CHICAGO, IL – If a rideshare accident, including Lyft or Uber, injures you or a loved one, your legal mission is to get all the compensation you deserve for your injuries. One common question is whether you can sue a rideshare service directly for accident injuries, and while the explanation below makes it seem very unfair, the answer is no. However, there are ways you can obtain compensation for your accident. Contact an experienced Chicago, Illinois attorney to learn about your legal options for financial compensation for your case.
The rideshare model doesn’t benefit the average person hailing a ride. Typically, going after the defendant with the deepest pockets is who you’d file a lawsuit against to maximize your personal injury recovery. Contact a seasoned car accident attorney who will be able to explain your legal rights.
Rideshares are not the same as a taxi company
Previously when you took a cab ride anywhere, the taxi driver was an employee of the taxi company. If the driver acted negligently, you can sue the taxi company for damages you suffered. Rideshare companies have changed the traditional taxi company operating model and no longer is the driver giving you a ride as the employee of a company. Now, you have an individual who wants to make extra money by giving you a ride in their vehicle.
You usually can’t sue rideshare companies after a car accident
Rideshare companies have engineered their role to make themselves a middleman. Rideshares provide technology that connects you to the driver where they collect the money from you and distribute it to the driver.
Regarding their relationship with the driver, rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber claim not to employ the driver directly. According to Lyft, the driver is an independent contractor and nothing more, and Lyft takes advantage of this distinction in many ways.
The Fair Labor Standards Act makes rideshare companies exempt from paying a minimum wage or overtime and doesn’t have to pay workers’ compensation coverage for its drivers.
Concerning lawsuit liability, rideshares have creatively managed to escape most types of liability for the actions of their drivers. People can practically come off the street to drive for these companies and if they injure you through their carelessness, the company’s model has insulated itself from paying for what the driver did.
Drivers are independent contractors which eliminates the employment relationship between the driver and Lyft or Uber; therefore, the rideshare company can’t be held liable for the driver’s action.
You can still file an insurance claim for a rideshare accident
There are still some remedies available if you or a loved one has been injured in a Lyft or Uber accident. Rideshares must provide a minimum insurance coverage for each accident to be allowed to operate and the policy offers levels of coverage. Contact a Chicago, Illinois car accident attorney who can advise you on these policies.
Complications in dealing with rideshare insurance companies
You will be left to deal with the rideshare insurance companies to get the money you deserve for your injuries. Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber pay these companies a large amount of money and they want to keep as much of it as possible. Speaking to an experienced attorney will help you navigate these complexities.
Needing a lawyer for any rideshare claim
You’ll need a seasoned attorney to represent you in any rideshare claim. Just because the rideshare driver was involved doesn’t automatically mean they are liable, so you’ll need to prove liability to receive money for a claim.
If you were a passenger in a rideshare accident, you must figure out which driver was responsible for the accident to file a claim. A skilled attorney will negotiate the proper compensation on your behalf for your personal injury claim. The insurance company will do everything it can to keep your payment low, so it’s important to research an attorney who has experience with this type of case to advocate on your behalf.
How our rideshare accident attorney in Chicago, Illinois can help you!
No matter how much rideshare companies try to stack the deck against you, it’s possible to obtain full and fair financial compensation for your case. Our car accident lawyers can help investigate the accident and help figure out which driver was to blame for the crash, estimate the value of your damages, deal with the insurance company and negotiate a settlement.
Our team of skilled attorneys is highly motivated to get you the settlement you deserve. During the consultation, our attorneys will do a case evaluation; offer legal advice; help you understand your rights; explore liability; discuss potential damages including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more; discuss our fee structure; and address any questions and concerns you might have.
Contact our office today for a free consultation with our Chicago, Illinois personal injury lawyers today by filling out this form or by calling (312) 384-1920.
