Illinois drivers are involved in hundreds of thousands of car accidents a year. In 2021, the state saw nearly 300,000 crashes. If the damage is minor and can be settled quickly between drivers, it may seem like a hassle that’s easier to fix and forget. After all, everyone wants to turn the page on an accident.

But a car accident can leave a long tail of injury and damage, even if it’s not dramatic and even if you can walk away from it. In fact, some injuries can go unnoticed for long periods of time, only surfacing later in the form of chronic pain or long-term trauma.

Statute of Limitations

When it comes to seeking compensation for the pain and suffering resulting from a car accident, victims don’t have all the time in the world. In fact, they need to move within the statute of limitations as determined by law. A statute of limitations is the time frame—as defined by legislation—that parties have to seek compensation after damage or injury. This means that the parties involved must take legal action or relinquish any claims to monetary compensation for material damages or any pain and suffering caused by the accident. It’s an important consideration that may take time to assess.

The Two Statutes of Limitations for Reporting in Illinois

The state of Illinois has two statutes of limitations—or time limits—for filing a lawsuit involving a car accident. For personal injury cases, the injured party has two years from the date of the accident to file. And in cases of property damage, the filer has five years to formally file a case.

Car Accidents Involving Personal Injury

With the stricter deadline of two years, cases involving personal injury suffered during a car accident must be handled with some speed. Two years may sound like a long time. But filing a personal injury case may require assessing your injuries’ real cost. This may include:

• Finding proper and appropriate medical treatment. Injuries caused by car accidents can be varied, difficult to treat, or late-onset. Back problems, spinal injuries, concussions and brain complications may require you to seek specialists and experts. Finding these specialists and having them assess your case can take time. This is often happening while the clock is ticking for you to file our personal injury claim.

• Accessing medical files or documenting all treatment. Collecting all the paperwork involved in insurance claims, emergency treatment, possibly surgeries, or psychological treatment can be time-consuming, not to mention overwhelming. Getting these documents is a challenging but necessary part of assessing a personal injury case.
• Assessing “invisible” injuries such as trauma. Sometimes, the side effects of a traumatic event like a severe car accident don’t appear immediately. Taking the time to assess whether the accident has damaged your mental health will be worthwhile, but it puts extra pressure on the clock.

Car Accidents Involving Property Damage

Property damage may seem like a more straightforward price to assess. It’s the cost of repairing, or, in more serious cases, replacing, a vehicle. But there are some other properties you should consider when thinking about property damage:

• The loss of value. After it has been damaged and repaired, your car may be worth less. Even after cars are repaired, there may be “invisible damage” to the car’s frame or alignment that may devalue your car as a direct result of the accident.
• Rental car/taxi or rideshare costs. You may be eligible for reimbursement for the other transportation arrangements you make while your car is being repaired.
• Car accessories. Some car accessories like upgraded speakers for your car stereo, phone chargers or mounts, and children’s car seats may be lost in a car accident or during its repairs.
• Your iPad, cell phone, or laptop may be impacted by a car accident by falling to the floor, cracking a screen, or overheating if left in the car in the accident’s aftermath.

Compensation

If you have suffered a car accident or are approaching the statute of limitations on personal injury or property damage resulting from a car accident, Illinois personal injury attorneys at Cullotta Bravo Law Group can help. With more than 30 years of experience, they have secured millions of dollars in settlements for their clients. Contact Cullotta Bravo Law Group by calling them at 630-898-7800, or send them a message online at Cullotta Bravo Law Group .

Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple parties, overlapping insurance policies, and evolving laws—especially in a state like Illinois. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, it’s critical to understand your legal rights. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can help you make sense of the chaos and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Rideshare Services in Illinois

Uber and Lyft operate as transportation network companies (TNCs), connecting passengers with drivers via mobile apps. Unlike traditional taxi services, these drivers are considered independent contractors—not employees—which adds complexity to accident liability cases.

In Illinois, the legal landscape for TNCs is governed by a combination of state laws and company-specific policies. The most important factor in determining liability and insurance coverage is the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Whether the driver is actively transporting a passenger, on their way to pick someone up, or just logged into the app waiting for a fare, that status determines which insurance policies apply—and to what extent.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare drivers face unique challenges that make accidents more likely. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Navigating unfamiliar routes, watching for new ride requests, or communicating through the app can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
• Driver Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours—often late at night or after a full day at another job. Fatigue impairs reaction time and judgment.
• Time Pressure: To maximize earnings, drivers may rush through routes or speed between pickups, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Other Drivers’ Negligence: Sometimes, it’s not the rideshare driver at fault. Other motorists may behave recklessly, causing a crash that injures rideshare passengers.

Understanding the root cause of the accident is the first step in determining who may be held legally and financially responsible.

The Three Phases of Rideshare Driver Activity

Insurance coverage in rideshare accidents is heavily influenced by which of the three rideshare phases the driver was in at the time of the crash:

Phase 1: Driver Logged Off the App

If the driver isn’t logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they’re considered a private citizen. In this case, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage during this phase.

Phase 2: Driver Logged In, Waiting for a Ride Request

Once a driver logs into the app and is waiting for a ride request, both Uber and Lyft offer limited liability coverage, which generally includes: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage. However, this coverage only kicks in if the driver’s personal policy doesn’t apply or denies the claim.

Phase 3: Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle

From the moment a driver accepts a ride request to the moment the passenger exits the vehicle, the rideshare company provides $1 million in liability coverage, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This is the most robust protection available—but securing compensation still isn’t always simple. Insurance companies may dispute facts or attempt to shift blame. A rideshare accident lawyer can help hold the correct parties accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Liability in a rideshare crash often involves more than just the person behind the wheel. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may share legal responsibility:

The Rideshare Driver

If the rideshare driver was speeding, distracted by the app, under the influence, or otherwise driving negligently, they may be held personally liable for the accident. Illinois law requires all drivers to operate their vehicles with reasonable care, and rideshare drivers are no exception.

However, liability also depends on what phase of the ride they were in at the time. If the driver was logged off the app, their personal insurance applies. If they were active on the app or transporting a passenger, Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy may provide coverage. But keep in mind: Insurance companies often dispute liability, especially when there’s ambiguity about the driver’s app status.

An experienced attorney can subpoena digital evidence—such as app logs, GPS data, and trip histories—to confirm the driver’s activity at the time of the crash and secure the appropriate coverage.

Another Driver

If a third-party driver caused the collision—by running a red light, rear-ending the rideshare vehicle, or making an illegal turn—they are typically considered the at-fault party. In such cases, the injured rideshare passenger or driver would file a claim against the third-party driver’s liability insurance.

Unfortunately, some Illinois drivers are underinsured or have no insurance at all. That’s where Uber and Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come into play. This coverage can help fill the gap between the damages sustained and what the at-fault driver’s insurance can pay. However, navigating these overlapping policies can be challenging without legal support.

Uber or Lyft

Rideshare companies work hard to avoid direct liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors. However, Illinois courts may allow direct claims against Uber or Lyft if there’s evidence of negligent hiring, supervision, or policy enforcement.

For example, if the company failed to disqualify a driver with a history of reckless driving or ignored prior safety complaints, they could potentially be held liable for failing to protect passengers or the public. These are difficult cases to win—but not impossible, particularly when supported by strong documentation and a compelling legal argument.

Other Potential Parties

Additional third parties may bear responsibility in certain rideshare accident scenarios:

• Automakers: If a defective brake, tire, or steering system caused the crash, the manufacturer may be liable under Illinois product liability laws.
• Local governments: If poor road conditions, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed to the accident, municipalities may face liability.
• Vehicle maintenance providers: If a rideshare driver leased their vehicle or relied on a third-party service for upkeep, that company could be accountable for negligent maintenance.

Determining liability requires a detailed investigation and knowledge of how Illinois law applies to each scenario. The sooner you begin that process, the better your chances of recovering full compensation.

Understanding Rideshare Arbitration Agreements

Most Uber and Lyft users don’t think twice about tapping “I agree” when they install the app or update their profile. But hidden within those digital checkboxes are powerful legal clauses—namely, arbitration agreements—that can significantly affect your right to sue after an accident.

What is an Arbitration Agreement?

An arbitration agreement is a clause in a contract that requires disputes to be resolved through private arbitration rather than in court. Arbitration is typically conducted outside the traditional legal system, with limited discovery, no jury, and binding outcomes. While this process can be faster, it also tends to favor corporations and restrict consumer rights. In the context of rideshare apps, both Uber and Lyft include arbitration clauses in their Terms of Service. These clauses often apply broadly, covering everything from billing disputes to serious injury or wrongful death claims.

How Arbitration Complicates Lawsuits

When a rideshare accident occurs, passengers or injured third parties may try to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the company. But rideshare companies frequently cite their arbitration agreements to block those lawsuits before they begin. In many cases, courts have upheld these clauses—even when the injured party didn’t personally accept the terms, but rode under someone else’s account (such as a spouse or child). That means your ability to take legal action could hinge on the fine print of an agreement you never saw.

What Can You Do?

While arbitration clauses are enforceable in many jurisdictions, there are exceptions. Courts may reject them if they’re found to be unconscionable, misleading, or improperly applied to someone who isn’t bound by the terms. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can help determine whether arbitration applies in your case—and if it can be challenged. Don’t assume you’ve waived your rights until a qualified attorney reviews your options.

What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident in Illinois?

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare crash—whether as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian—your actions in the moments and days that follow are crucial for protecting your health and your legal rights.

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like whiplash or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms right away. Medical records also create critical documentation for any future claim.

2. Report the Crash

Illinois law requires accidents involving injury or property damage over $1,500 to be reported to police. Additionally, you should report the crash through the Uber or Lyft app if applicable—but don’t rely solely on the app report. Rideshare companies often treat internal incident reports as private matters, which may not help your claim.

3. Collect Evidence

If it’s safe to do so, gather evidence that will help support your case. Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, as well as the names and numbers of any witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. You can also grab screenshots from your rideshare trip—including timestamps and driver info—to help support your claims.

4. Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

An experienced Illinois rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex claims process, deal with multiple insurers, and protect your rights from the start. At Cullotta Bravo Law Group, our attorneys bring more than 30 years of personal injury experience to every case. We understand the nuances of Illinois liability laws and know how to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies that try to deny or minimize your claim.

Navigating Insurance After a Rideshare Crash

Filing an insurance claim after a rideshare accident often involves more than one policy—and more than one headache. Victims are frequently caught in a maze of overlapping coverage, disputed responsibility, and complex fine print:

Overlapping Policies

Depending on the driver’s status and who caused the accident, multiple insurance policies may be triggered:

• The rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance
• Uber or Lyft’s contingent or commercial liability policies
• The at-fault driver’s liability insurance (if it wasn’t the rideshare driver)

Each policy has its own limits, exclusions, and eligibility criteria. For example, the rideshare company’s coverage only applies when the driver is logged into the app. If the app was closed—or if there’s a dispute about when the ride began—coverage may be denied outright.

Disputed Liability

One of the most common obstacles victims face is insurance companies shifting blame. For example, Uber may claim the driver wasn’t logged into the app. Meanwhile, the driver’s insurer may claim the vehicle was being used commercially. A third-party insurer may argue shared fault.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation can be reduced—or even eliminated—if you’re found more than 50% at fault. This gives insurers a strong incentive to argue that the victim contributed to the accident, especially in complex multi-vehicle crashes.

Delays and Denials

Insurers often use delay tactics to wear down claimants or pressure them into accepting lowball settlements. Victims may face repeated requests for redundant documentation, confusing or contradictory statements from adjusters, or radio silence once a claim is submitted. These tactics aren’t just frustrating—they can be financially devastating, especially when medical bills are piling up. This is where skilled legal advocacy can make a major difference.

Why Legal Help Matters

The legal and insurance systems surrounding rideshare accidents are built for complexity—and for protecting corporate interests. As a victim, trying to navigate them alone can be overwhelming and disheartening. Hiring an experienced rideshare accident lawyer isn’t just helpful—it can be the difference between receiving fair compensation or being left with the bill.

Remember: You’re not just up against a negligent driver—you’re going up against billion-dollar corporations and insurance companies with armies of lawyers. Having your own legal team levels the playing field. A skilled rideshare accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash: This may include obtaining ride data from Uber/Lyft, securing dashcam footage, reviewing cell phone use, and hiring accident reconstruction experts.
• Determine liability: Your attorney will identify every responsible party, from the driver to third-party drivers to rideshare companies themselves.
• Negotiate or litigate: Most personal injury claims settle out of court, but your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial if insurers refuse to offer a fair amount.
• Pursue full compensation: Damages may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Don’t Let a Rideshare Wreck Derail Your Recovery

Rideshare accidents are rarely straightforward. Between multiple parties, overlapping insurance policies, and unclear liability, navigating the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft crash in Illinois requires legal guidance and a firm understanding of your rights. Whether you were injured as a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian, working with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer can make all the difference.

At Cullotta Bravo Law Group, we’ve spent decades fighting for Illinois injury victims—and we’re ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s talk about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Filed Under: Car accident