Rideshare services like Uber have revolutionized transportation, offering convenience at the tap of a screen. But what happens when that ride takes a dangerous turn? After an Uber accident in Evanston, you're not alone.
The roads here, especially along busy corridors like Sheridan Road and Dempster Street, are filled with rideshare vehicles daily, making it a hotspot for accidents.
For victims, the aftermath is more than just a collision—it’s a life upended by injuries, medical bills, and the complexities of dealing with multiple insurance companies.
If you face these challenges, this article is here to help you understand your options and give you hope that recovery, both physical and financial, is possible.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our dedicated team has helped victims of rideshare accidents just like you secure the compensation they deserve. Call us today at (224) 998-6007 for a free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.
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Why Choose Abels & Annes, P.C.?
When it comes to navigating the aftermath of an Uber accident, you need legal representation that truly understands the complexities of rideshare cases.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we’ve spent decades standing up for individuals who suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence.
- Proven Success in Uber Accident Cases: Our firm has repeatedly demonstrated that we can deliver results with numerous settlements, including a recent $42,000 recovery for a client injured in a Chicago Uber accident. While every case is unique, our commitment to obtaining the best possible outcome for each client is unwavering.
- Conveniently Located: Our office is conveniently located at 2822 Central St, just a short stroll from Central St. train station, near the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. This makes it easy for you to visit us for an initial consultation or throughout your case.
- Available Around the Clock: We know that accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why we offer 24/7 availability—so you can reach us whenever needed. Whether it’s an urgent question or a request for an update, you’ll always be able to get in touch with your attorney.
How Much Is My Uber Accident Case Worth?
After an Uber accident in Evanston, one of the most pressing questions on your mind is likely: "How much compensation can I receive?".
The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and whether the accident affects your ability to work.
Compensation typically falls into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages account for the tangible financial losses you've experienced from the accident.
These may include:
- Medical Bills: This covers both immediate treatment and any ongoing care such as physical therapy or surgeries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for your lost income.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or personal belongings were damaged, you'll receive compensation for repairs or replacements.
Your attorney will work to ensure every medical bill, pay stub, and repair cost is included in your claim, leaving no room for undervaluation by the insurance companies.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the more subjective consequences of the accident, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: Both physical and emotional pain, including long-term discomfort.
- Emotional Distress: The trauma and anxiety caused by the accident, particularly if it affects your quality of life.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, activities, or time with loved ones.
Although harder to quantify, non-economic damages are just as important as financial losses. Your attorney will present evidence—like medical reports and expert testimonies—to substantiate these claims.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages if the Uber driver’s behavior was especially reckless or malicious. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future.
Illinois law under 735 ILCS 5/2-1115 limits punitive damages, but your attorney can advise whether they might apply to your case.
Where Do Uber Accidents Occur in Evanston?
Evanston’s mix of bustling streets and heavy pedestrian traffic make it a prime location for Uber accidents. Whether you're heading to the university, downtown, or the lakeshore, rideshare vehicles are a common sight.
Unfortunately, with so many Uber drivers on the road, accidents are inevitable.
Some of the most frequent accident hotspots in Evanston include:
- Sheridan Road: As a main artery connecting Northwestern University with the rest of the city, Sheridan is busy with cars, bikes, and pedestrians. The combination of heavy traffic and distracted drivers rushing to pick up fares creates a recipe for rear-end collisions and other accidents.
- Green Bay Road: Running through the heart of Evanston’s business district, Green Bay Road is often congested, especially during peak hours. This can lead to accidents involving Uber vehicles, particularly at intersections.
- Dempster Street and Ridge Avenue: These intersections are notorious for accidents, as the mix of heavy traffic flow, complicated lane changes, and numerous Uber drivers trying to navigate tight schedules makes collisions more common.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County, where Evanston is located, sees thousands of car accidents annually, many of which involve rideshare services. The combination of busy roads and frequent Uber drivers increases the likelihood of accidents happening in this area.
Understanding Uber Accident Cases
Accidents involving Uber vehicles present unique legal challenges that set them apart from traditional car accidents. From determining liability to navigating insurance policies, the complexity of these cases demands a clear understanding of Illinois laws governing rideshare services, as well as the common types of Uber accidents.
Types of Uber Accidents
Uber accidents can take many forms, and each may affect the process of seeking compensation.
Some of the most common types include:
- Driver Negligence: This broad category encompasses distracted driving (such as texting while driving), speeding, or failure to follow traffic rules. Uber drivers, often trying to maximize earnings, may prioritize speed over safety, leading to accidents.
- Rear-End Collisions: Common in urban areas like Evanston, rear-end collisions often occur when an Uber driver is distracted or following too closely. These accidents are more likely in heavy traffic conditions, such as those on Sheridan Road or Green Bay Road.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Given the high volume of pedestrians near places like Northwestern University, Uber vehicles may strike pedestrians who legally cross the street. Uber drivers may not always be paying full attention due to their reliance on GPS navigation or mobile app notifications.
- Intersection Accidents: Intersections like Dempster Street and Ridge Avenue in Evanston are particularly prone to accidents involving Uber drivers. Complicated by high traffic volumes and frequent stops, Uber drivers may be more prone to making abrupt turns or lane changes, leading to collisions.
Legal Responsibilities of Uber Drivers
In Illinois, Uber drivers are subject to the same rules of the road as any other driver. However, the involvement of a rideshare service introduces additional layers of complexity.
The Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act governs rideshare services like Uber, establishing specific requirements for insurance coverage depending on the driver's status at the time of the accident.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Driver Offline: If the driver is not logged into the Uber app, their personal auto insurance is solely responsible for covering any damages.
- App On, No Passenger: When the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, Uber provides third-party liability insurance that includes $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Passenger in the Car: When a passenger is in the vehicle or the driver is en route to pick one up, Uber’s commercial insurance offers coverage up to $1 million for both liability and uninsured/underinsured motorists. This substantial coverage protects passengers and others on the road from damages caused by an Uber driver.
Comparative Fault in Illinois
Under Illinois law, the comparative negligence rule applies to Uber accident cases. If you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will decrease by your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault.
Proving Liability in Uber Accidents
Potentially liable parties in an Uber accident include:
- The Uber Driver: In most cases, the driver’s negligence is to blame, and Uber’s insurance kicks in depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
- Uber: While rare, you might hold Uber liable if it failed to properly vet the driver. For example, if Uber allowed a driver with a poor driving record to operate under their platform and that driver caused the accident, the company could face liability.
- Other Drivers: If the accident involves multiple vehicles, another driver might be partially or fully responsible, complicating the claims process.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure, such as brake failure, causes an accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts may be liable.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies after an Uber accident is often one of the most frustrating and complex parts of the claims process. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize payouts, which means they will often try to settle for far less than what your case is worth.
Uber’s Insurance Policy
As mentioned earlier, Uber’s liability coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger. The challenge arises when multiple insurers are involved, and each tries to push the liability onto another party.
For instance, Uber’s insurance may argue that the driver’s personal insurance should cover the damages, while the driver’s personal insurer may deny the claim altogether, citing commercial driving exclusions.
Tactics Used by Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to reduce the amount they have to pay.
These include:
- Low Initial Settlement Offers: Insurers may offer quick settlements, hoping that victims will accept less than they deserve to avoid a prolonged legal battle. These offers typically don’t account for long-term medical needs, future lost wages, or ongoing pain and suffering.
- Disputing the Severity of Injuries: Insurers may downplay the extent of your injuries or claim that your medical treatments were unnecessary. They could even argue that pre-existing conditions were the cause of your pain.
- Delaying the Claims Process: By dragging out the process, insurance companies hope that victims become desperate and agree to lower settlements just to move on.
Why You Need an Attorney to Fight the Insurance Company
Having an experienced Uber accident lawyer by your side ensures that no one can take advantage of you during the negotiation process. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we have seen these tactics time and time again, and we know how to counter them. Here’s how we help:
- Gathering Evidence: We compile all the evidence needed to build a strong case, from medical records and police reports to witness statements and expert testimonies.
- Negotiating Fair Compensation: We know the true value of your case, including future medical expenses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Our team will negotiate relentlessly to ensure you get every dollar you’re entitled to.
- Litigating If Necessary: While many claims settle out of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement. In court, a jury may decide the amount you’re owed, and the threat of litigation often pushes insurers to offer better settlements.
Get the Compensation You Deserve with Abels & Annes, P.C.
If you’ve suffered injuries from an Uber accident in Evanston, you don’t have to face the legal and financial challenges alone. Our experienced team is here to help you deal with Uber accident claims and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (224) 998-6007 for a free consultation. Whether you’re dealing with severe injuries, lost wages, or emotional trauma, we’re ready to stand by your side and fight for justice.
Abels & Annes, P.C.
Address: 2822 Central St #300,
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: (855) 529-2442