Uber Hit Me as a Pedestrian. What Are My Rights?

Our Chicago rideshare injury attorneys are ready to fight for you

Getting hit by a car is terrifying. When that car belongs to an Uber driver, things can get even more complicated. Who’s responsible if you were hurt in a rideshare accident? Will Uber cover your medical bills? How do you make a claim?

If you’re a pedestrian who got hit by an Uber driver, you may be dealing with pain, stress, and a whole lot of questions. An experienced Chicago Uber pedestrian accident lawyer at Keating Law Offices can walk you through exactly what to do next, what your rights are, and how to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us to set up a free consultation and learn how we can help.

Why pedestrian-Uber crashes need extra legal attention

Uber accidents aren’t like regular car accidents. The company’s drivers are classified as independent contractors, which makes liability complicated. Also, Uber has a layered insurance system that depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.

If you’re a pedestrian, you’re already in a vulnerable position. Add in the complexity of a rideshare service, and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle unless you have the right support. That’s why understanding the process and your rights is so important.

Does Uber’s insurance cover pedestrian injuries?

It depends on what the Uber driver was doing when they hit you. Uber’s insurance coverage changes based on whether the driver had the app on and was working. Here’s how Uber insurance generally works:

The driver had the app off

When the Uber app is turned off, it is crucial to determine what the driver was doing in the time leading up to the crash.

The app was on but the driver hadn’t accepted a ride yet

This is considered “Period 1” coverage under Uber’s insurance policy. The driver is logged into the app and available to accept rides but hasn’t matched with a passenger yet. Uber provides l liability coverage in this scenario.

Driver en route to a pickup or during a ride

Once a ride request is accepted (Period 2) and while transporting a passenger (Period 3), Uber provides its highest level of insurance coverage.

How is fault determined in pedestrian accidents?

Illinois law can be complicated. You can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50 percent at fault. The insurance company representing the driver or Uber might take advantage of this rule. For example, they might say that you were jaywalking to shift some of the blame onto you and reduce the amount of money they have to pay.

Here’s what gets considered when figuring out fault:

• Was the driver speeding or distracted?
• Were you in a crosswalk or crossing illegally?
• Were traffic signals followed?
• Was the driver using the Uber app at the time?

When the insurance companies try to shift the blame, we can gather the real facts that show what happened. That includes dashcam footage, police reports, witness statements, and other key pieces of evidence.

What compensation can you get from an Uber accident lawsuit?

If you got hit by an Uber driver, you may be able to recover several types of damages, depending on your injuries and how the accident affected your life. These can include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, physical therapy, surgery, medications, and any current or future treatment.
• Lost wages: If you had to take time off work or can’t return to your job, you can claim the income you missed out on.
• Pain and suffering: This includes emotional distress, anxiety, and the general toll the crash has taken on your life.
• Disfigurement or disability: If the crash caused a permanent injury, you may be entitled to extra compensation.
• Wrongful death: If a loved one passed away due to the Uber accident, surviving family members may be able to recover funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

How do I file an Uber accident claim or lawsuit?

The first step is making sure the Uber accident is officially documented. That means calling the police, getting medical attention, and notifying Uber through the app or their online incident report form. But reporting the crash to Uber is not the same as filing a legal claim. Uber and its insurance provider will likely reach out, but they’re not there to protect your rights or explain your options.

To actually file a claim, you need an experienced Chicago Uber accident lawyer on your side. One of our attorneys can determine which insurance policy applies and help you file the claim the right way. We’ll also deal with Uber’s insurance adjusters, gather the evidence you need, and fight to get you the full amount you’re owed.

Injured as a pedestrian in an Uber accident? Our firm is here to help.

Uber pedestrian accident cases are rarely straightforward. Rideshare companies and their insurers are quick to deflect responsibility, and the longer you wait, the harder it can be to gather the evidence needed to hold them accountable. That’s where the lawyers at Keating Law Offices come in. We’ve handled complicated rideshare injury claims across Chicago and throughout Illinois. Our team knows how to investigate Uber accidents, determine who’s liable, and preserve the time-sensitive records and footage that can make or break your case.

We understand the emotional, physical, and financial challenges you’re facing. That’s why we offer our legal services with no upfront or hidden costs. We work on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if we win your case. Plus, we offer free consultations, so you can ask questions, discuss your case and find out what to do next. To get started, contact us to schedule your free consultation. There’s no further obligation or pressure to hire us, and you can expect honest answers to your questions.