Uber Accident Settlement Amounts in Illinois

If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident in Illinois, understanding your options for an Uber accident settlement is critical, especially when medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress begin to add up. Our Illinois-based law firm focuses on helping accident victims hold rideshare companies and negligent drivers accountable. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian hit by an Uber vehicle, we fight to secure fair compensation for the injuries sustained. Our legal team knows how local courts, insurance companies, and Uber’s insurance coverage interact, and we’re prepared to help you recover a fair settlement. Securing proper legal representation can help protect your rights and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. We offer a free consultation to help you understand what your case may be worth.

What Is the Average Settlement for an Uber Accident?

The average Uber accident settlement nationwide is about $2.1 million, though this number is skewed by a few high-value verdicts. The median settlement is closer to $98,000, which better reflects most Uber accident claims. Settlement amounts range from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on several factors.

Example Uber Accident Settlements

$23.7 Million Verdict After Uber Passenger Suffers Paralysis

Sarah Milburn, age 23, became a quadriplegic after the Uber vehicle she was riding in was T-boned. Although she used the seatbelt, a flawed two-step design left her torso unrestrained, causing a severe spinal cord injury during the crash. She sued the Uber driver, Uber-related companies, and the vehicle manufacturer. The Uber parties reached a confidential settlement and were dismissed before trial. A jury found the manufacturer 63% liable and awarded $37.6 million, which was later reduced to $23.7 million. Damages included future medical costs, lost income, physical impairment, and mental anguish.

$7 Million Award for Teen Passenger Injured in Uber Crash

A 15-year-old passenger suffered a traumatic brain injury after a drunk driver ran a red light and collided with the Uber vehicle he was riding in with his mother. The teen was unbelted and was ejected from the car, and was later diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. Uber and its partners were dismissed before trial. The claim proceeded against an underinsured motorist carrier that had offered only $200,000 pre-trial. The jury awarded $7 million, including $1 million for future medical care and $6 million for pain and suffering, recognizing the long-term emotional and developmental impact of the injuries.

$3.9 Million Verdict for Uber Driver Hurt in Rear-End Collision

An Uber driver transporting a passenger was rear-ended by a company van. The plaintiff suffered significant injuries, including shoulder, back, and neck injuries, as well as a mild traumatic brain injury. He underwent multiple surgeries, injections, and ongoing therapy. The defense claimed his conditions were pre-existing and denied that the brain injury occurred. The jury disagreed, awarding $3.9 million, including $805,000 for future medical costs, $983,000 in lost earnings, and $2.1 million for pain and suffering. The Uber driver has been unable to return to work and continues to receive long-term care.

$1,000,000 Settlement for Pedestrian With Severe Leg Injuries After Uber Crash

Anibal Ribba was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when he was struck by an Uber driver. He suffered a pilon fracture, multiple leg fractures, and possible head trauma. Emergency surgery was performed, and he remained non-weight-bearing at the time of settlement. He lost his job due to the extent of his injuries and faced ongoing treatment, including a planned internal fixation with fusion. The defense did not dispute liability, and the rideshare accident case was resolved for $1 million, reflecting serious orthopedic injuries, future medical costs, and lost wages.

$85,000 Recovery for Cyclist Injured by Uber Driver Backing Out

Walter Guarcax was riding an e-bike when he collided with an Uber driver who had just pulled into the roadway. He sustained multiple fractured teeth and TMJ-related pain. The defense claimed he was speeding and questioned the extent of his injuries. Despite a jury award of $264,786, a high/low agreement capped his recovery at $85,000. The settlement reflected disputes over liability and medical causation, but still accounted for dental trauma, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

What Factors Impact Uber Accident Settlements in Illinois?

The final settlement amount in an Uber accident claim depends on multiple factors that are evaluated by insurance companies, juries, or both. These factors determine whether accident victims receive fair compensation for medical costs, lost income, emotional distress, and other losses. In Illinois, both economic and non-economic damages are considered, along with the state’s comparative negligence rules and the timing of the ride request, which affects Uber’s insurance coverage.

Economic Damages

These are the measurable financial losses caused by the car accident and often form the base value for any Uber accident settlement. They typically include:

Medical Treatment Costs

The cost of medical attention received immediately after the accident scene can significantly influence the settlement amount. This includes:

• Ambulance transportation
• Emergency room care
• Hospital stays
• Surgeries
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Prescription medications

Future Medical Expenses

In severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries or TBIs, future treatment may be necessary. The value of these projected costs is often determined through expert medical testimony and can significantly increase the Uber accident settlement value.

Lost Wages

If the injured party missed time from work due to the injuries sustained, compensation for lost wages is typically included. Pay stubs, tax records, and employer statements are used to document this loss.

Lost Earning Capacity

If serious injuries prevent the person from returning to their job or limit their ability to earn at the same level, the accident settlement may also cover lost earning potential. This is especially common in cases involving permanent disability or long-term cognitive or physical impairment.

Property Damage

The cost to repair or replace the damaged vehicle and personal belongings is also part of the accident claim. This is usually based on the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the auto accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are more subjective but just as important. They address the personal impact of the accident on the victim’s life.

Pain and Suffering

This includes ongoing physical pain and reduced quality of life caused by the accident. Juries and insurers may award significant sums for this category in Uber accident cases involving severe injuries.

Emotional Distress

Emotional distress may include anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, or PTSD stemming from the accident. In traumatic accidents, this category can lead to significant compensation, especially with psychological documentation.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Injuries that prevent a person from participating in hobbies, social activities, or family life can warrant additional compensation.

Disfigurement or Scarring

Visible injuries or permanent physical changes due to the accident may be included in a personal injury claim.

Wrongful Death

In fatal Uber accidents, the surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical costs before death
• Loss of future income that the deceased would have earned
• Loss of companionship or parental guidance
• Emotional suffering of the survivors

Comparative Negligence

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. If the accident victim is found partially at fault, their settlement amount is reduced by their percentage of fault. If they are more than 50% at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages.

For example:

• A victim awarded $100,000 who is 20% at fault would receive $80,000
• A victim found 51% at fault receives nothing

This rule applies to any Uber accident claim involving shared fault between the Uber driver, the at-fault driver, and others.

Uber’s Insurance Policies Depending on When the Car Accident Occurred

Uber insurance coverage requirements change based on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Whether the app was off, on without a ride, or the driver had accepted a ride request determines what type of insurance applies. These distinctions are outlined in the Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57/) and play a significant role in how Uber accident settlements are resolved.

App Off – The Uber Driver’s Personal Insurance

When the app is turned off, Uber provides no coverage. Any accident claims must go through the driver’s personal auto insurance policy. This is treated like a regular car accident, and Uber has no liability.

App On, No Ride Request — Contingent Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

If the driver is logged into the Uber app but hasn’t accepted a ride or delivery request, Uber provides limited contingent liability coverage:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage

This coverage applies only if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the damages or denies the claim.

Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard — Uber’s Liability Coverage

Once a ride or delivery request is accepted or a passenger is in the car, Uber’s commercial policy activates. This is the most comprehensive tier of coverage:

• $1 million in third-party liability coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Collision coverage (up to the actual cash value of the vehicle) with a deductible

This policy may also include first-party injury insurance in some situations, offering coverage regardless of fault. This tier typically applies in serious Uber accident cases where passengers or third parties are injured.

How We Can Help You Recover Fair Compensation

Our Chicago Uber accident lawyers understand the unique challenges that come with rideshare-related injury claims. From dealing with Uber’s insurance company to calculating long-term medical expenses and lost wages, we work to ensure you aren’t pressured into accepting a low settlement. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver hit by an Uber vehicle, our legal team will investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and consult medical and economic experts to build a strong case.

We also help clarify how Uber’s insurance coverage applies to your situation, especially when questions arise about the driver’s personal auto insurance or third-party liability coverage. Our goal is to recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, future medical treatment, pain and suffering, and other losses. Every case gets personalized attention and a strategy focused on securing the maximum accident settlement you’re entitled to under Illinois law.

Rideshare Accident Claim Settlements Recovered by Our Law Firm

Our law firm has a proven record of securing substantial Uber accident settlements by holding negligent drivers and insurance carriers accountable and building strong, evidence-driven cases that reflect the full financial and personal impact our clients have suffered.

• $4,000,000 Settlement – Alicia, a 29-year-old marketing professional, was killed when her rideshare driver ran a red light near the Loop and was T-boned. The wrongful death claim was supported by witness statements and dashcam footage. Compensation included lost future earnings and emotional impact on the surviving family.
• $2,800,000 Settlement – Michael, a 40-year-old contractor, was walking near a construction site in River North when a rideshare driver veered onto the sidewalk and struck him. He suffered multiple fractures requiring extensive orthopedic surgery. Liability was clear, and long-term mobility issues increased the settlement amount.
• $1,680,000 Settlement – Derrick, a motorcyclist, was hit by a rideshare car pulling away after dropping off a passenger in Lakeview. He suffered a mild TBI. The driver claimed Derrick was speeding, but expert analysis and helmet data helped prove liability and justify a high settlement amount.
• $1,000,000 Settlement – Nina, 35, was stepping out of a rideshare in Lincoln Park when the driver suddenly accelerated. She fell and suffered serious injuries to her hip and foot. The case focused on the driver’s inattention and Nina’s long recovery, which required surgery and physical therapy.

FAQs

Do minor injuries typically result in a lower Uber accident settlement?

Yes, Uber accident settlements involving minor injuries–such as soft tissue damage, whiplash, or sprains–tend to be lower than those involving TBIs, spinal cord injuries, or permanent disability. Settlement value often reflects the severity of the injuries sustained, the duration of medical treatment, and whether there are lasting impairments or future medical expenses. While every case is different, short-term care and no loss of function usually mean a lower final settlement amount.

How do you prove liability in an Uber accident case?

Establishing fault in an Uber accident claim relies on collecting clear, persuasive evidence. This includes:

• Police reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Vehicle damage photos
• Dashcam or traffic camera footage
• App data showing the Uber driver’s status
• Expert accident reconstruction
• Cell phone records or driving logs

An experienced attorney will use these details to connect the at-fault driver’s actions to the crash, helping strengthen your case and increase your settlement amount.

How long do Illinois Uber passengers and other victims have to take legal action in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury claims in Illinois–including Uber accident cases–must be filed within two years from the date of the car accident. For wrongful death claims, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) also allows a two-year window from the date of death. Filing after these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering fair compensation. To protect your rights, it’s essential to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney well before the time limit expires.

Book a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare crash, our motor vehicle accident law firm is here to help. We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with insurance companies, medical bills, and the uncertainty of your recovery. Our team offers a free consultation to review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand the potential compensation you might be entitled to. There’s no obligation, just straightforward answers and experienced guidance. Contact us today to speak with an attorney who knows how to handle severe Uber accident cases in Illinois.