accident lawyer on your side. Your lawyer will know how to argue with insurance companies. A seasoned personal injury lawyer will have experience in gathering evidence to show that the Uber driver was at fault.
At the same time, your lawyer will give you valuable advice on getting medical treatment and gathering evidence of the extent of your injuries. This will make it harder for the insurance company to argue that you are exaggerating any symptoms. This can be particularly important in the event of brain injuries and even emotional distress, problems that may seem “invisible” but can easily affect your daily life.
Uber and Lyft accidents can be complicated and challenging. An Uber accident lawsuit may seem like too much to handle, especially if you are recovering from a serious rideshare accident. That’s why you need a compassionate, experienced lawyer to fight for you in your time of need.
RELATED: Is it Worth Getting an Attorney After a Chicago Car Accident?
Paul and Steve Are On Your Side
Paul and Steve are experienced Uber accident lawyers in Illinois. We know that Uber accident settlements can change your life after a car accident involving a negligent driver.
We have a proven track record, getting our clients the highest possible settlement that they deserve. While you rest and recover, we will aggressively negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, updating you every step of the way.
We care about helping you recover and holding the negligent parties responsible for their actions. That’s why we offer a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your accident. Contact us today by calling (312) 701-3333 or fill out our online form and let us help you receive justice and closure.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
