If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash, you may be searching for a rideshare accident lawyer in Oak Lawn who can move quickly and protect your rights. Our team at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. handles crashes involving Uber and Lyft, uninsured and underinsured motorist disputes, wrongful death, and serious injury claims.
We help injured passengers, rideshare drivers, other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians after collisions involving app-based drivers. Choose Charlie. Talk to our Oak Lawn car accident lawyer today and schedule a free consultation.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Oak Lawn
The actions you take in the hours after a rideshare crash can shape the outcome of your claim. Rideshare companies and their insurers move quickly to investigate these incidents, and you should too.
Getting medical attention right away is critical, even if your injuries do not seem serious at first. Some injuries, like soft tissue damage or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen without treatment.
Here are some important steps to take after a rideshare accident:
- Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed
- Seek medical care as soon as possible
- Take screenshots of your rideshare app showing the trip details and driver information
- Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an Oak Lawn personal injury lawyer
How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works
One of the most challenging aspects of a rideshare accident claim is figuring out which insurance policy applies. Coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
If the driver had the app off, their personal auto insurance applied. If the app was on but no ride had been accepted, rideshare companies typically provide limited liability coverage. Once a ride is accepted and a passenger is in the vehicle, higher coverage limits generally apply.
Understanding which policy covers your injuries is something an Oak Lawn rideshare accident attorney can help you work through. Getting this wrong can mean leaving significant compensation on the table.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare drivers spend long hours on the road, often under pressure to complete as many trips as possible. That combination of fatigue and distraction creates real risks for passengers and other people on the road.
Many rideshare crashes happen because drivers are focused on their app rather than the road. Navigating to an unfamiliar address, accepting new ride requests, or checking ratings can all pull a driver’s attention away at a critical moment.
Common causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving due to app use while behind the wheel
- Driver fatigue from long shifts or multiple platform use
- Speeding to complete more trips in less time
- Failure to yield or running red lights
- Driving in unfamiliar areas without adequate attention to surroundings
Injuries Common in Rideshare Crashes
Rideshare accident injuries can range from minor to life-altering. Passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles are all at risk when a rideshare driver causes a crash.
Whiplash, broken bones, and head injuries are among the most frequently reported outcomes. In more serious collisions, victims may suffer spinal injuries, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injuries that require long-term care.
The financial consequences of these injuries can be significant. Medical treatment, missed work, and ongoing rehabilitation costs can create serious hardship, especially for working people who cannot afford to be sidelined for weeks or months.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Rideshare Accident
A rideshare accident claim may allow you to recover damages for a range of losses. The amount you may be able to recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and the insurance coverage available.
Compensation may include current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If the driver’s conduct was particularly reckless, additional damages may also be available depending on the facts of your case.
An Oak Lawn rideshare accident lawyer can review your situation and help identify every potential source of recovery. You should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.
Why Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. Is the Right Choice
Our firm has been fighting for injured people across the Chicago area since 2002. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and bring more than 75 years of combined legal experience to every case we handle.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also have relationships with medical providers who accept liens, which means you can get the treatment you need even if you do not currently have health insurance.
Our client portal makes communication easy, and we offer Zoom consultations so you can speak with us from wherever you are most comfortable. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., you will always be treated as a person, not a file number.
Speak With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Oak Lawn Today
Rideshare accident claims involve layers of insurance coverage and legal questions that can be difficult to sort through on your own. Waiting too long can cost you critical evidence and may put your ability to file a claim at risk under Illinois law.
Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. today to schedule your consultation. Our Oak Lawn rideshare accident attorneys are ready to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you need.
