Chicago ridesharing companies such as Uber have enjoyed explosive growth in the last decade and are now tightly woven into the fabric of the Windy City. In the fourth quarter of 2020, Uber had 93 million monthly users and 11 billion U.S. dollars in net revenue for the second quarter of 2021. This kind of rapid growth requires real-time analysis of the projected and unforeseen costs and benefits to society of this relatively new and disruptive technology.
One early projected benefit predicted the potential for ridesharing to decrease rates of drunk driving. It is only recently that more solidly conclusive evidence is beginning to emerge to support this claim.
An unforeseen cost, however, beginning to get more attention is the increased potential for ordinary people living in larger cities such as Chicago to experience dangerous ridesharing accidents.
Risks of an Uber Accident in Chicago
According to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the popularity of ridesharing in Chicago has resulted in more drivers on the road and subsequently more accidents. The study does not conclude that rideshare drivers are causing a higher proportion of accidents but instead suggests that the additional cars have caused the increase. According to these statistics, the average Chicago Uber passenger, pedestrian on the street, or driver on the road now has an increased risk of being involved in a ridesharing accident.
While not well researched, rideshare drivers have also expressed concern that the app technology forces them to take unnecessary risks while driving. Currently, rideshare companies like Uber are not required to release accident or compensation data and are in no hurry to share this information.
Can Victims of an Uber Accident in Chicago Receive Compensation?
Anyone who is the victim of a rideshare accident in Chicago, IL, and has experienced personal injury may be able to file a compensation claim. Specific liabilities for compensation and amounts will depend upon those involved or responsible for the accident. It can be challenging to determine complicated liability requirements in rideshare accidents without the assistance of a personal injury lawyer’s assessment of responsibility and filing on behalf of the victims. Rideshare companies like Uber are also well versed in defending against victims’ compensation claims, making the task even more difficult.
For example, the City of Chicago Transportation Network Providers Ordinance (TPN) regulates rideshare companies in Chicago. If a legal determination finds that a rideshare company has violated the Chicago TPN ordinance, the company may be held liable beyond the driver’s company insurance. At this point, the victim may be eligible for additional compensation.
TPN regulations for rideshares include:
- Licensing
- Background checks for drivers
- Training
- Vehicle Inspections
- Insurance
- TNP vehicle registration emblem
Chicago personal injury lawyers such as the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers can assist in the complex process of investigating ordinance violations, determining potential rideshare driver liability compensation, or third-party liability if applicable.
What to Do If You are in an Uber Accident in Chicago
If you are in an Uber accident in Chicago, IL, take the following steps immediately after the accident occurs, or as soon as possible, if you intend to file a claim with a personal injury lawyer.
- Obtain an official medical evaluation.
- Obtain all relevant rideshare driver details, including the full name listed on their driver’s license, address, phone, license plate number, VIN, make, and model of the vehicle.
- Obtain all relevant details from any other parties involved in the accident.
- Take photos of the accident and your injuries.
- Contact an attorney specializing in Chicago personal injury law.
Larry Disparti and the Chicago Uber accident attorneys at the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers have quickly become Chicago’s leader in Personal Injury Law.
Ready to talk? Contact the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers today at 312-600-6000 and find out why thousands of our clients say “Larry wins!”
