Bloomington Lyft Accident Lawyer

Getting hurt in a Lyft accident in or around the Chicago area can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you were a passenger riding through the River North neighborhood, a pedestrian crossing near Millennium Park, or another driver on the Kennedy Expressway, the aftermath of a rideshare crash is stressful, confusing, and often costly. Medical bills pile up. Insurance companies start calling. And you may not even know who is responsible for paying your damages. That is where having an experienced legal team on your side makes all the difference. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we represent injured people throughout the greater Chicago area, including those hurt in Lyft accidents. We know Illinois personal injury law, and we know how to stand up to large rideshare companies and their insurers.

Table of Contents

• Why Lyft Accidents in the Chicago Area Are More Common Than You Think
• Illinois Law and Lyft Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know
• Who Can Be Held Liable After a Lyft Accident in Illinois?
• What Illinois Law Requires After a Lyft Accident: Your Duties and Rights
• What Damages Can You Recover After a Bloomington-Area Lyft Accident?
• FAQs About Bloomington Lyft Accident Lawyer

Why Lyft Accidents in the Chicago Area Are More Common Than You Think

Lyft and other rideshare services have become a regular part of life in Chicago. You see them picking up passengers near O’Hare International Airport, circling Wrigleyville after a Cubs game, and dropping riders off along Michigan Avenue. The sheer volume of rideshare trips happening every day means accidents are bound to happen. And the data backs that up.

Research from the University of Illinois Chicago found that 33% of rideshare drivers have been involved in a crash while working, underscoring the occupational risks of high-demand, late-night driving. That is one in three drivers. Think about that the next time you request a ride home from a show at the Chicago Theatre or a dinner in the West Loop.

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular for transportation in Illinois, especially in cities like Chicago. While convenient, the rising number of Lyft vehicles on the road has led to an increase in traffic accidents involving these rideshare services. Several factors drive this trend. Rideshare drivers are often distracted by their phones, as they rely on apps to receive ride requests, navigate routes, and communicate with passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents in the U.S., and the nature of rideshare driving increases the likelihood of distractions, as drivers are constantly checking their phones for directions and ride updates.

Uber and Lyft drivers frequently work long hours to maximize their income, leading to fatigue. Fatigued driving is a serious problem, as tired drivers may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Add in the heavy traffic on the Dan Ryan Expressway or the congestion near McCormick Place during a convention, and you have a recipe for serious accidents. If you were hurt in one of these crashes, a Chicago Lyft accident lawyers team like ours at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you understand your legal options.

Illinois Law and Lyft Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know

One of the most confusing parts of a Lyft accident claim is figuring out which insurance policy applies. Illinois has a specific law that governs this. The Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act went into effect in 2015 to set statewide basic requirements for ridesharing companies and drivers in terms of insurance, safety standards, driver qualifications, and more. The law applies to ridesharing services known as Transportation Network Companies (TNC), like Lyft. A TNC is any company that uses a digital platform to connect passengers with ride services provided by TNC drivers who use their own vehicles.

The insurance coverage available to you depends on what phase of the trip the driver was in when the crash happened. When the rideshare app is on but the driver hasn’t yet accepted a ride, the rideshare company’s insurance may provide coverage if the driver’s personal policy doesn’t. In Illinois, coverage during this phase requires at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage, along with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Once a ride is accepted and a passenger is in the vehicle, the coverage increases significantly. While transporting a passenger, the rideshare company must provide primary liability coverage, and both Uber and Lyft offer at least $1 million for bodily injury and property damage.

But here is the catch. A major concern is that coverage gaps can still arise at different points in the ride cycle, especially in the period when a driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request. Insurance companies are not going to volunteer information that helps your claim. That is why working with a knowledgeable Lyft accident lawyer who understands these coverage tiers is so important. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we work to identify every available source of compensation for our clients.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Lyft Accident in Illinois?

Determining who is responsible after a Lyft accident is not always straightforward. Multiple parties may share fault, and Illinois law has specific rules about how liability is divided. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117, all defendants found liable in a negligence case 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 is jointly and severally liable for all other damages as well. This matters because it can affect how much you can recover and from whom.

In a Lyft accident, potential responsible parties may include the Lyft driver, another driver who caused the crash, Lyft as a company if they failed to properly screen or supervise the driver, or even a vehicle manufacturer if a defect contributed to the crash. Before allowing someone to become a rideshare driver on their digital platform, the TNC or ridesharing company must review a driver history report and conduct a criminal background check that includes the National Sex Offenders Registry database. These checks can also be done by a third party. Everyone who applies to be a rideshare driver in Illinois must provide certain personal information for the background check process including their full legal name, Social Security number, address, age, birthdate, driver’s license, motor vehicle registration, and automobile liability insurance.

If a Lyft driver failed to meet these requirements and caused your accident, that failure could be a key part of your claim. Because TNCs are still relatively new, ridesharing companies and drivers can get away with making things difficult for accident victims who file a claim. Additionally, insurance companies do not always treat claims fairly. You need someone fighting for you. Our team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has handled complex rideshare liability cases and knows how to build a strong claim on your behalf. Reach out to a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer at our firm today.

What Illinois Law Requires After a Lyft Accident: Your Duties and Rights

After any car accident in Illinois, including a Lyft crash, the law sets out clear duties for everyone involved. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in personal injury or death must immediately stop at the scene and remain there until all legal requirements are fulfilled. A driver who flees the scene and fails to comply can face a Class 4 felony. If the crash results in a death, leaving the scene can result in a Class 1 felony conviction. These are serious criminal penalties, and they reflect how seriously Illinois takes crash accountability.

As an injured person, you also have rights and responsibilities. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, do not show symptoms immediately. Document everything at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the intersection, any road markings, and your visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses. Screenshot your Lyft trip details from the app before they disappear. All of this evidence can be critical to your claim.

Illinois also has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. For most personal injury cases in Illinois, including those arising from car accidents, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this two-year window, you will almost certainly lose your right to sue for damages, regardless of how strong your case might have been. Do not wait. Contact a Lyft accident lawyer at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg as soon as possible after your accident. Time matters, and early action protects your claim.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Bloomington-Area Lyft Accident?

If you were hurt in a Lyft accident, you may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages. These can include medical expenses, both current and future, lost wages if your injuries kept you from working, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. In cases where a loved one was killed in a rideshare crash, a wrongful death claim may also be available under Illinois law.

The value of your claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, how long your recovery takes, and how the accident affects your daily life. A Lyft accident that causes a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury can result in a lifetime of medical care and lost earning potential. These cases demand serious legal attention. The City of Chicago TNP Ordinance focuses on safe rides by requiring TNP companies to get licensed, conduct background checks and train affiliated drivers, inspect affiliated vehicles, and obtain insurance. When those requirements are not met and someone gets hurt, there is accountability to be had.

Our attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg work to identify every dollar of compensation you are owed. We review medical records, consult with experts, and build a complete picture of how the accident has impacted your life. Whether your crash happened near the Bloomington Normal area or anywhere in the greater Chicago metro region, including along I-55, on Lake Shore Drive, or in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Pilsen, we are here to help. Connect with a skilled Chicago car accident lawyer at our firm to discuss your case. And if you want to know more about staying safe during rideshare trips, our team also shares useful guidance through resources like our page on Lyft accident attorney tips for safer rides in Chicago.

FAQs About Bloomington Lyft Accident Lawyer

What should I do immediately after a Lyft accident in Illinois?

Call 911 right away and get medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of witnesses. Screenshot your Lyft trip details from the app before they are gone. Then contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve your evidence.

Can I sue Lyft directly if their driver caused my accident?

Lyft classifies its drivers as independent contractors, which can limit direct liability against the company. However, that does not mean Lyft is off the hook entirely. If Lyft failed to properly screen a driver or allowed someone with a dangerous driving history onto the platform, there may be grounds for a claim against the company. An attorney can review the facts of your case and identify all responsible parties.

How long do I have to file a Lyft accident lawsuit in Illinois?

In most Illinois personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to recover damages. It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident so that your claim is filed correctly and on time.

What if the Lyft driver was not carrying a passenger when the crash happened?

The insurance coverage that applies depends on what phase of the trip the driver was in. If the driver had the app on but had not yet accepted a ride, a lower tier of coverage applies under Illinois law, with minimums of $25,000 per person for bodily injury. If the driver had the app off entirely, only the driver’s personal insurance applies. An attorney can help you determine which coverage is available in your specific situation.

How much is my Lyft accident case worth?

Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the seriousness of your injuries, your medical costs, your lost income, your pain and suffering, and how the accident has affected your quality of life. Cases involving severe injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries often result in significantly higher compensation. The best way to understand the potential value of your case is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can review all the facts.

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 Uber Accident Lawyer
• Bloomington Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer