Summer in Chicago brings a unique energy to the city. Between festivals, sports games, concerts, and packed lakefront events, the streets are busier, and so is your need for quick, convenient transportation. Rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft are everywhere during these warm months, making them an easy way to get around. But with so many cars on the move, accidents involving rideshare drivers happen more often than you might think.
Being involved in a crash with a rideshare vehicle is different from a typical accident, and you may be left unsure about how the claim process works or who is actually responsible for your losses. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, and early mistakes in handling a case like this can cost you access to resources you’ll need down the line.
You don't have to figure any of this out on your own. We'll walk you through some of the first steps after an Uber or Lyft crash in Chicago and explain why working with an attorney is so important. Contact our experienced team for a free consultation at (312) 924-7575. Let us fight for you.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different From Other Car Crashes
Rideshare accidents in Chicago aren't the same as regular car collisions. These cases come with challenges you probably won't face in other types of crashes.
More Than One Insurance Policy
When Uber or Lyft is involved, more than one insurance policy could apply. Rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles for commercial reasons, but it's not always their own personal Illinois insurance that applies in the event of an accident.
Different levels of coverage can kick in at different points - when the app is off, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger - sometimes coming from their own personal insurance policy and sometimes from the rideshare's policy. You'll need to determine which insurance coverage applies to ensure you get everything you're entitled to.
On top of all this, if another car is involved, that driver’s insurance can come into play, too. As a result, there are often three or more insurance companies arguing over who pays what and who is responsible.
Drivers Are Independent Contractors
Uber and Lyft drivers are not considered employees. They are classified as independent contractors, which gives the rideshare platforms reasons to limit their own responsibility after accidents. This can make it hard for injured passengers or third parties to get clear answers or easy settlements - or even know who should be held accountable.
If you’re hurt in one of these accidents, you may find yourself caught between the driver’s personal insurance denying your claim and the rideshare company claiming it isn’t their fault since the driver "doesn’t work for them." This blame game makes it hard for injured riders and third parties to get straightforward answers, quick settlements, or clarity about who should be held accountable for your injuries and expenses.
Complicated Claims and Fast-Moving Evidence
Rideshare accident investigations move quickly. Evidence can be lost as vehicles get repaired, and rideshare companies keep important trip and app data to themselves. Witnesses’ memories can fade and their contact information can be lost if a lawyer doesn’t act fast.
Each insurance carrier involved will be protecting its own interest, not yours. Without professional legal help, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or pressured into unfair settlements.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident involving Uber or Lyft, whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, it’s critical to understand how these companies’ insurance coverage works. Rideshare insurance can be confusing, and the level of coverage available depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s an overview:
Phase 0: The App Is Off – No Rideshare Coverage
When a rideshare driver is not using the Uber or Lyft app, they are not considered to be working for the company.
Insurance Coverage
- The driver’s personal auto insurance applies here
- Uber and Lyft do not provide insurance coverage during this period
What It Means for You
If you're hit by a rideshare driver who wasn’t working, you’ll pursue compensation through their personal policy, which often has lower limits.
Phase 1: App Is On, Waiting for a Ride Request – Limited Coverage
When the driver is logged in and waiting to be matched with a rider, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage, but it’s significantly lower than when a trip is in progress.
Third-Party Liability Coverage
- Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- Up to $100,000 total per accident
- Up to $25,000 for property damage
- No collision coverage for the driver’s vehicle unless they have personal collision coverage
What It Means for You
If you're injured by a driver in this phase, Uber/Lyft coverage may apply, but only at these lower limits. In some cases, it can be difficult to determine what phase the driver was in - our attorneys can help investigate this.
Phase 2: En Route to Pick Up a Passenger – Full Coverage Begins
Once the driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger, full Lyft and Uber insurance coverage begins.
Coverage Provided by Uber/Lyft
- $1 million in third-party liability coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision (if the driver has this coverage on their own policy)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
What It Means for You
If you're injured during this phase, you may be eligible to file against Uber or Lyft’s $1 million policy. This applies even if the passenger hasn’t yet entered the vehicle.
Phase 3: Passenger in Vehicle – Full $1 Million Policy Applies
From the moment the passenger enters the vehicle until drop-off, the rideshare company provides the highest level of insurance protection.
Coverage Details
- $1 million in liability insurance
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage
What It Means for You
If you're a passenger or another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian injured during this phase, this is when the strongest protections apply. Our firm has successfully handled cases involving this exact coverage. We fight to ensure victims receive the full compensation they’re entitled to under this high-value policy.
What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Crash
Being in a Chicago rideshare accident can leave you startled and confused. What you do in the minutes and hours just after a crash can shape what happens later with your health, evidence, and your ability to make a strong claim.
While your natural reaction may be to try to handle the situation alone, it's important to always prioritize your well-being and your legal rights. Here’s the best way to do this:
Make Sure You're Safe
If you are in pain, disoriented, or bleeding, don’t try to move too quickly on your own - wait for professional help. If you were injured while driving your vehicle, turn on hazard lights and move yourself to a safe spot, especially if your car is in the path of traffic. Never get out in the middle of a busy road if dangerous conditions still exist.
Call 911 For Help Right Away
Even if the accident seems minor, it’s wise to call 911. Reporting the crash will bring police and paramedics to the scene to help address injuries and document what happened. The police will create an accident report, which serves as a powerful record of the incident. Do not agree to keep the police out of it, even if the rideshare driver or others ask.
Get Medical Care Even If You Think You Are Okay
Not all injuries show up right away, and it’s extremely common for people to feel fine immediately after a crash due to shock or adrenaline. Headaches, stiffness, confusion, or pain may appear hours or even days later.
Getting checked out by medical professionals establishes an immediate record of your health, creates vital evidence for your negligence claim, and helps rule out hidden injuries such as concussions, spine injuries, or internal bleeding. Always describe every symptom and mention that you were in a rideshare crash.
Gather Evidence If You Can Safely Do So
If you are able, document everything you can at the scene. Take clear photographs or videos of the accident scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries. Include pictures of license plates, rideshare stickers, and the general area around the crash (street signs, landmarks, traffic signals). Visual evidence may become critical later, especially if insurance companies try to downplay your claim or contest fault.
Ask for the names and phone numbers of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Get the rideshare driver’s information, including name, phone number, and insurance details. If you were a passenger, screenshot your app to show that the ride was in progress.
Notify the Rideshare Company
Open your Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare app; both Uber and Lyft have dedicated in-app help features for accidents. Do not discuss what caused the crash or give lengthy statements. Instead, acknowledge that there was an accident, report your ride, and secure your basic trip information - time, pick-up location, and destination - if you haven’t already.
Some rideshare representatives may contact you soon after, asking you to provide a written or recorded statement “for the record.” It is important not to give detailed statements or accidental admission of liability. An attorney should handle this communication. Politely decline, or simply state that your lawyer will be in touch.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies
Shortly after your accident, insurance adjusters from the rideshare company, the driver’s insurance, or another involved party may contact you. They are usually not looking out for your interests.
Be cautious: you can unintentionally say something that affects your entire claim. Never give a recorded or written statement unless you have talked to a lawyer. Instead, take their contact information, explain you are considering legal representation, and end the call. An attorney can make sure you are protected from the very first conversation.
Keep Records of Everything
Document everything related to the crash - any medical visits, out-of-pocket costs, time missed from work, physical therapy, or ride credits you had to use afterward. Save medical bills, doctors’ notes, and receipts in a folder or app until you can share them with your attorney.
Making detailed personal notes as soon as possible is also a good idea. Date your recollection of what happened before, during, and right after the accident; include every symptom, even ones that initially seem small. Pain, dizziness, anxiety, minor bruises, or difficulties sleeping should all be included. These records are valuable proof, often lost when memories fade over days or weeks.
Do Not Post About the Accident on Social Media
You might want to tell friends and family or post about what happened online. Avoid sharing accident photos, injury status, or comments - insurance companies often review social media as part of their investigation. Innocent posts, photos, or updates could be twisted against you later.
Contact a Lawyer Experienced in Rideshare Cases Immediately
This is perhaps the most important step you can take after a rideshare accident in Chicago. These cases are complicated, with many insurance companies looking for ways to reduce or deny your claim.
A lawyer who understands the rules for Uber, Lyft, and similar platforms will take on the hard work for you, protecting your evidence, coordinating your medical care, calculating your losses, dealing with insurance companies, and fighting for nothing less than the settlement you need to move forward. Your energy should be focused solely on recovery while your legal team handles the rest.
Abels & Annes, P.C. has helped accident victims secure millions in settlements from even the most complicated insurance disputes. We act fast to stop evidence from being lost and immediately build your case from the ground up.
Contact Abels & Annes, P.C. To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone or take on complicated insurance issues by yourself. Every step you take now can shape your recovery and your claim. If you’ve been involved in a crash with an Uber, Lyft, or similar rideshare vehicle in Chicago, call Abels & Annes, P.C. 24/7 at (312) 924-7575. Our lawyers will answer your questions right away and handle everything on your behalf so you can start healing.
Frequently Asked Questions - Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Chicago? What to Do After a Summer Uber or Lyft Crash
Q: Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
A: It’s not always possible to sue Uber or Lyft directly since their drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. In most crashes, your claim will be made against the driver and the company’s insurance policy, not against the rideshare company itself.
However, there are situations where a lawsuit might be brought against the company, such as cases involving gross negligence or serious misconduct. The first step is to let an attorney review your case to determine the best path forward.
Q: What if the rideshare driver was uninsured or underinsured?
A: Uber and Lyft carry insurance meant to cover injuries when their drivers are at fault, even if the driver’s personal coverage won’t pay out or isn’t enough. However, these companies often try to limit what they pay or deny responsibility if procedures aren’t followed. Having an attorney on your side ensures that your claim isn’t dismissed because of gaps in the driver’s coverage or technicalities.
Q: Do I need a lawyer even if the insurance company offers a settlement?
A: Yes, you should absolutely speak with a lawyer before accepting any settlement from an insurance company. Insurance carriers often make quick, low initial offers that may not cover all your medical bills, lost income, or ongoing needs. When you accept a settlement, you generally waive your right to any future compensation. A lawyer will review the offer, calculate your real losses, and fight for everything you deserve
David Abels
Partner
David Abels has carved a niche for himself in the personal injury law sector, dedicating a substantial part of his career since 1997 to representing victims of various accidents. With a law practice that spans over two decades, his expertise has been consistently recognized within the legal community.
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