Who Is Liable in a Lyft Accident in Chicago?
Our Chicago rideshare attorneys can help you fight for the compensation you deserve
The rideshare service Lyft has become a go-to option for getting around Chicago. People use Lyft to commute to work or get home after a night out. But what happens when the ride doesn’t go as planned and you end up getting hurt in a rideshare accident?
Lyft accidents can get complicated because they involve more than just drivers and passengers. You’re dealing with a company, independent contractors, overlapping insurance policies, and multiple parties who might share fault. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a Lyft vehicle, you might be wondering, “Who’s responsible?”
The Chicago Lyft accident lawyers at Keating Law Offices can determine who’s liable, how to report the accident, and what steps you can take to protect your rights. To find out how, contact us today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
I was a passenger in a Lyft accident. What are my rights?
If you were a passenger in a Lyft accident, you might not know where to turn next. The good news is that passengers are rarely considered at fault in these situations. And you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. It doesn’t matter if your Lyft driver caused the crash or another driver was to blame.
That includes at a minimum:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages if you miss work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Under Illinois law, rideshare companies are required to carry insurance policies that provide coverage for passengers in the event of an accident. This means you may be eligible to file a claim through Lyft’s insurance policy or the at-fault driver’s policy, depending on what happened. The key is knowing where and how to file your claim, as well as knowing who to hold accountable.
Can Lyft itself be held accountable?
In many cases, Lyft could be held directly liable. For example, if they failed to perform a proper background check and allowed a dangerous or unqualified driver on the platform, that might open the door to a separate Lyft accident lawsuit.
Who else might be responsible?
Sometimes, the Lyft driver isn’t the only one involved. Maybe another vehicle ran a red light, or a distracted driver sideswiped your Lyft. In these cases, you could have a claim against a third-party driver.
Under Illinois law, more than one person can be found partially responsible. As long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault (which passengers usually aren’t), you can recover damages. However, recovering damages from multiple insurance companies can be complicated.
Our Chicago Lyft accident lawyers will investigate every angle to see who should be held accountable.
How do you file a Lyft accident report?
One of the most important things you can do after a rideshare crash is to make sure the Lyft accident is documented properly.
Here’s how to file a Lyft accident report:
- Open the Lyft app and go to the “Help” section.
- Tap “Report an Accident” and follow the prompts to describe what happened.
- Include details like time, location, names of people involved, and whether police or medical help were called.
- Upload any photos or supporting evidence you have.
At the crash scene, you should call the police and file an official accident report. This creates a public record, which will help your claim later. If possible, take pictures of the vehicles, your injuries, and the crash scene. If there were witnesses, get their contact information.
After reporting the crash, get in contact with a Chicago Lyft accident lawyer right away. These claims can be very complicated and handling them alone could be risky. Keating Law Offices can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, so you don’t risk saying something that could be used against you.
What does it take to prove negligence?
To win a Lyft accident lawsuit or insurance claim, you need to show that someone was negligent. That means they didn’t act with reasonable care and their actions caused the accident and your injuries.
For example, if your Lyft driver was texting behind the wheel or speeding through a yellow light, that could be considered negligent behavior. If a third-party driver swerved into your car while changing lanes, that could also be negligence.
Evidence that can help prove your case includes:
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records showing your injuries
- Expert testimony or accident reconstruction
The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be. Our Chicago Lyft accident lawyers will leave no stone unturned when investigating your case and gathering the facts.
Sorting all this out on your own can be overwhelming. That’s where our Chicago Lyft accident lawyers come in. Keating Law Offices takes the guesswork out of your case. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate who was truly at fault
- Identify all possible sources of insurance coverage
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Handle negotiations with attorneys and insurance adjusters
- File a lawsuit if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement
We’ll also make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. Having an experienced advocate in your corner levels the playing field.
Our Chicago Lyft accident lawyers are here to help
If you were injured while riding in a Lyft in Chicago, now is the time to act. You may be entitled to compensation, but waiting too long can hurt your chances. The attorneys at Keating Law Offices can help sort out your Lyft accident case while you focus on recovering. We know how the insurance policies work, how to hold negligent drivers accountable, and how to maximize your compensation. If the insurance companies won’t budge, we’re ready to take legal action on your behalf.
When you reach out to us, our legal team can guide you through every step and answer any questions you have. There are no upfront fees and no pressure to hire us if you don’t feel that we’re a good fit for you. We only get paid if you’re fully compensated for your damages. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us today. We can guide you through the process every step of the way!
