Understanding Rideshare Injury Claims in Illinois
Uber accident cases in Illinois are governed by the state’s Transportation Network Providers Act, which creates a tiered insurance structure. Unlike a typical car accident, coverage depends on what the Uber driver was doing in the app at the time of the crash.
If you were injured in an Uber accident in Chicago or Cook County, identifying the applicable insurance tier is often the first step in evaluating the claim.
Hampton & Hampton LLP represents individuals injured in rideshare and serious motor vehicle collisions throughout Chicago. You can learn more about related claims on our:
Chicago Uber Accident Lawyers Handling Rideshare Injury Claims
Rideshare accident claims in Chicago often involve multiple insurance carriers, digital trip records, and statutory coverage requirements that do not apply in ordinary automobile cases.
Cases filed in Cook County courts frequently require careful review of the driver’s app status, applicable insurance tier, and fault allocation under Illinois law. Two collisions that appear similar at the scene may involve very different insurance outcomes depending on whether the driver was:
- Offline
- Logged into the app and waiting for a request
- En route to pick up a passenger
- Transporting a passenger
Determining that status early can materially affect how the claim proceeds.
Insurance Coverage Structure for Uber Accidents in Illinois
Under Illinois law, coverage depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash. The minimum required coverage levels are established by statute.
Driver Status at Time of Crash
App Off (Not Logged In)
Primary Coverage: Driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies.
Driver Logged In, No Ride Accepted
Minimum Required Coverage:
$50,000 per person
$100,000 per accident
$25,000 property damage
Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle
Minimum Required Coverage:
$1,000,000 in primary liability coverage
These requirements are set forth in Illinois’ Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57).
Statutory reference:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3504&ChapterID=49
When another driver is responsible and lacks sufficient insurance, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also be implicated, depending on the circumstances.
Preserving Digital Trip Evidence in Chicago Uber Cases
In Illinois rideshare claims, verifying whether the driver was logged in, had accepted a ride, or was transporting a passenger is often decisive. That information is typically reflected in Uber’s digital trip records and internal data logs.
Early legal involvement can help preserve and formally request those records. Delay can complicate access to digital evidence that determines which insurance tier controls the claim.
Immediate Steps After an Uber Accident in Chicago
Call 911 and Remain at the Scene
Illinois law requires drivers involved in injury crashes to stop and remain at or near the scene. A Chicago Police Department crash report becomes a foundational piece of evidence in evaluating liability and coverage.
Seek Prompt Medical Evaluation
Even injuries that appear minor at first may worsen over time. Early documentation frequently affects how insurers assess the claim.
Report the Crash Through Uber
Uber provides in-app crash reporting. Before submitting the report, capture screenshots of trip details, including timestamps and ride status.
Uber’s official safety guidance is available here:
https://www.uber.com/us/en/safety/what-to-do-in-a-crash/
Fault and Filing Deadlines Under Illinois Law
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. An injured person may recover damages if found to be 50 percent or less at fault. If more than 50 percent responsible, recovery is barred.
Comparative fault statute:
https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K2-1116.htm
Most personal injury actions in Illinois must be filed within two years under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.
Statute of limitations reference:
https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K13-202.htm
Understanding these timelines is critical in Cook County litigation.
Evaluating the Value of an Uber Accident Claim in Chicago
One of the most common questions after a rideshare crash is what the claim may be worth.
There is no fixed settlement amount. The potential value depends on:
- The severity and duration of medical treatment
- Whether long-term impairment exists
- Lost income or diminished earning capacity
- Allocation of fault under Illinois comparative negligence standards
- Which insurance tier applies under the TNC statute
Claims involving accepted rides and active passenger transport may involve higher coverage limits than those where the driver was only logged into the app. Proper valuation requires review of medical records, crash documentation, and confirmation of the driver’s status at the time of the collision.
Uber Accident FAQ – Illinois
Does Uber carry $1 million in coverage in Illinois?
Yes, when the driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger. Lower limits apply when the driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride.
Do I need a lawyer after an Uber accident in Chicago?
Rideshare claims involve statutory insurance tiers and digital trip evidence that are not present in ordinary car accidents.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, if you are 50 percent or less at fault. Any recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Most personal injury actions in Illinois must be filed within two years of the accident.
Speak With a Chicago Uber Accident Attorney
If you were injured in an Uber accident in Chicago or Cook County, early review can clarify coverage and preserve critical digital evidence related to the driver’s app activity.
Consultations are free. No attorney’s fees are owed unless compensation is recovered.
When you contact Hampton & Hampton LLP, a member of our legal team will review the crash details, identify the applicable insurance structure under Illinois law, and outline the next steps.