Uber Accident Wrongful Death Claims in Illinois

At our law firm, we help families across Chicago and throughout Illinois pursue an Uber accident wrongful death claim or lawsuit after the tragic loss of a loved one. Such cases often involve serious legal questions about who is legally responsible, whether it’s the Uber driver, the rideshare company, or another negligent party involved in the crash. Our attorneys understand how devastating it is to lose someone in a fatal accident, and we’re here to help surviving loved ones take legal action. We handle every part of the process, from investigating the scene to reviewing police reports, gathering medical records, and identifying available insurance coverage. Whether the accident occurred in the city, on I-90, or in the suburbs, we’re prepared to fight for full compensation. If you believe your family has a wrongful death case involving an Uber vehicle, we encourage you to contact our Chicago office for a free consultation and trusted legal support.

How Uber’s Insurance Coverage Works in Fatal Accidents

Understanding Uber insurance requirements is critical in any claim involving a fatal rideshare accident. Under the Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57/), Uber must provide specific insurance coverage depending on the Uber driver’s status at the time of the fatal accident. These tiers are meant to protect victims and surviving loved ones when a wrongful death occurs involving an Uber vehicle. Whether the driver is offline, available for rides, or transporting a passenger, each phase triggers a different level of insurance coverage that can affect how a wrongful death claim is handled.

App Off – The Uber Driver’s Personal Insurance

When the Uber app is turned off, the driver is using the vehicle for personal reasons. In this case, Uber’s insurance does not apply. The only active policy is the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance. If a fatal accident occurs during this period, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver personally. Still, recovery is limited to the driver’s private coverage, which may not be enough to fully cover the damages caused.

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

If the Uber driver has the app on but has not yet accepted a ride request, Uber must provide contingent bodily injury liability coverage. This includes $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim or is insufficient. In wrongful death claims during this phase, an attorney must assess both policies to determine the best legal avenue for seeking full compensation.

Ride Accepted or En Route With a Passenger — Uber’s Liability Coverage

Once a ride is accepted or the Uber driver is en route or actively transporting a passenger, Uber’s $1 million liability coverage becomes active. This coverage applies to anyone injured or killed in an accident involving the Uber vehicle, including passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles involved. For surviving family members pursuing a wrongful death claim, this tier offers the most substantial insurance protection. It is often the focus of a lawsuit against Uber seeking full compensation for the loss of a loved one.

Can Family Members File a Lawsuit Against Uber After Losing a Loved One in an Accident?

Yes, family members can file an Uber accident lawsuit if a loved one is killed in a fatal accident involving an Uber vehicle. In Illinois, a wrongful death lawsuit may be brought against the Uber driver, the rideshare company, or other negligent parties, depending on who is legally responsible. Although Uber often classifies its drivers as independent contractors, there are circumstances where the company can still be held vicariously liable. An experienced attorney can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence like police reports and witness statements, and determine whether surviving family members have grounds to sue Uber for compensation after such a tragic incident.

Can Surviving Family Members Sue Uber Drivers for Fatal Rideshare Accidents?

Yes, surviving family members can sue Uber drivers for fatal rideshare accidents if the driver’s negligence caused the death. In Illinois, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed against the Uber driver directly for actions such as reckless driving, running a red light, or speeding. Even though Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors, they can still be held personally liable. Depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident–whether the app was off, on, or a ride was in progress–different insurance coverage may apply. A lawyer can help determine liability and pursue full compensation for your loss.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in Fatal Accidents Involving Uber Drivers?

Surviving loved ones may be entitled to financial compensation through Uber accident claims after a fatal crash involving a rideshare driver. These cases can include economic and non-economic damages tied to the loss of a loved one. The exact compensation depends on the details of the accident, the parties held liable, and the insurance coverage available under Illinois law. An attorney can help assess what damages may be recovered and ensure the family pursues the full amount allowed under a wrongful death lawsuit.

Burial Expenses

Families can recover the costs of funeral and burial expenses as part of a wrongful death claim. These costs often place a sudden and heavy burden on grieving families, especially when a death is unexpected. Burial expenses may include the price of the funeral service, cemetery fees, casket or urn, and other related costs.

Medical Bills

If the victim received emergency care or hospitalization before passing away, those medical bills can be included in the wrongful death claim. These expenses may involve ambulance fees, surgeries, ICU care, and other treatments. Medical records and billing statements are typically used to prove these damages.

Loss of Financial Support

If the person killed in the car accident provided income or financial support to their family, the surviving family members may recover the value of that lost support. This includes not only current earnings but also the projected future income the victim would have contributed over time.

Loss of Companionship

The emotional toll of losing a loved one in a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. Illinois law allows families to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and guidance the deceased would have provided. These non-economic damages aim to acknowledge the lasting impact of the loss on the family.

Pain and Suffering of the Deceased

If the victim experienced pain or conscious suffering before death, compensation may be available for that suffering. This part of the claim focuses on the period between the time of the accident and the victim’s passing, and it may require medical evidence or expert testimony.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving extreme negligence or reckless driving, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not tied to the family’s losses but are intended to punish the negligent parties and deter similar conduct in the future. A lawyer can evaluate whether punitive damages apply in your specific car accident claim.

How Long Do Surviving Family Members Have to Pursue Legal Action in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/), surviving family members generally have two years from the date of death to pursue legal action. If the fatal accident involved an Uber driver, it’s essential to act promptly, as delays can affect the ability to file a wrongful death lawsuit and secure compensation.

How Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

Working with a knowledgeable Chicago Uber accident attorney can make a significant difference for families seeking justice and compensation after a fatal crash. At our law firm, we understand how complex wrongful death cases can be, especially when a rideshare company is involved. Our legal team investigates the circumstances of the accident, reviews police reports, secures medical records, and identifies all negligent parties who may be held responsible. Whether the driver was en route, had accepted a ride, or was actively transporting a passenger, we work to keep Uber and other liable parties accountable. We also evaluate insurance coverage, negotiate with insurers, and, if needed, pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in court to fight for the full amount your family deserves. With deep experience handling rideshare accident claims in Illinois, we’re here to guide you through each step with clarity and commitment. Contact a Chicago Uber accident lawyer today for a free consultation.

Our firm has a strong record of securing substantial Uber accident settlements for families across Illinois, including multi-million dollar results in wrongful death cases involving Uber drivers.

• $4,000,000 Settlement – Jordan, a 33-year-old marketing professional, was riding in a rideshare vehicle in downtown Chicago when the rideshare driver ran a red light and was struck by a commercial truck. Jordan was killed instantly. Our firm secured a $4,000,000 wrongful death settlement for his family. Key factors included video footage from a nearby CTA bus, witness statements confirming the rideshare driver’s reckless driving, and the long-term financial support Jordan had provided to his aging parents, who were his primary next of kin.

Book a Free Consultation

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal rideshare crash, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options. As a trusted traffic accident law firm in Chicago, we represent families in wrongful death cases involving Uber drivers, rideshare companies, and other negligent parties. These cases can involve multiple layers of insurance, disputed liability, and questions about whether the company can be held responsible for the actions of its driver. Our team investigates every detail–from police reports and witness statements to the driver’s status at the time of the accident–to build a strong case on your behalf. We understand the emotional weight of these cases and work to ease the legal burden so you can focus on healing. If you’re considering filing a wrongful death claim after a fatal rideshare accident, contact us today. Your consultation is free, and we’re here to help you seek justice.