Individuals who live in urban areas often do not own vehicles, so for them, Uber and taxi services can be essential to commuting to work, running errands, or simply going out with friends. Unfortunately, accidents involving drivers for these reviews are not uncommon and may give rise to personal injury claims against multiple parties.
If you were injured in this type of accident, an Orland Park Uber/taxi accident lawyer may be able to help determine which parties are potentially liable for the accident that caused your injuries. There are certain deadlines that govern the filing of personal injury claims, so it is highly advisable to consult an experienced attorney as quickly as possible following your accident.
For many individuals, Uber and similar ridesharing services can be extremely useful, particularly in busy urban areas where individuals may not own or often use their own vehicles. In recognition of the ridesharing trend, Illinois has passed legislation that governs minimum liability insurance requirements for individuals who drive for transportation network companies like Uber.
Under current state law, ridesharing drivers must carry a minimum of $50,000 per injury for accidents up to a total of $1,000,000 as well as at least $30,000 in property damage coverage. These ridesharing insurance policies provide coverage only when the driver is engaged in ridesharing, such as when they are:
At any other time, this insurance policy would not offer coverage for individuals involved in accidents with Uber drivers. However, Uber as a company also offers $50,000 of comprehensive and collision coverage, as well as $50,000 of bodily injury for one person, $100,000 of bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 of property damage contingent insurance coverage. Taxis must have $300,000 of total liability coverage.
While the potential parties in a personal injury action resulting from an Uber accident may include both the Uber driver and Uber, there are multiple parties that may be liable in taxi accidents, as well. For instance, if a taxi cab driver is an employee of a cab company, then the cab company and its mechanics may share liability.
Likewise, if a taxi cab driver is an independent contractor, then only the driver may be a potential party, but an auto parts manufacturer also may be implicated in some cases. An Orland Park Uber/Taxi accident attorney could help an individual plaintiff determine against whom they should file suit.
Individuals who sustain injuries in Uber or taxi accidents may be entitled to compensation for their losses if the negligence of another party or parties caused the accident that led to their injuries. Some of the damages that might be available after an Uber/taxi accident can include:
Of course, insurance companies that may provide coverage for these damages will want to see documentary evidence to support them. To that end, an Uber/taxi accident lawyer in Orland Park could help gather the necessary evidence and build a strong claim.
Whether you are a passenger in an Uber vehicle or driving or riding in another vehicle that is struck by a taxi cab, any serious injuries that you sustain as a result of an accident involving a ridesharing service may be recoverable through a personal injury claim. Given the complexities and relative newness of ridesharing claims, consulting with an Orland Park Uber/taxi accident lawyer may be the most effective way to bring a claim against all the potentially responsible parties.
Never assume that you will automatically receive a fair settlement from an insurance company when you suffer severe injuries in any type of motor vehicle accident. Without the skilled assistance of a dedicated attorney, you may end up with only a small fraction of the compensation that you deserve. Call today to set up a consultation and get started on your case.