Elgin Lyft Accidents Attorney

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Joseph Conboy | June 25, 2025

Our Elgin Lyft Accidents Attorney Fights for Injury Victims

At our firm, we stand with car accident victims and families affected by serious crashes. After a Lyft accident disrupts your life, trust a legal team seasoned in rideshare cases. We understand the stress you’re facing—lost wages, medical bills, and the pain that follows a crash.

Our team has years of experience handling Lyft car accident claims and other rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft. From your first call to the final result, we provide personalized care every step of the way. If you were injured in an Elgin rideshare accident, we’re ready to help you seek fair results. Our goal is to give you the support you need—and the results you deserve.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Elgin

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Elgin

After a rideshare accident involving Uber or Lyft, your health and future may depend on the steps you take right away. First, find a safe location and assess any major injuries that may have occurred. Then, document the accident scene, get the names of any witnesses, and take photos of property damage and the Lyft vehicle involved.

If you were hurt, you may have a personal injury claim. A crash caused by driver negligence, distracted driving, or an at-fault party often leads to medical expenses, lost income, and pain. Whether it’s a brain injury, traumatic brain injury, or other severe injuries, these cases can lead to complex questions about liability coverage and rideshare insurance. That’s why it’s important to act fast.

You don’t have to face this alone. An Elgin ridesharing accident lawyer at Conboy Law Firm can help you determine liability, deal with the insurance company, and pursue compensation. We help accident victims through the entire legal process—from gathering medical records and witness statements to seeking maximum compensation for your injury claim.

Get Immediate Medical Treatment

After a Lyft accident, always get medical treatment, even if your injuries seem minor. Symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or back pain may appear later and could indicate a brain injury or spinal damage. Without early care, your recovery may take longer—and the insurance company may question your personal injury case if there’s no record of treatment. Safeguard your well-being and your right to fair pay.

Report the Crash to Authorities and Lyft

Call the police immediately so that an official police report is on file. This helps personal injury lawyers demonstrate what happened and who is responsible. Next, report the crash in the Lyft app to alert the rideshare company. Keep copies of any reports or screenshots. These will help build a strong Lyft accident claim and support your injury case later on.

Contact an Experienced Accident Lawyer

Before you deal with the insurance company, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Conboy Law Firm, we understand rideshare services and the issues with rideshare drivers using their vehicles during ride requests. In Elgin, our personal injury attorneys fight for your right to compensation, covering medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Start with a free consultation to discuss your options and map out your next steps.

Understanding Lyft Accident Claims in Illinois

In Illinois, Lyft accident claims fall under fault-based rules. This means that the person or party responsible for the car crash must pay for the damages. That can include medical expenses, property damage, and even pain and suffering. If the Lyft driver caused the crash, you may file a personal injury claim against them or their insurance coverage.

Rideshare accidents are more complex than other car accident cases. That’s because both the driver’s insurance and the rideshare company’s policy may apply. A skilled Elgin ridesharing accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and figure out how to recover compensation from the proper source.

When Does Rideshare Insurance Apply?

Lyft insurance depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. If the app is off, only the driver’s personal insurance applies.

If the app was on and the driver was waiting for ride requests, Lyft offers limited liability coverage. Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the car, Lyft provides up to $1 million in rideshare insurance. This includes medical bills, property damage, and financial compensation for those harmed in a rideshare accident.

What If the Lyft Driver Was Off-Duty?

If the Lyft vehicle was being used for personal reasons and not connected to the app, the rideshare company is not involved. In that case, only the driver’s own insurance policy will apply. Lower insurance coverage could limit your compensation. However, a skilled personal injury lawyer can guide you in proving liability and filing your claim effectively.

Who May Be Liable in a Lyft Accident?

Who May Be Liable in a Lyft Accident?

In any Uber or Lyft accident, figuring out who is responsible is one of the most important parts of your personal injury case. Liability means legal responsibility for the car crash and any resulting harm, like personal property damage, medical bills, or even a wrongful death claim.

Depending on the crash details, more than one person or company may share the blame. In a serious accident, the Lyft driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company could be at fault. At Conboy Law Firm, we work to represent victims and hold every responsible party accountable.

The Lyft Driver

The Lyft driver’s actions cause many crashes. They might be guilty of distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield. These behaviors can lead to serious accidents, resulting in long-term harm and property damage. If the driver’s mistake caused your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit.

A Third-Party Driver

Sometimes, another driver—not the Lyft one—causes the accident. This might happen when another car runs a red light or rear-ends the rideshare vehicle. In these cases, your injury claim may be filed against the third-party driver and their insurance. A lawyer can help sort through the evidence to find out who is truly responsible.

The Rideshare Company

It’s hard to sue Lyft directly because drivers are usually independent contractors. But there are rare situations where the rideshare company could be at fault, like if the app malfunctioned or the company hired a dangerous driver without proper checks. When these issues play a role in an Uber or Lyft accident, they may become part of your case.

How Our Legal Team Builds Strong Lyft Accident Claims

At Conboy Law Firm, we take pride in giving each client the time and attention they deserve. When you call us after a Lyft accident, we begin by learning your story, reviewing your injuries, and explaining your rights under personal injury law. From there, our team begins a thorough investigation into what happened and who is responsible.

We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Every personal injury claim is different. That’s why we build each case carefully—gathering proof, reviewing medical records, and speaking with insurance companies on your behalf. We aim to secure fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and financial losses.

Gathering Evidence and Police Reports

A strong case starts with strong evidence. Our team collects police reports, witness statements, and any dashcam or surveillance footage from the accident scene. We also look at photos, Lyft app records, and rideshare insurance details. This evidence helps show what happened and supports your right to fair compensation for your injury case.

Proving Negligence Under Illinois Personal Injury Law

To win a personal injury case in Illinois, we must prove that someone else was careless. This is called negligence. It means showing that the other party had a duty to drive safely, broke that duty, caused the crash, and left you with real harm—like a brain injury, broken bones, or personal property loss. We handle this full legal process for you while you focus on healing.

Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident in Elgin

Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident in Elgin

If you were injured in a car accident involving a Lyft driver, you may be able to recover compensation for both your financial losses and emotional pain. At Conboy Law Firm, we work hard to help our clients receive fair compensation after a serious accident. We look at every part of your personal injury claim to ensure nothing is overlooked.

You may be entitled to economic damages, such as medical bills, lost pay, and damage to personal property. You can also claim non-economic damages—these cover things like pain, anxiety, and how the crash affects your daily life. In instances of wrongful death, we assist families in submitting wrongful death claims to address funeral costs and the loss of financial support.

We use witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions to build a strong case. Whether it’s a short recovery or a lifelong injury, our goal is to help you pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the crash.

Medical Expenses and Future Treatment Costs

After a rideshare accident, your recovery may include a trip to the ER, surgery, hospital stays, and physical therapy. You might also need medication, mental health support, or long-term care. All of these costs can be included in your injury claim, along with any future medical treatment tied to the crash. We work to ensure these expenses are covered in your Lyft accident claim.

Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity

Missing work during recovery can hurt your income. If the car crash kept you from returning to your job, those missed paychecks count as damages. In more serious cases—like traumatic brain injuries—you might not return to the same kind of work at all. We fight to recover both your lost wages and the future income you’ll lose because of the accident.

Non-Economic Damages Like Pain and Suffering

Not all injuries are visible. The emotional impact of a rideshare accident can be significant. You might deal with emotional distress, depression, sleep issues, or fear of driving again. These non-economic damages also include pain and suffering, as well as loss of enjoyment of life. Our legal team helps show how the crash changed your life—and fights for the financial compensation you deserve.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Fatal Rideshare Accidents

When a loved one dies in a fatal rideshare accident, the emotional and financial toll is overwhelming. In Illinois, families have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit if someone’s negligence—such as a Lyft driver or third-party driver—caused the crash. At Conboy Law Firm, we help families pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the income the deceased would have provided.

Under Illinois law, a wrongful death claim can be filed by a surviving spouse, child, or next of kin. These lawsuits aim to support families left behind after a serious accident. We take care of the legal side while you focus on healing. Our team works to hold all responsible parties accountable and recover the full damages your family deserves.

How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works in Illinois

How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works in Illinois

Rideshare insurance in Illinois depends on the Lyft driver’s status during the accident. If the app is off, only the driver’s personal insurance applies, which usually has lower limits. When the app is on but no ride has been accepted, Lyft provides limited liability coverage—up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries.

Once a ride request is confirmed or a passenger is inside the vehicle, Lyft activates its $1 million insurance coverage. This premium policy can help cover medical expenses, property damage, and non-economic losses, including pain and suffering. Understanding these coverage levels is key to building a personal injury case or Lyft accident claim, especially when multiple parties may be involved.

Why You Need a Lyft Accident Attorney After a Crash

After a Lyft accident, many people try to handle things on their own. But without legal help, they often face denied injury claims, low settlement offers, or confusing steps from the insurance company. You may not know how much your case is worth—or that you’re entitled to compensation for things such as pain and suffering, lost income, or future medical treatment.

That’s where Conboy Law Firm comes in. Our Lyft accident attorneys are well-versed in the rules surrounding rideshare insurance, personal injury law, and liability coverage. We protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight to get the fair compensation you deserve. Don’t risk settling for less—let our team stand up for you.

How Our Law Firm Handles Complex Rideshare Cases

How Our Law Firm Handles Complex Rideshare Cases

At Conboy Law Firm, we know that rideshare accidents are never simple. That’s why our legal team takes the time to fully investigate each case—reviewing police reports, Lyft driver records, and all available witness statements. We look at every detail to build a case that’s strong and clear.

Our personal injury lawyers also take on the burden of dealing with the insurance company, so you don’t have to. We maintain regular communication with you, respond to your inquiries promptly, and provide ongoing support throughout the entire process. From start to finish, our goal is to support and represent victims in obtaining the maximum compensation they’re owed.

FAQs

In Illinois, you typically have two years from the date of the rideshare accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could prevent you from getting any financial compensation, so it’s best to speak with an Elgin Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible.

You can still submit an injury claim, even if you were not wearing your seatbelt. While the insurance company might try to reduce your payout, Illinois law allows injured riders to recover compensation if another party was mostly at fault.

In most cases, you can’t sue Lyft directly because rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors. But there are exceptions, like if the company failed to screen a dangerous driver or if there was an issue with the app. A lawyer can assist you in examining your legal choices.

At Conboy Law Firm, we don’t charge upfront fees. Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we secure a favorable outcome. Start with a free consultation to find out more.

Contact an Elgin Lyft Accidents Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation

Contact an Elgin Lyft Accidents Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation

If you were hurt in a Lyft car accident, don’t wait. Call Conboy Law Firm today to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands Elgin rideshare accident cases. We offer a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Let our legal team help you move forward. We’re ready to fight for your rights, your recovery, and the maximum compensation you deserve.

Joseph Conboy
Founding Attorney

Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.

Thanks to this amazing law firm, I was able to successfully bring justice and get the help I needed. They really care a lot about their clients, they’re 100 percent fully involved in your case and will do the most to make sure you get the help you need. Thanks for everything!
Tiffany H.
I can't say enough about Joseph Conboy. He was a true asset during our personal injury claim and had such an amazing legal approach, which made me feel like his top priority from day one! I'm so grateful we were able to work together for this win/win outcome.
Jackson K.
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