DuPage County Rideshare Accident Attorney
Traveling across town was once a straightforward matter of calling a cab or checking the bus schedule, but many now rely on rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft for short trips. Rideshare drivers use their own personal vehicles and are typically independent contractors instead of employees of the rideshare company, making it difficult to know who to sue if you get hurt in a crash while using rideshare services. A DuPage County rideshare accident lawyer can help.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in DuPage County or a nearby area, you need to work with a reputable and successful legal team that understands the inherent complexities of such cases. At the law firm of Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, our world-class attorneys are ready to help you navigate the challenges of dealing with these complex, high-stakes personal injury cases, no matter what the unique circumstances of your case might entail.
At Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, we don’t just understand the convoluted nature of rideshare accident cases. We also understand the importance of shielding our injured clients from intimidation and harassment by powerful corporate defendants and their well-equipped insurers and in-house legal teams. Through effective negotiations or aggressive litigation, we can hold negligent parties accountable and set your case on the path to substantial financial restitution.
When the unexpected happens on the busy roads of Aurora, Wheaton, Elmhurst, or the surrounding areas, having a highly skilled, reputable Illinois rideshare accident attorney from Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley on your side can make all the difference. If you’ve been hurt while using Uber or Lyft or if you’ve been injured by a rideshare car as a motorist or pedestrian, don’t delay. Set up a confidential consultation with our personal injury lawyer today.
Rideshare Accidents and Injuries in DuPage County, IL
There’s no denying that rideshare services like Uber have revolutionized transportation in urban centers, the suburbs, and mid-sized cities, all of which can be found in DuPage, one of the so-called “collar counties” of the sprawling Chicago metro. However, along with an increase in this form of travel comes a natural uptick in associated traffic accidents. Car crashes involving Uber and Lyft vehicles can be every bit as consequential and serious as any other traffic accident.
Some common causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue from working long shifts or multiple jobs
- Speeding and aggressive driving to pick up more fares per shift
- Failure to adhere to traffic laws
- Errors by other motorists
- Poor weather and other environmental factors
Whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, fellow motorist, or even a rideshare driver yourself, dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be physically and mentally challenging. From physical pain and loss of mobility to dealing with medical bills and insurance agents, a rideshare accident can turn your quality of life upside down in a single tragic instant.
Rideshare accidents are similar to bus accidents and commercial trucking accidents in one key way: they quickly become convoluted and challenging because they involve multiple parties due to their very nature. A rideshare accident can involve the rideshare driver, the organization they work for at the time of the crash, and multiple insurance carriers. Corporate rideshare companies also have dedicated legal teams who will likely get involved.
When a personal injury case involving a rideshare vehicle seems straightforward and easy to prove, injured parties sometimes decide to go through the process of seeking restitution without the assistance of a good lawyer. Unfortunately, this can be a costly mistake for many people as they find they are ill-equipped to deal with the complexities of the legal framework surrounding these cases. They may be caught off guard by high-end legal tactics employed by defendants.
FAQs About DuPage County, IL Rideshare Accident Law
Q: Can You Sue Uber if Their Driver Crashes?
A: You may be able to sue Uber if their driver crashes and you sustain injuries, but it depends on the circumstances of the accident. You cannot sue Uber if the driver was not logged into the app at the time of the crash. Typically, Uber provides insurance coverage for their drivers who get into an accident while available for a ride, en route, or on a trip.
You can potentially sue Uber if their insurance does not cover all of your damages or if they negligently hired an unqualified driver, thereby having some fault in the accident.
Q: How Long After a Rideshare Car Accident Can You Sue in Illinois?
A: You can sue up to 2 years after a car accident in Illinois in the majority of cases. Every case is unique, however, and this statute of limitations can be subject to extensions or exemptions under certain circumstances. You should talk directly to a lawyer who can factor in the unique details of your case to determine your deadline.
Q: Should Uber Be Held Liable for the Actions of Their Driver?
A: In some peoples’ opinions, Uber should be held liable for the actions of their drivers, but this is a complicated issue. Figuring out exactly where a rideshare company’s liability ends has implications not only in the legal world but also in the realms of labor, civic planning, the economy, and the environment. While there is no clear answer, Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley is ready to help you hold responsible parties accountable for your injuries, whoever they may be.
Q: Can I Sue Uber as a Passenger?
A: In some cases, you may be able to sue Uber as a passenger, but the app’s terms of service and the nature of the rideshare model can make this challenging. You should consult with a reputable attorney who has experience with this sort of litigation to get a better understanding of whether you may have a viable case against a rideshare company that has harmed or wronged you.
Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley – Illinois’ Trusted Team for Rideshare Claims
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation, but it can be difficult to know where to start, who to sue, and how to go about the legal process. Take a deep breath – it’s going to be okay. We can help get you the settlement you deserve. Contact Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley at your earliest convenience to set up a confidential consultation.
