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Highwood Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

What Makes Uber and Lyft Accidents Unique in Highwood

Uber and Lyft have reshaped how Highwood moves, but their growth brings new legal challenges when crashes happen. Unlike ordinary traffic accidents, rideshare crashes pull in large companies with complicated insurance rules and legal teams.

A joint study by the University of Chicago and Rice University found that rideshare services are linked to a 2–3% increase in traffic deaths across the U.S.—that’s roughly 1,000 additional fatalities every year.

Anyone hurt in a rideshare collision in Highwood needs to act quickly to protect their case and seek maximum compensation.

Determining Who’s Responsible After a Rideshare Crash in Highwood

Liability after a rideshare crash isn’t always simple — it depends largely on the driver’s status at the moment of the accident. Different insurance policies apply based on whether the driver had the app on, was en route, or actively transporting someone.

App Off:

The driver’s personal insurance applies.

App On (No Passenger):

Uber or Lyft provides limited third-party liability coverage (usually $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).

App On (With Passenger or En Route):

The full $1 million liability coverage kicks in.

We dig into the ride history and backend logs to clarify driver status and identify the correct coverage tier. Whether the issue is denied coverage or disputed facts, our firm is equipped to push back aggressively.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Highwood

Uber and Lyft drivers are frequently navigating busy roads while managing ride requests, customer service, and app-based instructions. That multitasking leads to serious safety issues and contributes to many of the accidents we see involving rideshare vehicles.

Distracted driving (e.g., checking the app, GPS, texting)
Fatigue from long driving shifts
Speeding or aggressive driving to meet ride quotas
Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with Highwood roads
Unsafe pick-up or drop-off locations

While rideshare companies do conduct driver screenings and monitor activity, they still depend on a vast network of independent contractors with varying driving records. We leave no stone unturned in tracing the cause of the accident and proving where negligence occurred.

Steps to Take After a Crash with Uber or Lyft in Highwood

Getting injured in an Uber or Lyft crash means you need to take immediate action to preserve your legal options. You should document the crash, see a doctor, and speak with a rideshare accident lawyer to understand your next steps.

Call 911 and request medical assistance if needed.

Get the names, contact info, and insurance details of all parties involved.

Take screenshots of your Uber or Lyft trip, including timestamps.

Document the scene with photos or videos (vehicles, street signs, damage).

Do not accept early settlement offers or give recorded statements to insurance without legal guidance.

Rideshare companies may try to limit their financial exposure by shifting blame or delaying claim processes. Having a legal advocate from the start can protect you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation.

Injuries We Often See in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare crashes often occur in dense traffic or urban corridors, where even a low-speed collision can cause significant injury. We’ve represented Highwood clients who suffered from:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal bleeding or organ damage
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

While some may consider them minor injuries sometimes result in long-term complications over time. Don’t allow an insurance company minimize what you’re going through — our attorneys fight to ensure every consequence of your injury is well supported with evidence and appropriately valued.

Why You Need a Strong Legal Team After a Rideshare Crash in Highwood

Rideshare companies have layered insurance systems and massive legal departments trained to minimize payouts. The level of coverage you’re entitled to depends on whether the driver was logged in, waiting for a ride, or carrying a passenger.

Without skilled legal help, victims often walk away with settlements that don’t begin to cover their losses. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we confront rideshare companies directly and pursue every legal strategy available to recover full damages.

What You Should Do After a Rideshare Crash in Highwood

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, these steps are crucial to protect your legal and financial interests:

Get Medical Help Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, documentation is essential.

Report the Accident to Authorities

Ensure police are called and a report is filed on the scene.

Document Everything

Photos, witness contact info, rideshare app screenshots, and vehicle damage.

Avoid Statements to Insurance Adjusters

Anything you say can be used to lower or deny your claim.

Contact an Attorney Quickly

Time-sensitive evidence and complex insurance policies require early legal intervention.

Even small mistakes — like not preserving app data or failing to identify the correct insurance tier — can cost you the compensation you deserve. Our team ensures every detail is covered from the very beginning.

Why Rideshare Crashes Occur in Highwood

Crashes involving Uber and Lyft drivers frequently happen with added concerns due to smartphone reliance and pressure to complete rides quickly. Based on transportation statistics the top contributors include:

Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers constantly check their apps for routes, messages, and updates.
Fatigue – Many drivers work long hours or drive for multiple services, increasing the risk of exhaustion.
Unfamiliar Routes – Unlike professional drivers, rideshare operators often rely entirely on GPS navigation.
Rush to Accept Fares – Quick turnarounds between rides can cause reckless maneuvers or speeding.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Drivers are responsible for their own vehicle upkeep, and issues may go unreported.

A joint study by the University of Chicago and Rice University linked rideshare services to a 2%–3% spike in traffic fatalities across major U.S. cities. This data demonstrates the serious risks of placing speed and convenience over safety.

Decoding Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies in Highwood, Illinois

Making sense of insurance coverage after an Uber or Lyft crash in Highwood, Illinois can be confusing without legal guidance. Both platforms carry third-party liability insurance, but the level of coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the point of collision. These driver phases matter — and in Illinois, state regulations make them even more relevant.

Here’s a breakdown of the three distinct coverage periods:

Offline (App Off):

Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.

Available for Rides (App On, No Passenger):

Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

En Route or Transporting Passenger:

Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

Unlocking this coverage often becomes a legal battle. Rideshare companies often deny driver status, debate policy activation timing, or push responsibility to personal insurers. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we cut through these tactics and construct a compelling case to prove who’s responsible, what happened, and what you’re owed.

How We Strengthen Uber and Lyft Claims in Highwood

Our attorneys build your claim through a well-tested process designed to strengthen difficult rideshare cases. Knowing how fast these companies move to protect their interests, we move quickly — securing driver data, documenting the crash timeline, and positioning your claim for success.

Immediate Investigation: We gather crash reports, app screenshots, black box data, and rideshare platform logs.
Driver Background Checks: We examine whether the driver had any history of violations or prior accidents.
Medical Record Coordination: We work closely with healthcare providers to document the true scope of your injury.
Expert Testimony: When needed, we bring in accident reconstructionists and economists to strengthen your claim.

By controlling the narrative early, we stop the rideshare company from shifting blame and ensure your story is told clearly, accurately, and with the right legal framing.

Types of Damages You Can Claim After a Rideshare Crash in Highwood

People impacted by a rideshare accident may be entitled to multiple types of compensation under Illinois law. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we work relentlessly to recover every dollar you deserve, including:

You may be able to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions)
Lost income and reduced earning potential
Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and PTSD
Property damage
Loss of enjoyment of life or permanent disability

We don’t let the insurance company lowball your claim — we partner with economic and medical experts to accurately value your losses and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Contact a Highwood, Illinois Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

Being hit by an Uber or Lyft shouldn’t leave you battling massive insurance corporations alone. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we handle the paperwork and legal strategy so you can prioritize your health. Our Highwood, Illinois attorneys have deep experience with rideshare injury claims and hold accountable big companies like Uber and Lyft.

We offer:

Free consultations with zero upfront costs

Contingency-fee representation — you don’t pay unless we win

Aggressive negotiation and litigation strategies

Compassionate support from day one through resolution

Delay can cost you dearly. Let Boyadzhyan Law Firm guide you through the process and help you navigate this complex legal terrain.

Providing compassionate legal assistance for you and your family.

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