Especially in cities like Chicago, using a rideshare vehicle can be an accessible and easy alternative to driving. However, as rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber continue to grow in popularity, unfortunately, rideshare accidents tend to increase as well. When someone is injured while in a rideshare collision—whether the accident is the fault of the rideshare vehicle or another driver—people often wonder if they are still able to bring a lawsuit against the responsible party. In these cases, people can still bring a personal injury lawsuit, although there are a few extra factors to take into account.
Recently in Chicago, a man died after a rollover crash on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. According to a local news report, the deceased—a passenger in a rideshare vehicle—was ejected from the vehicle when another driver of a car rear-ended the rideshare car. The vehicle flipped on its side and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Because rideshare applications are still a recently new trend, there is little data on how many accidents in Illinois involve a rideshare vehicle. Despite this, when someone is injured in a rideshare, they are still able to bring a personal injury lawsuit. The plaintiff—the individual bringing the lawsuit—will need to prove that the individual who caused the accident, the defendant, owed a duty to them to drive carefully. Unlike the case above, when the rideshare driver causes the accident, this is an easier burden to prove. The plaintiff can allege that they trusted the rideshare driver to safely take them to their destination, and but for the driver’s actions, the plaintiff would not have been injured. The question, however, is whether the driver was legally “negligent” and whether their negligence was the cause of the accident victim’s injuries.
Another distinction in personal injury lawsuits where a rideshare driver is involved is insurance. Insurance policies for rideshare drivers are different than coverage for most other drivers. For example, the availability and extent of coverage depends on when an accident occurs. However, experienced personal injury attorneys will be able to easily navigate this landscape and help victims pursue compensation for their injuries.
Even if the rideshare driver did not cause the accident—and instead the responsible party was a different driver—the plaintiff’s attorney may want to interview the rideshare driver to get their side of the story. They could be able to assist in the legal process, confirming the plaintiff’s story and making the case more credible for a jury.
Because rideshare accidents are a newer type of personal injury lawsuit subset, individuals who have been injured in a rideshare accident should contact an experienced attorney for assistance.
Filing a Chicago Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Rideshare Accident
If you or someone you love was recently injured or killed in a Chicago rideshare accident, contact the attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today. The time after an accident can be emotionally and physically traumatic. Our lawyers will work with you and provide you with the legal assistance, advocacy, and support you need to effectively pursue your lawsuit. To speak with one of our attorneys and to schedule a free initial consultation, give us a call today at 312-924-7575.