Bloomington Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Injured In An Uber Or Lyft Crash?

A rideshare collision can leave you hurt, out of work, and facing calls from multiple insurance companies that all seem to say something different. If you were injured while using Uber or Lyft in Bloomington or elsewhere in Central Illinois, you may be unsure where to turn next.

At Haxel Law, we help injured passengers, rideshare drivers, and other motorists sort through this confusion. With more than 40 years of personal injury and insurance experience, our attorney understands how these claims are built, how insurers try to limit them, and what it takes to move a case forward. Our firm offers free consultations and works on contingency fees, so you do not pay attorney fees unless there is a recovery.

We live and work in the same communities we serve, and we know how a sudden crash can upend life for families in this area. Our goal is to take on the legal and insurance burdens so you can focus on healing and daily life.

Contact our firm today at (217) 215-4166 to request a free consultation.

Illinois Rideshare Laws

In Illinois, rideshare companies are legally classified as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). The state governs these entities under the Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57/). This law was designed to ensure that passengers and third parties have access to significant insurance coverage in the event of a crash.

Key provisions of Illinois rideshare law include:

• Mandatory Insurance Tiers: Uber and Lyft must provide specific levels of insurance coverage that fluctuate based on the driver's "status" in the app.
• Zero Tolerance Policy: Illinois law mandates a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug and alcohol use for rideshare drivers while they are logged into the digital network.
• Background Checks: TNCs are required to conduct thorough criminal and driving history checks on all applicants before they are permitted to pick up passengers in Bloomington.

Understanding these laws is the first step in building a successful claim. Because these regulations are distinct from standard car accident laws, working with a lawyer who understands the nuances of the TNC Act is vital.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Liability in a Bloomington rideshare accident is rarely straightforward. Unlike a typical two-car collision where you simply look at the drivers' personal insurance, a rideshare claim depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of impact.

Liability and insurance coverage generally fall into three distinct periods:

1. The Driver is Logged Off (Offline)

When an Uber or Lyft driver has the app turned off and is using their vehicle for personal errands, they are treated like any other motorist in Illinois.

• Liability: The driver is personally liable for any negligence.
• Insurance: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies. Uber and Lyft provide zero coverage during this period.

2. Logged On but No Ride Request (Period 1)

This is often called the "wait time." The driver has the app open and is "available," but they have not yet accepted a specific fare.

• Liability: The driver is still the primary liable party, but Uber or Lyft must provide "contingent" coverage if the driver's personal insurance denies the claim (which they often do, as most personal policies exclude commercial activity).
• Insurance Limits: In Illinois, the TNC usually provides at least $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage during this phase.

3. Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle (Periods 2 & 3)

This phase begins the moment a driver clicks "Accept" on a ride request and lasts until the passenger is safely dropped off and the transaction is closed in the app.

• Liability: While the driver is still the negligent party, Uber and Lyft’s commercial policies are fully active.
• Insurance Limits: This is where the famous $1 million liability policy kicks in. This policy covers bodily injuries to the passenger, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles if the rideshare driver is at fault. It also typically includes Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage for the occupants of the rideshare vehicle.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Bloomington

Bloomington’s unique traffic patterns—from the heavy congestion on Veterans Parkway to the high foot traffic around Illinois State University—contribute to specific rideshare risks:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers are constantly checking the Uber/Lyft app for new pings or following GPS directions in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
• Illegal U-Turns: To reach a passenger on the other side of the street, drivers may make sudden, dangerous maneuvers.
• Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long shifts or "double app" (running both Uber and Lyft) to maximize earnings, leading to slower reaction times.
• Unsafe Drop-offs: Stopping in the middle of a busy lane or blocking a bike path to let a passenger out can trigger a chain-reaction collision.

How Our Team Can Help

Choosing the right help after a rideshare crash is not just about finding any lawyer. It is about working with a firm that understands both injury law and the way insurance companies approach these modern claims. Attorney Martin Haxel has more than four decades of experience on both sides of personal injury and workers' compensation cases, including years representing insurance companies.

This background gives our firm a practical advantage when dealing with a rideshare accident attorney from an insurer. We know how adjusters evaluate liability, how they argue about coverage depending on whether the app was on, and how they may try to shift blame to you. We use that insight to anticipate their tactics, build strong evidence, and push for fair settlements instead of quick, low offers.

Over the years, we have handled more than 100 trials and appeals and have helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation. Past results include a $1.3 million recovery for a motorcyclist, policy limit settlements for crash victims, and a case where we helped quadruple the recovery for an injured truck driver. Although every case is different, these outcomes show that we are willing to do the detailed work required in serious and contested matters.

We also take pride in how we treat people. Our firm is built largely on referrals from former clients who appreciated our honest counsel, prompt communication, and personal attention. You will not be passed around a large office. Your story will be heard in detail, your questions will be answered quickly, and you will work directly with a team that cares about you and your family.

To discuss your situation with our team, call (217) 215-4166 today.