An accident in an Uber or Lyft can confuse you about what steps to take and who will pay. Illinois law follows a fault system so the person who caused the crash must cover damages. When you act quickly, you protect your health and strengthen any future claim.
Immediate steps at the scene
Your safety comes first after a rideshare accident. Take these actions as soon as possible:
- Seek medical help: Let a doctor check even minor injuries because some symptoms may appear later.
- Call the police: File a police report to create key evidence about what happened.
- Gather information: Collect names, phone numbers and insurance details from drivers, passengers and witnesses.
- Document the scene: Photograph all vehicles, the roadway and your injuries.
- Report the crash: Notify Uber or Lyft through their app so the company logs the incident.
When you take these steps, you create records that may support your case if insurers dispute liability.
Why rideshare accidents get complicated
Rideshare crashes often involve more than two drivers because several insurance policies can apply. Here are some of them:
- The rideshare driver’s policy: Personal insurance often excludes coverage while the driver works for Uber or Lyft.
- Uber or Lyft’s coverage: Companies provide up to $1 million in coverage, depending on whether the driver was waiting, en route or carrying a passenger.
- Other drivers’ insurance: If another motorist caused the crash, their policy may apply.
Because Illinois is a fault state under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, you must prove fault before recovering damages. That process often triggers disputes between insurers when policies overlap.
After you leave the scene
Your responsibilities continue once you return home. Keep taking these steps:
- Follow up on medical care: Attend appointments and fully document injuries.
- Notify your insurer: Tell your insurance company even if you were only a passenger.
- Save evidence: Keep medical bills, ride receipts and correspondence with insurers or Uber/Lyft.
These details matter when you calculate damages for medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering.
What you can do next
Sorting out liability in a rideshare accident can overwhelm you. A lawyer can explain how Illinois fault laws apply, negotiate with insurers who delay or deny claims and preserve key evidence.