The Definitive Guide to Hiring a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Chicago, IL

With shocking frequency, rideshare users can become confused about whether or not a car is intended for them. Consider that many rideshares occur after a person has been drinking and is taking responsibility by not driving themselves home. Unfortunately, it is in these circumstances that Uber or Lyft drivers can easily take advantage of their passengers.

Rideshare cases often hinge on whether or not the driver was employed by the company at the time of the incident, which can be surprisingly vexing. This is why it’s critical that you retain a rideshare accident attorney who understands the nuances of rideshare law and knows how to bring a successful car accident case before the Illinois court system.

With shocking frequency, sexual assault can occur while using Uber or Lyft. Uber issued its first public safety report in 2019; they reported more than 3,000 sexual assaults—and nine murders—in the previous year alone. When the rideshare company negligently hires a dangerous driver, failing to vet or disclose the driver’s criminal history, they put all future passengers at potential risk. 

How could this happen? Rideshare companies broke onto the scene in the 2010s by flouting state and federal oversight; nearly anyone with a car could become a rideshare driver and bypass the screening, training, and licensure codified in the taxi industry. Today, even in light of multiple lawsuits filed by former clients for physical and sexual assault, crimes perpetrated by rideshare drivers are tragically common.

Yes. According to the TNP, rideshare companies are responsible for “conduct[ing] background checks and train[ing] affiliated drivers.” In most cases, drivers are automatically disqualified if any of the following infractions appear in their background check results:

• Drunk driving offenses within the past seven (7) years

• Reckless driving offenses in the past three (3) years

• Three (3) or more moving traffic violations in the past three (3) years

• Sexual offenses

• Felony fraud

• Eluding an officer

• Felony property offenses

• Offenses involving violence

• Any felony offenses in the last five years

As with any motor vehicle accident, the most important thing to do is to protect your health and safety, and attend to your injuries promptly. We highly recommend getting a medical evaluation as soon as possible after your accident.

After a rideshare accident in Chicago, follow these steps:

• Call 911. Be sure to give police and other emergency personnel a full account of what happened, to the best of your knowledge, as well as the location of the accident. 

• Cooperate with authorities. When giving your statement for the police report, tell the full truth. Never leave the accident site or move your vehicle if you have been advised not to do so. Be mindful of what you say on the record, as any statement may inadvertently be used to decrease the value of your case against the responsible party. We strongly recommend speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible; you may also wish to have a lawyer present during your initial statement. 

• Collect visual evidence at the scene. The more information you can collect from the accident scene, the better! Take photos of all vehicles involved, driver’s licenses, insurance policies, and road conditions. This information should be officially recorded in the police report—but that’s not to say that police reports do not include mistakes and omissions. We recommend taking both photos and videos that may be used to cross-reference the official report at a future date.

• Collect eyewitness testimony. If someone—for example, another driver, a pedestrian, or a bus rider— witnessed your accident, speak with them and see if they are willing to be an eyewitness. Accident witness testimony can help confirm liability or who is at fault, which can be central to your case.

• Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, it is critically important to see a doctor after a rideshare accident (or any type of car crash). You may be in shock in the immediate aftermath of the accident, which means that you may not realize the extent of your injuries until days or even weeks later. A medical exam can often uncover new medical issues that would otherwise take days or weeks to present. The faster you can understand the full scope of your injuries, the easier it will be to receive a full, fair resolution on your rideshare accident claim.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, contact The Jasmer Law Firm for a free consultation. If you have sustained a serious injury or sexual assault or if a loved one has been killed while using a rideshare vehicle, our team of rideshare accident attorneys can help you understand your legal options. Call us at (312) 782-6344 to discuss your case. The phone call and initial consultation are always free.

Who bears responsibility for your medical bills can be a complicated question. If another driver is at fault, then you file a claim through their insurance carrier, just as you would in a noncommercial accident case. Illinois is an at-fault state, meaning that comparative negligence comes into play. Drivers are responsible for the injuries they cause on the roads. Bringing a rideshare accident claim means filing a claim against the responsible party.

If you are a rideshare passenger and your driver was responsible for your accident, you can seek compensation through both the driver’s liability insurance as well as the insurance of the rideshare company. These details can be somewhat complicated, so we highly recommend speaking to a qualified Chicago rideshare accident attorney about your case.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, the Jasmer Law Firm is here to help. Call us at (312) 782-6344 for a free consultation.