Who Is at Fault in an Illinois Rideshare Accident?

 Posted on January 15, 2024 in Car Accidents

Uber and Lyft are popular ridesharing companies in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Many individuals have utilized a rideshare service at some point, and the growing presence of drivers and passengers in the Chicago area leads to an increased risk of car accidents with rideshare drivers.

If you have been in a car accident as a passenger or driver with someone operating a rideshare vehicle, you may be wondering who is at fault. An Illinois car accident attorney can help you with this and explain your options for compensation.

Determining Fault in a Rideshare Car Accident

Determining fault in a rideshare car accident can be confusing, as drivers are covered by either Uber or Lyft insurance while driving or their own personal insurance while not logged into the app. Uber and Lyft insurance, like many other rideshare insurance policies, also vary in coverage depending on whether or not the driver is actively transporting a passenger or simply logged in and waiting for a passenger.

In Illinois, the Transportation Network Providers Act provides details about how rideshare companies are classified in the state and the type of insurance policies they are required to have.

Can I Pursue Compensation After a Rideshare Car Accident?

You may be able to pursue compensation after you are involved in a rideshare car accident, though the amount depends on the specifics of the crash. In general, the driver who caused the accident will be at fault for the crash, regardless of who is operating the rideshare service. This is true of the majority of car accidents, though it can be complicated sometimes to prove fault.

The complex legal issues come into play when determining which insurance was covering the driver – their personal insurance or the ridesharing app’s insurance – and how much coverage these policies have. If you have been involved in a car accident with a rideshare driver, make sure to collect as much information as possible, as these details will be important to your lawyer.

Contact a Chicago, IL Car Accident Attorney

Dealing with a car accident is difficult, and this process can be made even more difficult when you have been involved in an accident with a rideshare driver. Making sure you get the compensation you deserve after a car accident involves working with the right insurance, and you may need to fight for your rights.

An experienced Chicago, IL car accident lawyer at Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC can help you with this process. Call 312-236-6324 for a free consultation