Wheeling Uber Accident Attorneys

Rideshare services have transformed transportation in Wheeling, offering a convenient way for residents and visitors alike to travel. Whether heading to O’Hare International Airport, Restaurant Row on Milwaukee Avenue, or a local event like Lights Around Wheeling, Uber provides a flexible alternative to traditional taxis and public transportation. However, with more Uber vehicles on the road, accidents involving rideshare drivers have also increased. These collisions can leave victims with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about who is responsible for covering the costs.

Unlike typical car accidents, Uber crashes involve unique legal and insurance considerations. Illinois law dictates liability based on the driver’s status during the collision, which can complicate claims. Victims often find themselves caught between multiple insurance providers, each trying to minimize payouts. Without legal guidance, it’s easy to accept a settlement far below what you need to recover fully.

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one were injured in a Wheeling Uber accident. Since 1987, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has fought for injury victims throughout Illinois, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve. Our firm understands how an unexpected accident can upend your life, and we are committed to securing the financial relief you need. 

Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Wheeling

Several factors contribute to Uber-related crashes. While traditional car accidents often stem from driver error, the rideshare industry introduces additional risks that make certain collisions more likely.

Distracted Driving

Distractions contribute to a significant percentage of Uber accidents. Rideshare drivers frequently check their app for ride requests, follow GPS directions, and communicate with passengers. According to the most recent distracted driving research from 2022, distraction-related crashes accounted for 8% of all fatal accidents and 12% of injury crashes nationwide. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to devastating consequences.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Rideshare drivers work under pressure to complete as many trips as possible. The financial incentive to finish rides quickly can lead to speeding, rolling stops, and unsafe lane changes. These behaviors put passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists at risk.

Fatigue and Overworking

Many Uber drivers work long hours to maximize earnings. Fatigue impairs reaction time and decision-making, making exhausted drivers just as dangerous as intoxicated ones.

Failure to Yield to Pedestrians

Busy areas around Milwaukee Avenue’s Restaurant Row, the Westin Chicago North Shore, and Wheeling’s Metra station see heavy foot traffic. When Uber drivers rush to pick up or drop off passengers, they sometimes fail to yield to pedestrians, resulting in severe injuries.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a leading cause of fatal accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois are linked to alcohol consumption. Impaired driving significantly raises the likelihood of catastrophic collisions.

Uber drivers must follow Illinois traffic laws like any other motorist, but the pressure of working in the gig economy can push them into dangerous driving habits. Unfortunately, when a rideshare driver takes unnecessary risks, the people sharing the road often suffer the most severe consequences. Understanding these common causes can help victims recognize when negligence played a role in their crash and take legal steps to seek justice.

Injuries Resulting from Uber Accidents

Uber-related accidents cause a wide range of injuries, many of which require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of a crash. Even a mild concussion can cause lasting cognitive and neurological issues.
• Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis. Collisions at high speeds often result in spinal injuries, leading to chronic pain or permanent disability.
• Broken Bones and Soft Tissue Injuries. Passengers and drivers may suffer fractures, dislocations, or torn ligaments in a crash. These injuries can take months to heal and sometimes require surgery.

An accident’s physical and emotional toll can last long after the initial impact. Many victims face prolonged recovery periods, lost income, and the stress of mounting medical bills. Seeking compensation can help cover these costs and provide the financial support needed to move forward.

Wrongful Death Claims

A fatal Uber crash can leave families grieving and facing unexpected financial burdens. Nationwide, an estimated 29,135 people died in motor vehicle accidents during the first nine months of 2024, with rideshare collisions contributing to these losses. Further, In Illinois, an estimated 56 fatal crashes occurred in the first two months of 2025, with 61 total fatalities. When negligence leads to a fatal Uber accident, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Losing a loved one in an Uber accident is an unimaginable tragedy, leaving families not only with emotional pain but also with financial hardships. Illinois law allows certain individuals to file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for their loss.

• Immediate Family Members. In Illinois, spouses, children, and sometimes parents of the deceased have the legal right to file.
• Personal Representatives. If the deceased did not leave behind a surviving spouse or child, a court-appointed representative may pursue the claim on behalf of the estate.

Compensation in a wrongful death case can include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. While no amount of money can replace a life, holding the responsible party accountable can provide financial relief and a sense of justice for grieving families.

Personal Injury Claims

Uber accidents often leave survivors with life-altering injuries. You may have grounds for a personal injury claim, whether in an Uber vehicle or struck by a rideshare driver.

Who Can File a Personal Injury Claim?

Individuals injured in an Uber accident may be eligible to file a personal injury claim, but the process depends on their role in the crash and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

• Passengers. Injured riders can pursue compensation through Uber’s insurance, regardless of fault. However, claim disputes often arise.
• Other Drivers and Pedestrians. If an Uber driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to damages, but proving liability depends on whether the driver was actively transporting passengers.
• Uber Drivers. If a crash occurs due to another motorist’s negligence, an Uber driver may have a claim against that party’s insurance. Additionally, if a defective vehicle caused the crash, the driver may pursue a product liability case.

Understanding the type of claim you can file is essential to securing fair compensation. A dedicated attorney can evaluate your case and help you take the following steps toward justice.

Determining Liability in a Chicago Uber Car Crash

Uber accidents differ from standard car crashes because rideshare drivers operate under different coverage conditions. Unlike traditional motorists, Uber drivers are covered under a tiered insurance system that changes depending on whether they are actively working at the time of the accident. Identifying which coverage applies is crucial when pursuing compensation.

• When the Driver Is Off Duty. If an Uber driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance applies. Uber has no legal obligation to provide coverage in these cases, meaning victims must pursue claims through the driver’s private insurance provider.
• When the Driver Is Waiting for a Ride Request. Uber provides limited liability coverage when a driver is available but has not accepted a trip. If an accident occurs during this phase, the driver’s insurance is the primary coverage. Uber’s contingency liability coverage only applies if the driver’s insurer denies the claim. This coverage includes up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• When the Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger. Uber’s $1 million liability policy applies once a driver accepts a ride request. This coverage protects passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers if an accident occurs. It also includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which helps victims if the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance. However, securing a fair payout from Uber’s insurance provider can be challenging without legal representation.

Determining liability in an Uber crash is not always straightforward, especially when multiple insurance providers are involved. Victims often face delayed claims or denied coverage based on disputes over when the accident occurred. Understanding these distinctions can help injured parties pursue the compensation they deserve and ensure the responsible party is held accountable.

Popular Uber Destinations and High-Traffic Areas in Wheeling

Wheeling sees heavy rideshare use, particularly in areas with frequent travel, dining, and entertainment. Whether residents are heading to a flight, enjoying a meal at a popular restaurant, or staying at a local hotel, Uber is a common transportation choice. However, with increased rideshare activity comes a higher risk of accidents.

• O’Hare International Airport. One of the busiest airports in the U.S., O’Hare is a significant pickup and drop-off location for Uber passengers traveling to and from Wheeling. The combination of hurried travelers, multiple lanes of traffic, and rideshare congestion increases the risk of accidents.
• Restaurant Row. Home to well-known spots like Bob Chinn’s, Cooper’s Hawk, and Saranello’s, this stretch of Milwaukee Avenue attracts large crowds. Frequent Uber pickups and drop-offs in an already congested area increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions, pedestrian accidents, and sudden stops that put passengers at risk.
• Local Hotels. The Westin Chicago North Shore and other accommodations see heavy Uber traffic, especially during conferences, weddings, and corporate events. With constant passenger pickups and hotel guests unfamiliar with the area, drivers may make abrupt stops or unsafe turns, leading to crashes.
• Wheeling Metra Station. Many commuters use Uber to connect from the Metra station to their final destination. Morning and evening rush hours bring a steady flow of rideshare vehicles, increasing the chance of accidents involving distracted drivers and hurried passengers.
• Heritage Park and Community Center. As one of Wheeling’s most prominent recreational areas, Heritage Park hosts concerts, sports events, and community gatherings. With packed parking lots and crowded roadways, Uber drivers navigating unfamiliar routes may cause accidents while looking for pickup locations.

Uber is a convenient way to reach these destinations, but the constant flow of rideshare vehicles can create safety hazards. Awareness of these high-traffic areas can help Uber passengers, pedestrians, and drivers stay alert and reduce accident risks.

Increased Rideshare Risk During Wheeling Events

Several annual events draw large crowds, making Uber accidents more common. During these occasions, road congestion increases, and rideshare drivers may be unfamiliar with the area, leading to unsafe driving behaviors.

• Lights Around Wheeling. This winter festival attracts families and tourists, leading to higher pedestrian activity and Uber use. Crowded roadways and limited parking make it difficult for drivers to find safe pickup spots, increasing the risk of pedestrian-involved accidents and rear-end collisions.
• Lollipop Lane. A beloved holiday tradition, this event leads to a spike in Uber traffic as families travel to enjoy the festivities. Parking shortages force drivers to frequent stops in busy areas, creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. 
• Rock N Run the Runway. Wheeling’s Fourth of July celebration features fireworks, live music, and temporary road closures. These conditions often force Uber drivers to take unfamiliar detours, increasing the chances of wrong turns, side-impact crashes, and pedestrian accidents. 

These events bring energy and excitement to Wheeling and present unique traffic challenges. When Uber drivers rush to pick up passengers or navigate through large crowds, the risk of accidents rises. Understanding these high-risk situations can help passengers and other motorists stay alert and travel more safely.

Pursuing Compensation After an Uber Accident

Victims of rideshare crashes may be eligible for several types of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement.

Understanding your rights is essential. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, and Uber’s policies have limitations. An experienced attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Were You Injured in a Wheeling Uber or Lyft Accident?

If you were recently injured while riding as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, it is important you understand your rights and what you need to do to protect your interests. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we are here for you. Our Illinois personal injury lawyers have over 30 years of experience helping injury victims obtain the compensation they need and deserve following all types of accidents, including Wheeling rideshare accidents. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients and won’t accept payment for our services unless and until we’re able to connect you with compensation for what you’ve been through. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 1-877-595-4878 today.