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Bloomington Uber Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident in the Bloomington area or anywhere around Chicago, you may feel overwhelmed. You’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies that don’t always make things easy. The good news is that Illinois law gives you real rights, and a skilled Chicago abogado de lesiones personales can help you use them. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we understand how Uber accident cases work, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
- How Illinois Law Covers Uber Accidents
- Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bloomington Uber Accident?
- What Damages Can You Recover After an Uber Crash?
- Steps to Take After an Uber Accident in the Chicago Area
- Why Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Is the Right Choice
- FAQs About Bloomington Uber Accident Claims in Illinois
How Illinois Law Covers Uber Accidents
Uber is not just a taxi app. It operates under a specific set of Illinois laws that affect how your injury claim gets handled. The Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57) governs rideshare operations statewide. This law sets the rules for insurance, driver qualifications, and safety standards. Understanding it matters a lot if you’ve been injured.
One of the most important things the law does is set insurance requirements based on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. From the moment a driver logs into the TNC app until a ride is accepted or completed, they must have liability insurance of at least $50,000 per person for death and injury, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage. That’s just the minimum. Once a passenger is in the vehicle, the stakes go up significantly. From the time they accept passengers to when they complete rides, rideshare drivers must have insurance coverage of at least $1 million for personal injury, death and property damage.
This matters because the coverage available to you depends on what “phase” the driver was in when the accident happened. Because rideshare drivers use their own vehicles and are allowed to use their own personal insurance for liability coverage, many are often underinsured. That’s why knowing the law, and having someone in your corner who knows it too, makes such a difference. Whether your accident happened near the Stevenson Expressway, on I-55 heading into the Loop, or somewhere along Lakeshore Drive, the same Illinois rules apply.
Illinois also requires Uber and other Transportation Network Companies to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Drivers must also have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage of $50,000 minimum. If you were hit by an uninsured driver while riding in an Uber, this coverage could be your lifeline.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bloomington Uber Accident?
Figuring out who is responsible after an Uber crash is one of the trickiest parts of these cases. Multiple parties can share fault, and Illinois law addresses exactly how that works. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117, all defendants found liable are jointly and severally liable for a plaintiff’s past and future medical and medically related expenses. Any defendant whose fault is 25% or greater of the total fault can be held jointly and severally liable for all other damages too. This means that if more than one party caused your accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from all of them.
So who might be liable in a typical Uber accident? The Uber driver could be at fault for distracted driving or speeding. Another driver who caused the collision could also be liable. In some cases, Uber itself may share responsibility. Drivers with three or more moving violations or one major violation, such as reckless driving or driving on a revoked license, during the last three years cannot become a rideshare driver. If Uber failed to screen a driver properly, that failure could support a negligence claim against the company.
Illinois law also requires that drivers stop at the scene of any crash involving injury. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in personal injury must immediately stop and remain at the scene until all legal requirements are fulfilled. A driver who flees the scene faces serious criminal consequences, including a Class 4 felony. If you were involved in a hit-and-run by an Uber driver, that’s not just a civil matter. It’s a criminal one too.
An experienced Uber Accident attorney can investigate all possible defendants and build a case that holds every responsible party accountable. Don’t assume the Uber driver alone is the only target. The full picture matters.
What Damages Can You Recover After an Uber Crash?
After an Uber accident, your losses can add up fast. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are all real costs you shouldn’t have to carry alone. Illinois law allows injured victims to seek compensation for all of these. Knowing what you can claim helps you understand the full value of your case.
Economic damages cover your out-of-pocket losses. These include emergency room bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care you’ll need. If your injuries kept you out of work, you can also claim lost income. If your ability to earn in the future is affected, that’s recoverable too.
Non-economic damages cover the human side of your losses. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all real injuries, even if they don’t come with a receipt. Illinois courts recognize these losses and allow juries to award compensation for them.
In cases where someone dies in an Uber accident, Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1) gives surviving family members the right to pursue damages. The law states that when a person’s death is caused by a wrongful act or neglect, the responsible party remains liable even though death occurred. This includes the right to seek punitive damages when applicable.
If a drunk driver caused your Uber accident, there may be additional options. Under Illinois’ Dram Shop Act (235 ILCS 5/6-21), a bar or restaurant that over-served an intoxicated person who then caused injury may also be held liable. These cases can be complex, but they open additional avenues for recovery. Contact a Chicago Uber accident attorney at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg to explore every option available to you.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident in the Chicago Area
What you do in the hours and days after an Uber crash can have a big impact on your case. Taking the right steps protects your health and your legal rights. Here’s what we recommend.
First, get medical attention right away. Even if you feel okay, some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. A doctor’s visit creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the accident. This is critical evidence. Under Illinois law, “personal injury” for purposes of accident reporting means any injury requiring immediate professional treatment in a medical facility or doctor’s office. Don’t wait to see a doctor.
Second, report the crash to police. Illinois law requires drivers to stop and remain at the scene. You should also call 911. A police report documents the facts of the accident, including who was involved, what happened, and any citations issued. This report can be a key piece of evidence in your claim.
Third, document everything you can. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage. If witnesses are present near places like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, or a busy Wicker Park intersection, get their contact information. Write down everything you remember while it’s fresh.
Fourth, report the accident through the Uber app. Uber has a process for reporting accidents, and doing so creates an official record. However, be careful about what you say to Uber’s insurance adjusters. They work for Uber, not for you.
Fifth, contact an attorney before speaking to any insurance company. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make statements that hurt your claim. An Uber Accident lawyer can handle all communications on your behalf and make sure your rights are protected from the start.
Why Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Is the Right Choice
Uber accident cases involve layers of insurance coverage, competing liability claims, and corporate legal teams working to minimize what they pay out. You need a legal team that knows how to cut through all of that and fight for what you actually deserve. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has been serving injured people across the Chicago area for decades, and we take these cases seriously.
We serve clients throughout the entire Chicago metro area, including communities near Bloomington, Mundelein, Oak Lawn, and beyond. Whether your accident happened on the Dan Ryan, near O’Hare, in Andersonville, or anywhere in between, we’re ready to help. Our firm handles cases in Cook County, McLean County, and the surrounding areas. We know the local courts, including the Daley Center courthouse in the Loop, and we know how to build strong cases in them.
We handle Uber accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. There’s no upfront cost and no financial risk to you. Our goal is simple: get you the maximum compensation the law allows.
If you were hurt in an Uber crash near Bloomington or anywhere in the Chicago area, don’t wait. Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Missing that deadline means losing your right to recover. Reach out to our team today. We also handle other types of accident cases across the region. If you need a Mundelein car accident lawyer or an Oak Lawn car accident lawyer, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is here for you. Call us today for a free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.
FAQs About Bloomington Uber Accident Claims in Illinois
How long do I have to file an Uber accident claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is set by the Illinois statute of limitations. If you miss it, you lose your right to seek compensation in court. Don’t wait to speak with an attorney. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case.
Can I sue Uber directly if their driver caused my accident?
This is a common question, and the answer depends on the facts of your case. House Bill 2231 would classify ride-shares as “common carriers,” meaning the companies can be held liable, rather than just the drivers, for accidents or injuries to passengers. While Illinois law has historically treated Uber drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, there are circumstances where Uber’s own negligence, such as failing to properly screen a driver, could support a direct claim against the company. An attorney can review your case and advise you on the best approach.
What if the Uber driver’s insurance denies my claim?
Insurance denials are frustrating, but they are not the end of the road. The Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act (ITNPA) mandates that rideshare companies (TNCs) provide commercial insurance coverage. This TNC policy is generally designed to be primary coverage when the driver is engaged in rideshare activities. If a driver’s personal insurer denies the claim, Uber’s commercial policy should step in. An attorney can help you pursue every available insurance source and fight a wrongful denial.
What if I was a passenger in the Uber and got hurt?
As a passenger, you are generally in a strong legal position. You did nothing to cause the accident, and Illinois law provides real protections for injured passengers. From the time they accept passengers to when they complete rides, rideshare drivers must have insurance coverage of at least $1 million for personal injury, death and property damage. That $1 million policy is there specifically to protect people like you. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, Uber’s commercial policy, or both, depending on the circumstances.
Does it matter where in Illinois my Uber accident happened?
Illinois state law applies to Uber accidents throughout the state, including in Bloomington, Chicago, and the surrounding suburbs. The Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57) governs rideshare operations statewide. Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 9-115 supersedes state law within city limits. So if your accident happened inside Chicago city limits, additional local regulations may apply. Either way, the same core rights and protections are available to you. A local attorney familiar with both state and municipal rules can help you understand exactly what applies to your case.
More Resources About Vehicle Injuries
- Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Bloomington
- Bloomington Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Car Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Truck Accident Attorney
- Bloomington Lyft Accident Lawyer
- Bloomington Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
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