Bellwood Uber Accident Lawyer | Call (312) 313-2273

Eric Terry leads our team of Bellwood Uber accident attorneys.

Specializing in car accident cases, Eric is known for his meticulous and dedicated representation of clients injured due to the negligence of others.

Eric also deeply understands the nature of rideshare accidents, including the processes involved in determining liability and understanding the insurance policies unique to Uber accident cases.

At TorHoerman Law, we take a unique and collaborative approach to handling legal claims related to rideshare accidents.

Rather than assigning a single car accident lawyer to your case, we bring together our team of experienced lawyers to address every aspect of your situation.

When you hire a skilled Bellwood Uber accident attorney from TorHoerman Law, you gain access to an entire team of experienced lawyers ready to fight for your rights and fair compensation.

Our team of Bellwood Uber accident lawyers include:

• Steve Davis: With over 30 years of legal experience, Steve Davis has dedicated his career to representing those harmed through no fault of their own. Steve draws on his extensive litigation experience and strong commitment to justice to be a powerful advocate for car accident victims across Bellwood and the Chicagoland area.
• Jake Plattenberger: As a partner at TorHoerman Law, Jake Plattenberger leads the Chicago office with a focus on personal injury and complex litigation. Since joining the firm in 2009, he has taken hundreds of depositions, argued in countless hearings, and tried over thirty-five cases to a jury.
• Chad Finley: Chad Finley brings a unique blend of legal and medical knowledge to TorHoerman Law, with over a decade of experience in assessing the long-term impacts of injuries on clients. His expertise in understanding the medical ramifications of accidents enables him to accurately assess damages and secure comprehensive compensation for victims.
• Tyler Schneider: As the managing partner of TorHoerman Law, Tyler Schneider plays a pivotal role in the firm’s success. With more than a decade of experience, Tyler uses his leadership skills and strong Chicago connections to secure the best outcomes for clients.
• Rachal Rojas: Rachal Rojas leads TorHoerman Law’s intake and client support team. She makes certain that every client is well-informed and receives the support they need from their first interaction with the firm. Her dedication to clear communication and client care is a core part of the firm’s commitment to service.

Our Founder and Experienced Bellwood Uber Accident Lawyer: Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman is the founder of TorHoerman Law.

With more than 25 years of experience in personal injury law, Tor has been instrumental in securing billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients harmed through no fault of their own.

Tor’s legal career began after graduating from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1995, where he initially worked in insurance defense before shifting to plaintiff representation.

In 2009, he established TorHoerman Law, focusing on advocating for individuals affected by negligence and corporate misconduct.

Under his leadership, the firm has grown to include offices in Chicago, Edwardsville, and St. Louis, providing comprehensive legal services to clients across Illinois and Missouri.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Uber Accident Attorney?

Hiring an Uber accident attorney from TorHoerman Law costs nothing upfront because we work on a contingency fee basis.

This means you only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for your case.

Our contingency model allows you to access experienced legal representation without financial risk or stress.

If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing, giving you the freedom to focus on recovery while we handle the legal process.

Being involved in an Uber accident can be overwhelming, especially when injuries are involved.

Taking the right steps after the accident is crucial to protecting your health, documenting the incident, and strengthening your claim for compensation.

Steps to take after being injured in an Uber accident include:

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911: Move to a safe location if possible and call emergency services to report the accident and request medical assistance.
2. Seek Medical Treatment: Get evaluated by a medical professional, even if injuries seem minor, as some may not be immediately apparent.
3. Gather Information: Collect the names, contact details, and insurance information of all drivers involved, including the Uber driver.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, accident scene, injuries, and any visible property damage.
5. Request the Police Report: Ask the responding officers for a copy of the accident report or information on how to obtain it later.
6. Report the Accident to Uber: Use the Uber app to notify the company about the accident and keep records of any communication.
7. Consult an Uber Accident Lawyer: Contact an experienced attorney to evaluate your case, handle insurance claims, and guide you through the legal process.

If you’ve been injured as an Uber passenger in an accident involving negligence, you may be eligible to file an Uber accident claim and seek compensation.

An experienced Bellwood Uber accident attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and file a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

Reach out to a Rideshare accident attorney from THL today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page for a free case evaluation to find out if you qualify for an Uber accident claim instantly.

Determining Who is Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident

Identifying who is responsible for an Uber or Lyft accident can be more challenging than a typical car accident.

Liability often depends on the circumstances of the crash and whether the Uber driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or driving off-duty.

Potentially responsible parties can include Uber drivers, another driver involved in the accident, or even the rideshare company if negligence in hiring or vehicle maintenance is involved.

Uber and Lyft provide specific insurance coverage for accidents, but determining which policy applies requires careful evaluation of the driver’s status at the time of the crash.

An experienced Bellwood car accident lawyer can help identify the responsible parties and pursue compensation from the appropriate sources.

Can I Sue Uber or Lyft for My Injuries in a Rideshare Accident?

Yes, you may be able to sue Uber or Lyft for injuries sustained in a rideshare accident, but the circumstances will determine liability.

Rideshare companies typically provide insurance coverage for accidents involving their drivers, but whether you can pursue a claim against them directly depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.

Uber and Lyft often claim their drivers are independent contractors, which can make suing the company more complicated.

However, their insurance policies offer significant coverage during certain phases of the rideshare process.

Consulting an experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney can help you understand your options and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Uber and Lyft insurance policies include the following circumstances:

• App Off: The driver’s personal insurance applies; Uber and Lyft provide no coverage.
• App On, No Ride Accepted: Contingent liability insurance applies, providing up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle: $1 million in liability coverage, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, applies during this period.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Covers injuries caused by another driver with insufficient or no insurance when the driver is on a ride.

The legal process for Uber or Lyft accident claims in Bellwood follows Illinois personal injury laws and incorporates unique considerations for rideshare services.

Illinois law requires rideshare companies to carry specific insurance coverage under the Rideshare Safety and Accountability Act (625 ILCS 57), which provides protections for passengers and other parties injured in accidents involving rideshare vehicles.

The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5) establishes rules for liability and road safety, ensuring all parties are held accountable.

The state’s comparative fault rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) allows injured parties to recover compensation even if they share some fault, provided they are less than 50% responsible.

Steps in the legal process for an Uber accident claim include the following:

1. Contact an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer: Consult an experienced attorney to evaluate your case and explain your legal rights.
2. Investigate the Accident: Your lawyer will gather evidence such as police reports, medical records, photos of the scene, and witness statements.
3. Identify Liable Parties: Determine whether liability rests with the rideshare driver, another motorist, or the rideshare company’s insurance policies.
4. File an Insurance Claim: Submit claims under the appropriate Uber or Lyft insurance coverage, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
5. Engage in Negotiations: Your personal injury attorney will negotiate with the rideshare company’s insurance provider or other liable parties for a fair settlement.
6. File a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare and file a lawsuit to pursue compensation in court.
7. Resolve the Claim: The case may result in a settlement or a verdict, with compensation awarded for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Gathering Evidence for an Uber Accident Lawsuit

Evidence is crucial in any Uber or Lyft accident claim, as it establishes liability and supports your claim for compensation.

In rideshare cases, the involvement of multiple parties—such as the rideshare drivers, Uber’s insurance, and other motorists—makes thorough documentation even more important.

Collecting strong evidence ensures that you can clearly demonstrate the negligence that caused the accident and the extent of your injuries.

Evidence in an Uber accident claim may include:

• Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident, including details of fault and any citations issued.
• Photos and Videos: Images of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and the accident scene.
• Witness Statements: Contact information and statements from individuals who saw the crash.
• Uber App Information: Screenshots showing ride details, timestamps, and driver information.
• Medical Records: Documentation of injuries, treatments, and related expenses.
• Insurance Information: Details from all involved drivers, including the Uber driver and any other motorists.
• Dashcam Footage: If available, video recordings from the rideshare vehicle or other vehicles involved.
• Vehicle Maintenance Records: For the Uber driver’s vehicle, to identify any potential mechanical issues.

Damages in Rideshare Accident Cases

In legal terms, “damages” refer to the compensation awarded to individuals who have suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence.

In rideshare accident cases, damages are intended to cover both the financial costs and the emotional or physical toll caused by the accident.

Victims may seek compensation for immediate expenses like medical bills, as well as for long-term impacts such as pain, suffering, and lost earning capacity.

Understanding the types of damages available can help you determine the full scope of your claim and pursue the justice you deserve.

Types of damages in an Uber accident claim may include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries and recovery.
• Future Lost Earnings: For cases involving long-term or permanent disabilities affecting earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to your vehicle or personal property.
• Emotional Distress: Psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For a diminished ability to participate in hobbies or everyday activities.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation to penalize reckless or egregious behavior by the at-fault party.

At TorHoerman Law, we are dedicated to helping victims of rideshare accidents recover the compensation they deserve.

Our experienced legal team understands the process of Uber and Lyft accident claims and will fight to protect your rights every step of the way.

Whether you’ve suffered injuries as a passenger, pedestrian, or motorist, we’re here to provide personalized legal support tailored to your situation.

Contact our experienced Bellwood Uber accident lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

You can reach us by phone or use the chat feature on this page for instant assistance.

Let us help you take the next step toward justice and recovery.