Steps to Take After a Chicago Rideshare Accident

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Chicago easier and more convenient than ever. But when accidents happen—especially those involving serious injuries—the process of figuring out what to do next can be confusing and overwhelming.

Who is responsible? What kind of insurance coverage applies? And how can you protect your right to compensation?

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Chicago—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver—there are specific steps you should take to protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial recovery.

This blog walks you through exactly what to do after a rideshare crash and explains how our Chicago car accident attorneys can help.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

Your first priority after any accident should be your health and safety.

Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
If you’re able, move to a safe location away from traffic.
Accept medical attention at the scene—even if you think your injuries are minor. Many injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away.
Follow up with your doctor or visit an emergency room as soon as possible after the crash.

Pro Tip: Getting prompt medical care not only protects your health but also documents your injuries, which is essential for your personal injury claim.

Step 2: Report the Crash to the Police

Under Illinois law, all accidents that cause injury or significant property damage must be reported to the police.

Ask the responding officer to file a formal crash report.
Make sure your version of events is included in the report.
Get the report number so your attorney can obtain a copy later.

If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft, the driver is also required to report the crash to the company through their app. However, you should not rely on them to do so properly or thoroughly. You should report the accident to the rideshare company as well.

Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can)

If it’s safe and you’re physically able, try to collect as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene:

Take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, the surrounding area, injuries, and any traffic signs or signals.
Get names and contact info for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Ask for insurance details, including the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance and the rideshare company’s coverage.
If the rideshare driver was actively working (logged in and picking up or transporting passengers), Uber or Lyft’s commercial liability policy may apply.

Note: Evidence can disappear quickly. Witnesses leave, cars are towed, and roads get cleaned up. That’s why documenting the scene immediately is so important.

Step 4: Notify Uber or Lyft

Both Uber and Lyft have in-app features for reporting accidents. If you were a passenger, you should file a report directly through the app.

Provide only basic facts—do not speculate or admit fault.
Be cautious about discussing your injuries until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
Save a screenshot of your ride receipt and trip summary.

The rideshare company may contact you for a statement. You are not obligated to speak with them or provide a recorded statement—and you shouldn’t without having an experienced Chicago rideshare accident attorney by your side.

Step 5: Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Without Legal Help

You may be contacted by:

The rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance
Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance adjusters
Other drivers’ insurance companies

All of them have one goal: to minimize their financial liability. They may try to get you to:

Admit partial fault
Downplay your injuries
Accept a quick, lowball settlement

Don’t fall for it.

Before speaking to any insurance adjuster, talk to our Chicago rideshare accident lawyers. You have the right to legal representation, and once you hire a lawyer, insurers must go through them directly.

Step 6: Know What Insurance Coverage Applies

One of the trickiest parts of a rideshare accident is figuring out whose insurance applies. Here’s a quick breakdown of the coverage Uber and Lyft provide in Illinois:

Driver Status	Insurance Coverage
App is off	Driver’s personal policy applies. Uber/Lyft offers no coverage.
App is on, waiting for ride request	Contingent liability coverage: Typically, up to $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.
En route to pick up / transporting passenger	Full commercial policy: Typically, up to $1 million in liability coverage. Includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

If another driver caused the accident, their insurance may also be liable. A good Chicago car crash attorney will identify all potential sources of compensation.

Step 7: Keep Records and Avoid Social Media

In the days and weeks following the accident:

Keep a journal of your pain, medical visits, and how the injury is affecting your life.
Save all medical bills, treatment records, prescriptions, and receipts.
Track missed work and lost wages.
Don’t post about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurers may monitor your accounts and try to use your posts against you.

Step 8: Talk to a Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyer Early

The best way to protect your rights and maximize your compensation is to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.

A skilled Chicago rideshare injury attorney will:

Investigate the accident and preserve key evidence
Identify all liable parties and insurance policies
Deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf
Help you get medical treatment, even if you don’t have health insurance
Calculate the full value of your claim—including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care
File a lawsuit if necessary and fight for your rights in court

Important: In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. But the sooner you act, the better your chances of success.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your Chicago Rideshare Accident Case?

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have extensive experience handling Uber and Lyft injury claims throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. We understand the complexities of rideshare insurance, liability disputes, and the tactics insurers use to avoid paying what you deserve.

We offer:

Free consultations
No fees unless we win
Personal attention from experienced attorneys
Aggressive representation focused on results

Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver hit by a rideshare vehicle, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.

Contact the Award-Winning Chicago Rideshare Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Chicago, don’t wait. Insurance companies move fast to protect their bottom line—you need someone on your side who knows how to fight back.

Call 844-MALMLAW today or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal work while you focus on healing.