Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare claims turn on a question that has nothing to do with the crash itself: what was the app doing at that moment? The answer decides which policy responds, and the difference between the tiers is very large.
Coverage Depends on the App’s State
| App status | Which insurance responds |
|---|---|
| App off — driver using the car personally | The driver’s personal auto policy only. No rideshare coverage at all. |
| App on, waiting for a request | A contingent, lower-limit tier from the rideshare company, which typically applies only where the driver’s personal policy does not. |
| Trip accepted, driving to the passenger, or passenger on board | The rideshare company’s full commercial liability coverage, which is substantially higher. |
If you were a passenger, you were almost certainly in the top tier and the coverage available is far better than in an ordinary two-car crash. If you were another driver or a pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle, establishing the app state is the first thing that has to be done — and that data sits with the rideshare company, on a retention schedule.
Rideshare passenger injury claims · Uber and Lyft accident claims in Chicago.
If You Drive for Uber or Lyft
Drivers are in a different and worse position than passengers. Your personal policy likely excludes commercial use, the platform’s coverage for your own injuries is limited, and whether you can recover depends on your own UM/UIM coverage and any rideshare endorsement you carry. Rideshare driver injury claims.
Related Situations
- Food delivery drivers — Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub
- Turo and peer-to-peer car sharing
- Taxi and livery vehicle crashes
- Delivery vehicle crashes
Deadlines
| Who you are claiming against | Deadline to file suit | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Another private driver | Two years from the crash | 735 ILCS 5/13-202 |
| Vehicle damage only | Five years | 735 ILCS 5/13-205 |
| A city, county, the CTA or other local public body | One year from the crash | 745 ILCS 10/8-101 |
| The State of Illinois (IDOT and state agencies) | Two years, in the Court of Claims | 705 ILCS 505/22 |
| A wrongful death claim | Two years from the date of death | 740 ILCS 180/2 |
| An injured child | Generally two years after their 18th birthday | 735 ILCS 5/13-211 |
Talk to Us Before You Talk to the Insurance Company
The consultation is free, there is no obligation, and there is no attorney’s fee unless we recover for you. We will explain how case costs are handled before you sign anything.
Call (312) 346-4262 or send us the details below.
Phillips Law Offices
161 N Clark St, Suite 4925, Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 346-4262
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome; every case is decided on its own facts. This page is general information about Illinois law, not legal advice, and reading it or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship — that relationship is formed only by a signed written agreement. Illinois law changes; confirm anything you intend to rely on with a licensed Illinois attorney.