Our Lawyers
Cicero Uber Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident near Cicero, Illinois, you are probably dealing with a lot right now. Medical bills are piling up. You may have missed work. And you’re not sure who is responsible or how to get paid for your losses. The good news is that Illinois law gives you real rights as an injured passenger or driver. The team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has helped injured people across the Chicago area get the compensation they deserve, and we are ready to help you too.
Table of Contents
- Uber Accidents in Cicero and the Chicago Area Are More Common Than You Think
- What Illinois Law Says About Uber Insurance Coverage
- Who Can Be Held Liable After a Cicero Uber Crash?
- Your Rights and the Deadline to File a Claim in Illinois
- What to Do After an Uber Accident Near Cicero
- Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Cicero Uber Accident Case
- FAQs About Cicero Uber Accident Claims
Uber Accidents in Cicero and the Chicago Area Are More Common Than You Think
Cicero sits just west of Chicago along the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) and Cermak Road, two of the busiest corridors in the metro area. Uber drivers crisscross these roads constantly, picking up and dropping off passengers near Hawthorne Park, Morton College, and the many businesses along 16th Street. With that kind of traffic volume, accidents happen.
Research backs this up. One-third of rideshare drivers surveyed in a study reported being involved in a crash while working, with cellphone use, tired driving, and unfamiliar roads increasing the likelihood of a crash. That study came out of the University of Illinois Chicago, which makes it especially relevant to riders in this region.
Why are Uber drivers at higher risk? 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. Add in driver fatigue from long shifts and the pressure to complete rides quickly near busy spots like the Cicero Metra station, and the risk goes up even more.
If you were hurt as a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver near Cicero, you have legal options. The first step is understanding what Illinois law says about rideshare accidents. An experienced Uber Accident attorney can walk you through your rights and help you figure out who owes you compensation.
What Illinois Law Says About Uber Insurance Coverage
One of the most confusing parts of an Uber accident claim is figuring out which insurance policy applies. Illinois has a clear law that addresses this. The Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act went into effect in 2015 to set statewide basic requirements for ridesharing companies and drivers. The bill applies to ridesharing services, known as Transportation Network Companies (TNC), like Uber and 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.
Under this law, the insurance coverage that applies depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. When a driver is logged on to the app but has not yet accepted a ride, automobile liability insurance must be in the amount of at least $50,000 for death and personal injury per person, $100,000 for death and personal injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage.
The coverage jumps significantly once a passenger is in the car. From the moment a TNC driver accepts a ride request until the ride is complete, automobile liability insurance is primary and in the amount of $1,000,000 for death, personal injury, and property damage. The coverage must also provide for uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage in the amount of $50,000 from the moment a passenger enters the vehicle until the passenger exits.
This matters a lot in practice. It is not uncommon for personal auto policies to exclude coverage for livery or receiving compensation for driving. As a result, a TNC driver’s personal auto insurance policy may not provide coverage when the driver is using his car to transport people in a ridesharing arrangement for a fee. That is why the TNC’s commercial policy is so important. A skilled Chicago Uber accident attorney knows how to identify which policy applies and how to hold the right parties accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Cicero Uber Crash?
Liability in an Uber accident is rarely simple. Multiple parties may share responsibility, and Illinois law has rules for how fault gets 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 means that if more than one party caused your injuries, you may be able to recover full compensation from any one of them.
In a Cicero Uber accident, potential liable parties could include:
- The Uber driver, if distracted, fatigued, or driving recklessly
- Another driver who caused or contributed to the crash
- Uber itself, if the company failed to properly screen or supervise the driver
- A vehicle manufacturer, if a defect contributed to the accident
- A government entity, if poor road conditions near areas like the I-290 interchange or along Cermak Road played a role
Everyone who applies to be a rideshare driver in Illinois must provide certain personal information for the background check process. Besides background checks for drivers, the Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act imposes additional safety requirements. Drivers who do not have a valid driver’s license or are under the age of 19 do not qualify. Drivers with three or more moving violations or one major violation during the last three years cannot become a rideshare driver. Those who are registered sex offenders or have criminal convictions within the past seven years are also ineligible. If Uber failed to enforce these rules and hired an unqualified driver who then hurt you, the company may bear significant responsibility.
Sorting out liability takes a thorough investigation. The attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg know how to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case. We also serve clients in nearby communities. If you need an Oak Lawn car accident lawyer or help after an accident in another suburb, we are here.
Your Rights and the Deadline to File a Claim in Illinois
Many people wait too long to take action after an Uber accident. They hope the insurance company will do the right thing, or they are too focused on recovering from their injuries to think about a lawsuit. But Illinois law sets a firm deadline you cannot ignore.
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, personal injury actions in Illinois must be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrued. Miss that deadline, and you almost certainly lose your right to sue, no matter how strong your case is. Two years may sound like a long time, but evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget details. Uber’s trip data and driver logs may not be preserved forever. The sooner you act, the better your chances of building a solid claim.
What can you recover in an Illinois Uber accident claim? Compensation may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages if a family member was killed (740 ILCS 180, Illinois Wrongful Death Act)
If a loved one was killed in an Uber crash near Cicero, the Wrongful Death Act allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for their loss. These claims are time-sensitive too, so please do not wait to get legal advice.
For those injured in nearby areas, our firm also handles cases in the northern suburbs. A Mundelein car accident lawyer from our team can help you pursue the compensation you deserve, no matter where in the greater Chicago area the accident occurred.
What to Do After an Uber Accident Near Cicero
The steps you take right after an Uber accident can make or break your claim. Here is what you should do if you are ever in this situation near Cicero, whether it happens on Cermak Road, near the Morton College campus, along the Stevenson Expressway, or anywhere else in the area.
Call 911 immediately. Get police and medical help to the scene. A police report creates an official record of the crash. Even if you feel fine, accept medical attention. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, do not show symptoms right away.
Document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, the road, any visible injuries, and the Uber app screen showing your trip details. Get the driver’s name, license plate, and insurance information. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
Report the accident through the Uber app. This creates a record on Uber’s end. But do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies are looking to minimize payouts, not help you.
See a doctor. Even if you went to the emergency room, follow up with your own physician. Consistent medical treatment creates a paper trail that supports your claim.
Contact a lawyer. An Uber Accident lawyer who knows Illinois rideshare law can advise you on your rights, handle communications with the insurance companies, and work to get you full and fair compensation. The attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg offer free consultations. There is no cost to talk with us and no fee unless we recover money for you.
Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Cicero Uber Accident Case
When you are hurt in a rideshare accident, you need a law firm that knows Illinois personal injury law inside and out. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has been helping injured people in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for years. We understand the local courts, including the Cook County Circuit Court where many of these cases are filed. We know the insurance tactics that companies use to deny or reduce claims. And we fight back on behalf of our clients.
Our team handles Uber accident cases throughout the Chicago area, from neighborhoods on the North Side to suburbs west of the city like Cicero and Berwyn. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. That removes the financial barrier that keeps many injured people from getting the legal help they need and deserve.
Uber accidents can cause serious, life-changing injuries. Broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and soft tissue damage can follow victims for years. The financial impact, including lost income and ongoing medical care, can be devastating. You should not have to carry that burden alone when someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.
Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is ready to review your case at no charge. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to get started. We serve clients in Cicero, Chicago, and communities throughout the metro area. Let us put our knowledge and resources to work for you.
FAQs About Cicero Uber Accident Claims
Can I sue Uber directly if their driver caused my accident in Cicero?
You may be able to bring a claim against Uber’s insurance policy, and in some cases against Uber directly, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Illinois law requires Uber to carry up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage when a passenger is in the vehicle. Whether you can sue Uber as a company depends on factors like whether the driver was properly screened and whether Uber’s own negligence contributed to your injuries. An attorney can review the facts of your case and advise you on the best path forward.
What if the Uber driver was not at fault? Can I still recover compensation?
Yes. If another driver caused the accident, you can pursue a claim against that driver’s insurance. If that driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber’s policy may include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of at least $50,000 for passengers. Illinois law under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117 also allows you to pursue multiple defendants if more than one party shares responsibility for the crash.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an Uber accident in Illinois?
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. If you miss this deadline, you will almost certainly lose your right to sue. Do not wait until the deadline is close. Evidence fades, witnesses become harder to locate, and building a strong case takes time. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
What if I was a pedestrian hit by an Uber driver near Cicero?
Pedestrians injured by Uber vehicles have the same right to seek compensation as passengers and other drivers. If the Uber driver was logged into the app at the time of the crash, Uber’s commercial insurance policy may apply to your claim. You can seek damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. A personal injury attorney can help you identify all available insurance coverage and pursue the maximum compensation available under Illinois law.
Does it cost anything to speak with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg about my Uber accident case?
No. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg offers free consultations for Uber accident victims. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This contingency fee arrangement means you can get experienced legal representation without any upfront cost, no matter your financial situation. Call us or reach out through our website to schedule your free case review today.
More Resources About Vehicle Injuries
- Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Cicero
- Cicero Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- Cicero Car Accident Lawyer
- Cicero Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
- Cicero Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Cicero Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
- Cicero Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Cicero Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Cicero Truck Accident Attorney
- Cicero Lyft Accident Lawyer
- Cicero Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
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