Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyers

In most car accidents, one of the involved driver’s insurance policies will cover the cost of damages sustained by a passenger. Who ultimately pays depends on which party is at fault: the driver of the rideshare vehicle or the driver of the other car?

In Illinois, a tort state, filing an insurance claim is the same process regardless of which party you decide to file against. You get the party’s insurance information, submit the claim, and if approved, the party’s bodily injury protection insurance (BIP) covers the cost of damages. If the at-fault party does not have BIP, his or her liability protection should cover the cost of your injuries.

However, what happens when the at-fault party does not have sufficient coverage, or if they do not have coverage at all? What options do you have?

Unfortunately, there is a very real possibility that the at-fault party does not have liability coverage, bodily injury protection, or any other type of coverage that could be used to compensate you for your damages. In such an instance, you would have no choice but to file a claim with your own insurance provider.

If you have personal injury protection insurance (PIP), filing a claim under that may be your best bet. Because it is a ride-on, no-fault policy, your insurance provider cannot deny you benefits should you choose to pursue this option. However, bear in mind that if you use your PIP coverage, your insurance company can raise your insurance rates. This is true even though you did not cause the accident.

Another option for coverage would be to file a claim with your health insurance company. Assuming you have substantial healthcare coverage, it is unlikely your provider will deny the payment of your medical expenses. However, bear in mind that if you do file a third-party claim and collect damages, your healthcare insurer is likely to pursue you for repayment.

Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer to who is liable for your damages in a rideshare accident without first assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, your best bet would be to contact an experienced attorney to help you better understand your rights and the appropriate course of action.