Not only can collisions involving Uber drivers lead to serious injuries, but they can also be complicated because of the insurance and liability issues involved. While Uber runs background checks on its drivers, there is no way to eliminate accident risk. For those injured in a Chicago rideshare accident, the recovery process may be a lengthy one. The injuries sustained in an Uber accident often result in missed time at work and hefty medical expenses. By filing an Illinois personal injury lawsuit, those injured in an accident can recover compensation for the serious injuries they sustained. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we take your injury personally. Our team of dedicated Chicago personal injury advocates works closely with our clients, their families, investigators and any necessary experts to aggressively pursue full compensation awards. We have been proudly representing Chicago car accident victims for over 30 years.
Uber opened its doors in 2009, promising to revolutionize the local transportation industry. Since then, the company seems to have lived up to that promise, boasting over 75 million users and over four million drivers. Experts believe that there are a few reasons Uber caught on, especially among the younger generation, including flexibility, responsibility and decreased car ownership.
Many in the younger generation prefer to avoid making firm plans ahead of time and tend to wait until the last minute to decide what they will do. Ridesharing companies fit this lifestyle perfectly, as there is no need for any planning.
Rideshare companies such as Uber operate entirely through an app linked to a credit or debit card, making it easy to summon a ride without needing to carry cash.
The decades-long efforts of the state and federal governments to curb drunk driving are finally starting to work. Many young drivers understand the dangers and rely on rideshare companies as an alternative.
Millennials, especially those who live in the city, are less likely to own a car than previous generations. The occasional Uber ride cost is easily justified when compared against a car payment and expensive parking costs.
UBER DOMINATES THE RIDESHARE MARKET
Uber is the dominant player in the ridesharing industry, commanding roughly two-thirds of Chicago’s market share. Uber has over four million drivers and 75 million riders worldwide and is available in 65 countries and over 600 cities across the world. The company logs over 14 million trips each day and over 40 million rides monthly in the United States alone. Most people agree that Uber provides convenience, but what about safety?
A study by the University of Chicago and Rice University has documented a persistent increase in motor vehicle accidents over time since ridesharing was introduced in 2011. Researchers found that the number of motor vehicle accident deaths has increased 2 to 3 percent nationally since then, resulting in an additional 1,100 deaths a year. The study also found that Uber drivers spend 40 to 60 percent of their time “deadheading” or driving around without a passenger waiting for a fare. More ridesharing vehicles on already busy city streets means more traffic congestion, which in turn leads to more car accidents, injuries and deaths involving motorists, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
CAR ACCIDENTS IN ILLINOIS
In comparison, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) found that there were nearly 320,000 car accidents in Illinois in 2018. About 67,500 or 21 percent, of these accidents resulted in at least one injury, while there were fatalities in less than 1 percent of crashes. Over 13 percent of the crashes caused an incapacitating injury. The IDOT data shows a significantly higher number of injuries in relation to deaths in motor vehicle accidents.
In 2018, Uber recorded 0.57 deaths for 100 million vehicle miles traveled in comparison to a national average of 1.13 fatalities. While Uber’s numbers are around half the national average, the company omitted accidents that occurred when drivers were driving around without passengers in between rides. According to Uber’s report, 65 percent of fatalities resulted from collisions between an Uber driver and another motor vehicle, while 31 percent involved pedestrians or bicyclists. Unsurprisingly, 90 percent of fatal Uber accidents took place in urban areas.
Uber accident victims have the right to recover financial compensation for their accident-related costs including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and more. For instance, a negligent motorist who was driving distracted may be to blame for your accident. In some cases, the ridesharing company may be liable, such as when an unqualified driver uses their app.
Those who have been injured in a Chicago Uber accident may be able to obtain compensation for their injuries through various sources, including by filing a claim with the company’s hefty insurance policy. However, one of the most common issues people who have been in an Uber accident face are difficulties in dealing with the various insurance companies that may be involved. Depending on when and how an accident occurs, one or more insurance companies may be involved. In some cases, insurance companies deny an injured rider’s claim, assuming that another insurance company should cover the accident.
Car accident cases generally focus on holding an at-fault party liable for the victim’s injuries. This means obtaining compensation from their insurance provider. However, crashes involving Uber present a unique set of complex legal issues. Because Uber drivers use their own vehicles and are not technically company employees, Uber may deny responsibility for accidents that are caused by drivers signed up to its platform.
Uber boasts a $1 million insurance policy
While that policy is available to Uber passengers and, in some cases, drivers, it is generally not available for others who are injured in an accident with a Chicago Uber driver. Uber’s insurance policy is a bit complex, but it explains when accidents are covered and to what extent. Uber’s insurance policy breaks down a ride into three parts. The availability and extent of coverage depend on when an accident occurs.
Uber has recently come under fire for being the cause of a significant increase in traffic accidents. According to a 2018 study by the University of Chicago and Rice University, the advent of rideshare companies in the United States has caused a 2-3 percent increase in fatal traffic accidents. The causes of Chicago Uber accidents vary. This list represents just a few of the more common causes of Chicago rideshare accidents. However, any accident involving an Uber driver may be covered by Uber’s insurance policy, and, even if it is not, the driver’s personal policy should provide coverage. Below are the most commonly seen causes:
Uber conducts a driver screening on each potential driver and requires drivers have a license for at least a year. Inexperienced drivers commonly sign up to drive for the company. These drivers may lack the experience and skill necessary to transport customers to their destinations safely.
Uber drivers are paid per trip. Drivers are encouraged to spend long periods on the road. Fatigued driving increases the chances of a crash. Uber drivers also take passengers all over and have to rely on GPS or the Uber app for directions. Drivers can become easily distracted.
Uber drivers know that most riders want to get to their destination quickly. Speeding is a common problem for Chicago Uber drivers. Besides speeding, motorists may engage in other forms of aggressive driving such as running red lights, ignoring stop signs, tailgating, changing lanes abruptly or shouting at other drivers. This type of behavior puts passengers and others on the road at risk of accidents.
Under Uber policy, drivers are required to maintain their vehicles and ensure they are registered and inspected properly. Poorly maintained brakes, defective signals and other mechanical problems can increase the chances of collisions. Chicago winters bring snow, sleet and ice that can make travel dangerous for all vehicles, especially those that are not properly cared for.
In the aftermath of a serious Chicago car accident, it is difficult to think clearly. The primary concern is always to ensure that anyone who needs medical attention gets it.
Even when an Uber passenger does not think they have any severe injuries, they should still be seen by a doctor. Often, being involved in an accident can cause significant stress, and the body’s response is to release adrenaline, which can mask the symptoms of an injury. By seeking medical attention promptly, an injured rider can be sure they stay ahead of any potential injuries caused by the accident. Also, obtaining medical treatment can be helpful to prove injuries in a subsequent lawsuit, if necessary.
Not all Uber accidents involve injuries to the passengers. Uber drivers have been known to hit pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists. For non-passengers injured in a Chicago Uber accident, it is also crucial to obtain prompt medical care. They should also get the name and insurance information from all other drivers involved in the accident. It helps take pictures of the vehicles, noting any damage and where they are positioned on the road, when possible. Accident victims should refrain from admitting fault to the other parties involved because doing so may hurt their chances of obtaining full and fair compensation for their injuries.
Our attorneys represent people who have been injured and families who have lost loved ones in all types of personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and workers’ compensation cases. All cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means that we will only accept payment if we are successful in getting compensation for you or your family.
If you or someone you care about has recently been injured in a Chicago rideshare accident, the dedicated Illinois injury lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help. Our attorneys represent people who have been injured and families who have lost loved ones in all types of personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death and workers’ compensation cases. Our firm has over 30 years of experience advocating on behalf of Chicago car accident victims, and we know what it takes to succeed on our clients’ behalf. From the moment you invite us to work on your case, we diligently investigate your claim, seeking to uncover all potentially liable parties and theories of liability. All cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means that we will only accept payment if we are successful in getting compensation for you or your family. To learn more, call 1-877-595-4878 to schedule a free consultation today.
If you were injured or lost a loved one because of the carelessness of another, you may be able to receive compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
When you call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for a free consultation, you will speak directly to an experienced attorney in Chicago, usually one of the firm’s principals, who will assess the facts of your situation and advise you of your rights. Don’t delay getting your free legal consultation: if you fail to pursue your claim in a timely fashion, you could forever lose your rights.
