After decades of handling car accident cases across Illinois, I’ve learned that no two crashes are ever the same. But when it comes to rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft, things quickly get more complicated than most people realize.
On the surface, it looks like any other collision two vehicles, an injured person, and a damaged car. But once you start looking at how these companies operate, who owns the vehicle, and which insurance policy applies, you see why rideshare crashes are in a category of their own.
If you’ve ever wondered how Uber or Lyft accidents are handled legally, or what to do if you’re hurt as a passenger, this is what I tell every client who walks into my office.
Rideshare Drivers Aren’t the Same as Taxi Drivers
Here’s the first thing most people don’t know: Uber and Lyft drivers aren’t professional drivers. They don’t hold commercial licenses, go through special training, or carry commercial insurance. They’re everyday people using their own cars to make extra income through an app.
That small detail changes everything. Taxi companies are considered employers which means they’re directly responsible for their drivers’ negligence. But Uber and Lyft call their drivers independent contractors, which limits the companies’ legal liability.
So when something goes wrong, Uber and Lyft immediately argue, “It’s not our fault it’s the driver’s.”
As an attorney, my job is to dig into those details, because how we classify the driver determines who pays for your injuries and damages.
Insurance Coverage Changes by the Minute
What makes these cases tricky is that the insurance coverage shifts depending on what the driver was doing at that exact moment.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Driver is offline: Only their personal auto insurance applies. That usually means Illinois minimum coverage limits, which are rarely enough for serious injuries.
- Driver is online but hasn’t accepted a ride yet: Uber or Lyft provides limited coverage typically up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- Driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or has someone in the car: This activates Uber or Lyft’s $1 million commercial policy for bodily injury and property damage.
That one detail whether the driver had accepted a ride can completely change the outcome of your claim. And companies don’t always hand over that data willingly. That’s where an experienced lawyer comes in to request the records and prove which policy applies.
Why Rideshare Claims Are Harder Than Normal Car Accidents
Every rideshare crash involves at least three players: the driver, the company, and the injured party. Sometimes there’s even another driver involved. That means multiple insurance companies, conflicting stories, and plenty of finger-pointing.
Uber and Lyft have legal teams whose only goal is to protect the company. If they can shift the blame to the driver, they will. If the driver’s insurance can argue that the company should pay instead, they’ll try that too.
Without a lawyer managing communication, victims often get stuck in the middle. I’ve seen clients go months without progress because no one could agree on who was responsible for paying.
That’s why rideshare cases need a focused strategy not just a claim number and a few phone calls.
What I Do Differently When Handling a Rideshare Case
When someone calls my office after an Uber or Lyft accident, we start by getting proof of the driver’s app activity. That one piece of evidence unlocks the right coverage.
We also:
- Gather witness statements and surveillance footage before it disappears.
- Review both insurance policies line by line.
- Coordinate with medical providers to document all injuries and treatment.
- Handle every call and email with the insurers so clients can focus on recovery.
You’d be surprised how often critical information like GPS logs or trip histories “go missing” unless a lawyer pushes for them immediately.
A Real Example From Right Here in Chicago
A few years ago, I represented a passenger who broke their leg in an Uber crash downtown. Uber’s insurance adjuster tried to claim the driver wasn’t officially “active” on the app, which would’ve shifted all responsibility onto the driver’s small personal policy.
We obtained the trip records showing the driver had accepted a ride request less than a minute before the collision. That single piece of data forced Uber’s $1 million policy to apply, and it made all the difference in the settlement.
That’s the power of knowing how to prove the company’s responsibility and it’s exactly why these cases shouldn’t be handled alone.
If You’re Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident
Here’s what I tell every client, whether they were a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian hit by a rideshare car:
- Get medical attention immediately. Some injuries don’t show symptoms for days.
- Call the police. The report is crucial for proving fault and insurance coverage.
- Document everything. Photos, video, witness names, and even app screenshots matter.
- Do not talk to Uber or Lyft directly. They are not your advocate.
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The right team can secure the records and handle the insurers before mistakes happen.
If you’d like a more detailed explanation of how these claims work, visit our Chicago Uber and Lyft accident lawyer page. It breaks down the insurance structure, driver classifications, and coverage scenarios in depth.
Final Thoughts
Uber and Lyft have changed how people move through Chicago, but they’ve also created a maze of legal issues that most injured passengers never see coming.
These cases can absolutely be won but they require persistence, documentation, and a firm that knows how to deal with tech companies and insurers on equal footing.
At Phillips Law Offices, we’ve represented rideshare accident victims throughout Illinois and secured significant recoveries for people who thought they had no options.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, don’t wait to see what Uber or Lyft will offer. Get a professional on your side who knows how to make them take responsibility.
Call (312) 346-4262
161 N Clark St, Suite 4925, Chicago, IL
Free Consultation | No Fee Unless You Win
Interesting Reads:
Can You Sue Uber for a Car Accident?
Who Helps With Uber and Lyft Accident Injury Cases?
What is the Uber Passenger Accident Settlement Amounts?
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