If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft in Chicago or the suburbs and the car got into an accident, you’re probably asking:
– What is the average settlement for an Uber or Lyft accident?
– How much is my rideshare case worth in Illinois?
– How much can I sue for after a rideshare accident?
These are smart questions. As a passenger, you weren’t driving, so you weren’t at fault. But that doesn’t mean the insurance company will automatically pay you what your case is really worth.
Is There an “Average” Settlement for Uber and Lyft Accidents?
You might see online that the “average” Uber or Lyft accident settlement is between $20,000 and $50,000. That might be true for smaller cases, but many passengers in Chicago get much more — sometimes hundreds of thousands or even millions — if their injuries are serious.
The truth: every case is different. How much your case is worth depends on your medical bills, how badly you’re hurt, and what insurance coverage applies.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different From Other Crashes
Uber and Lyft have big insurance policies — up to $1 million in coverage when a passenger is in the car. That means if you were in the vehicle when the crash happened, you may be able to collect a larger settlement than in a regular car accident.
Here’s how coverage usually works in Illinois:
– Driver off the app: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
– Driver waiting for a ride: Uber/Lyft give limited coverage (around $50,000 per person).
– Passenger in the car (your case): Uber/Lyft provide up to $1 million in coverage.
Sounds simple, right? But insurance companies will still try to pay as little as possible.
What Decides How Much Your Case Is Worth?
If you’re asking “How much can I sue for after an Uber accident in Chicago?” here are the key factors:
1. Medical Costs – ER visits, doctor bills, surgery, therapy, and future care.
2. Lost Wages – Money you lost if you missed work or can’t work the same way again.
3. Pain and Suffering – Physical pain, emotional stress, or changes in your quality of life.
4. Severity of Injuries – A broken bone or concussion will be valued higher than a sprain, and surgeries or long recoveries raise the value.
5. Who’s at Fault – Sometimes both the Uber driver and another driver share blame, which affects which insurance pays.
Common Settlement Ranges for Rideshare Passengers
– Minor injuries (whiplash, sprains): $15,000–$40,000
– Moderate injuries (fractures, concussions): $50,000–$200,000
– Serious injuries (surgery, long recovery): $250,000+
– Life-changing injuries (brain injury, paralysis): $500,000–$1 million+
Because Uber and Lyft carry more insurance than most drivers, passengers often see higher settlements than in regular car crashes.
Don’t Take the First Offer
After your accident, you may get a call from Uber’s insurance company or the other driver’s insurance. They might offer you money quickly. But here’s the truth: their first offer is almost always way too low.
Studies show that people with a lawyer get over three times more money than people who try to settle on their own.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, you usually have two years from the crash date to file an injury claim. For damaged property (like a broken phone), you may have up to five years.
But waiting is risky. Witnesses forget, evidence disappears, and the insurance company gets stronger the longer you delay.
Why Chicago Location Matters
Where your case is filed can affect how much money you get. For example, Cook County juries in Chicago are known for awarding higher amounts to injured people than some suburban counties.
A local Chicago attorney will understand these differences and use them to get you the best result.
What You Should Do Next
If you’ve been searching:
– What’s the average Uber or Lyft accident settlement in Illinois?
– How much is my rideshare accident case worth in Chicago?
– How much can I sue for as a rideshare passenger?
…the most important thing is this: You were not at fault. Don’t let the insurance company decide your case value.
At Fabbrini Law Group, we fight for passengers hurt in Uber and Lyft crashes across Chicago and the suburbs.
Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win
Call 312-494-3131 or visit www.WindyCityLawFirm.com for a free consultation.
We’ll explain your rights, review your case, and fight to make sure you get every dollar you deserve.
You trusted Uber or Lyft to get you home safely. Now trust us to make sure you’re not left paying the price for their accident.