Chicago Bicycle
Accident Lawyer
Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Bicycle Accident? We Can Help.
Chicago Rideshare Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Defending Injured Cyclists’ Rights Following Ridesharing Accidents
Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys know these collisions can leave cyclists with serious injuries and unexpected expenses. With a strong history of securing compensation for injured cyclists, our team has recovered millions in bicycle accident settlements, including:
- $1,000,000 for a 26-year-old woman injured in a dooring crash
- $510,000 for a cyclist who sustained facial injuries and a mild traumatic brain injury after being hit by a car making a left turn
- $250,000 for a cyclist who sustained a knee injury
Know in-depth about rideshare-vehicle collisions (Uber, Lyft); if your crash involved a Divvy or other bike-share bicycle instead of a rideshare car, read our bike-share accident page.
Why Rideshare Vehicles Pose a Unique Risk to Cyclists
Rideshare vehicles pose a unique risk to cyclists due to their unpredictable movements. Unlike private vehicles, Uber and Lyft drivers frequently stop and start to pick up or drop off passengers. These sudden stops, often near bicycle lanes, increase the likelihood of a bike crash.
Distracted driving is another major concern. Rideshare drivers rely on navigation apps, accept ride requests, and communicate with passengers while driving, which can make them less aware of cyclists sharing the road. Many drivers are also unfamiliar with their operating areas, leading to abrupt lane changes, U-turns, and illegal maneuvers that put cyclists in danger.
Dooring accidents are another serious risk. A rideshare passenger exiting a vehicle without checking for an oncoming cyclist can cause a severe crash. Given these hazards, cyclists may need to pursue compensation with the help of a bicycle accident lawyer to cover their medical bills and other losses.
Common Types of Ridesharing Bicycle Accidents
Several types of bike crashes occur due to the way rideshare vehicles operate in traffic:
- Dooring – A passenger or rideshare driver opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, causing a direct crash or forcing the cyclist into traffic.
- Right-hook – A rideshare driver turns right across a bike lane or a cyclist’s path, cutting them off and causing a collision.
- Left-hook – A careless driver turning left at an intersection fails to see an oncoming cyclist, causing a serious crash.
- Side collision – A rideshare vehicle drifts into a bike lane or sideswipes a cyclist while changing lanes or merging.
Liability in Chicago Rideshare Bike Accidents
Liability in Chicago bicycle crashes involving ridesharing vehicles is often complex. When a cyclist is injured, multiple parties may share responsibility, including the rideshare driver, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies, and third parties or government entities. Understanding these factors helps victims pursue fair compensation for their physical injuries and pain and suffering.
The Rideshare Driver’s Negligence
The rideshare driver may be held liable for negligent actions that cause an accident. If a driver speeds, is distracted by a rideshare app or passenger or fails to yield, these actions can lead to a collision. A personal injury lawyer can help cyclists pursue compensation for injuries sustained.
Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for Uber or Lyft drivers varies by period. When the app is off, the driver’s insurance applies. With the app on and awaiting a ride, limited liability coverage applies. Higher liability coverage applies once a ride is accepted and the driver is en route.
Potential for Direct Liability Against Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft may face direct liability if their practices contribute to a crash involving a rideshare vehicle. Negligent hiring, inadequate training, or poor supervision of Uber or Lyft drivers can lead to accidents. Failure to maintain a reliable app or platform may also render the company responsible for the accident.
Third-Party Liability
Other parties may share liability in a rideshare bike crash. Negligent drivers or careless motor vehicles encroaching on bicycle lanes can contribute to the crash. In some personal injury cases, government entities overseeing road maintenance may also be liable. A bicycle accident lawyer can help identify all responsible parties for injured bicyclists.
Illinois Comparative Negligence Rule
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) known as the 50% bar rule. This means if a cyclist is found to be more than fifty percent responsible for a crash, they cannot recover compensation.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Bicycle Accident in Chicago
Taking the proper steps after a rideshare bike crash can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what injured bicyclists should do:
- Prioritize safety and seek immediate medical attention
- Call 911 and report the accident to the Chicago police
- Gather personal and insurance information
- Document the accident scene
- Preserve evidence
- Keep detailed records
- Report the accident to Uber or Lyft
- Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance companies
- Consult a bicycle accident attorney
Filing a Claim or Lawsuit for a Chicago Rideshare Bike Accident
Pursuing compensation involves several legal steps if you’ve been injured in a rideshare bike crash.
- Consulting with a Chicago bicycle accident attorney experienced with rideshare cases: A personal injury attorney can assess your case, explain your legal options, and handle negotiations with auto insurance companies.
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence: Your lawyer will review the police report, medical records, witness statements, and rideshare app data to determine liability.
- Determining which insurance applies: The Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance, the rideshare company’s liability coverage, or even your own insurance may be involved. Identifying the right coverage is key to seeking compensation.
- Filing an insurance claim: A claim is submitted to the appropriate insurer, demanding compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Filing a lawsuit in Illinois courts: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, a personal injury lawyer may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or rideshare company.
- The discovery process, negotiations, and trial: Both sides exchange evidence, negotiate a fair settlement, and, if necessary, proceed to trial to fight for full compensation.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Rideshare Bike Crash
Injured bicyclists may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages after a rideshare bicycle accident.
- Economic damages – These cover financial losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Property damage, including bicycle repairs or replacement, is also included.
- Non-economic damages – Compensation may be available for emotional distress, physical pain and suffering ,disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The exact settlement or verdict value in any rideshare bike accident case depends on the specific facts involved, including the severity of injuries and the strength of the evidence; you can reviewaverage settlement values for bicycle accident cases in Illinois for a general sense of range.
Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Bike Accident Claims in Illinois
The statute of limitations for bicycle accident cases in Illinois is outlined in 735 ILCS 5/13-202, which states that individuals have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this period can prevent injured victims from pursuing compensation for their losses.
Why You Need a Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyer Experienced with Uber/Lyft Cases
Rideshare bicycle accidents present unique legal challenges, making working with an experienced attorney necessary.
One of the biggest hurdles is determining which insurance policies apply. Depending on whether the rideshare driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger, different levels of insurance may be in play. A lawyer can identify the right insurance policy and fight for fair compensation.
A lawyer gathers critical evidence, including the police report, medical records, witness statements, and rideshare app data, to build a strong case. This thorough approach helps maximize compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
A lawyer gathers critical evidence—including the police report, medical records, witness statements, and rideshare app data—to build a strong case. This thorough approach helps maximize compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Throughout the legal process, an accident lawyer protects your rights, handling insurance negotiations and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve. Having an advocate on your side ensures you are not pressured into an unfair settlement and that all legal options remain open.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I handle a bicycle accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver in Chicago?
Report the crash to police and to Uber or Lyft directly, get medical attention, and preserve evidence, including the ride details from the app. Consult a bicycle accident attorney before speaking with the rideshare company’s insurer, since which insurance policy applies depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash.
Consult a Chicago Rideshare Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare bicycle accident, our law firm is here to help. We understand the challenges injured bicyclists face when dealing with insurance companies, rideshare corporations, and mounting medical bills.
Our Illinois bicycle accident lawyer team fights to hold negligent Uber or Lyft drivers and rideshare companies accountable while pursuing the full compensation you deserve.
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us for a free consultation.
Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld
Reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld The material on this page has been legally reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. Mr. Rosenfeld and his team have experience representing injured cyclists in bicycle accident cases in Chicago. With a focus on personal injury law, they help bicycle accident victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from their injuries.
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