michelle stump
1 month ago
Working with Ed and Amber has been a true pleasure. They handled my claim efficiently and professionally, ensuring the process moved smoothly from start to finish. Their responsiveness, expertise, and effectiveness in working with the insurance carrier contributed greatly to a successful resolution. I sincerely appreciate their efforts, dedication, and guidance throughout the matter, and I am grateful for the outstanding service they provided.
Johanna Bukowski
2 months ago
Ed and Maggie have both been a pleasure to work with! They keep you up to date on your case, clearly explain the process and next steps along the way, respond quickly to any questions and always offer different options to discuss details (email, phone, text, Zoom, etc.). What I appreciate more than anything, is their genuine compassion and concern for you as a person. They both demonstrate true empathy for what is most likely one of the most unexpected and traumatic events in a person’s life and do everything they can to ensure justice is served. I highly recommend Collins Law!
Jeff Matticks
3 months ago
I became aware of Collins Law Group after I was involved in a motorcycle, several years ago. Since that time I have reached out to Ed Manzke, at Collins Law Group, for assistance in a couple of other areas. In each instance, I have found Ed and his team to be very helpful with great communication, keeping me informed every step along the way. Everyone who I have interacted with, at Collins Law Group, demonstrated that they are interested in building relationships so that you know who you can turn to for any of your legal needs.
Ella Folson
4 months ago
Chris and John were attentive and thorough to my needs throughout my entire case. I appreciate the all the time and effort they took. I will be recommending their services going forward to family and friends! Thank you so much for all your help!
J. Savv
4 months ago
Ed Manzke was very patient and kind with helping me and my sister with our mom’s case. He often took the time out his day to explain everything to ensure we understood what was going on. The law firm itself is organized making our whole process run smoothly. I appreciate Ed and his team.
Unique Morris
4 months ago
Ed Manzke was very informative, clear and honest when it came to my mother and father’s case. He took his time with all of my questions and concerns, making sure that no questions went unanswered and that there was no room for confusion with our case. I’m forever grateful for Ed and everyone at the law firm.
Nick Erlenbaugh
4 months ago
Collins Law was recommended to me after I was involved in an accident with a semi-truck. Amber Blevins was exceptional to work with. She is a total pro at what she does and made the process as easy as she could for me. Ed ensured I received the best outcome possible and exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who might be shopping around for an attorney!
Dwayne Kurfirst
4 months ago
I want to take a moment to recognize John at Collins Law for the incredible work he did in helping my mom secure her settlement. It wasn’t a quick or easy process—it took time, patience, and persistence—but John stayed committed every step of the way. What stood out most was his professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for getting the best possible outcome. He kept us informed, navigated the complexities with confidence, and ultimately delivered results that truly made a difference for our family. If you’re looking for someone who will put in the work, stand by you through a long process, and follow through, I highly recommend John and the team at Collins Law.
Helen Montague
6 months ago
We are fortunate to have had the chance to work with John Risvold as he represented my brother in his case. Professional, personable and authentic in his manner, John kept us informed throughout the long process, and was always available to respond to my many questions. Having never been involved with a law suit, I really appreciated John's patience (especially since I am 1,000 miles away) and his genuine care for my brother's well being. We are forever grateful, John. Thank you.
Matthew Malone
7 months ago
I had an excellent experience being represented by Collins Law Firm. Ed Manzke and Amber Blevins were amazing to work with and truly helped me in my time of need. Both were extremely personable and knowledgeable throughout every step of the way. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone’s legal needs.
Ronnie Sanchez
7 months ago
I had an excellent experience with The Collins Law firm. Amber was extremely helpful, kind, and friendly throughout the entire process. She took the time to explain everything clearly whenever I didn’t understand something, which meant a lot to me. I truly felt supported and informed. I will absolutely seek Collin’s help again if I ever need legal assistance in the future. Thank you again :)
Maddie Scheele
7 months ago
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Ed Manzke and Amber Blevins. They are truly the best of the best. The efficiency and professionalism throughout the entire process of my case has been unmatched. What I really want to point out, though, is the empathy and compassion both Amber and Ed hold. That was the true difference maker. I knew they both prioritized my well-being and made that their number one priority. They represented me to their highest capabilities through every step of my case, and I cannot thank them and Collins Law Firm enough.
Leticia Pink
8 months ago
Ms. Maggie Galka is an experienced environmental (radon) attorney who prioritizes her clients' health and safety in her legal practice. She maintains thorough records and offers strategic advice while working with government agencies. Ms. Galka demonstrates key values such as integrity, expertise, respect, empathy, and compassion essential for positive outcomes. Her professionalism, follow-up and communication skills are excellent. Ms. Galka's guidance extends beyond legal issues, and the Collins Law Firm advocates strongly and effectively for clients. We sincerely thank Collins Law Firm, and in particular Ms. Galka, for helping our family reach a successful outcome and for their meaningful impact on our community. I strongly recommend Ms. Galka and Collins Law Firm as an outstanding legal firm.
Megan
8 months ago
I can’t say enough good things about John Risvold at The Collins Law Firm. From start to finish, John was professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and always made me feel like my case truly mattered. His dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care made a stressful situation much easier to handle. John’s expertise and clear communication built a lot of trust, and I’m very grateful for his hard work. I would highly recommend John Risvold to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled attorney.
David Bretti
8 months ago
(Translated by Google) They are very responsible in what they do, they were able to resolve my case quickly and efficiently, I especially recommend Mr. Chris for always being in contact and being honest throughout the process 👏🏻 (Original) Son muy responsables en lo que hacen, pudieron resolver mi caso de forma rápida y eficaz, recomendando, especialmente el Se Chris por siempre estar en contacto y ser sincero en todo el proceso 👏🏻
Jas R.
8 months ago
Amber was very thorough, informative, and made this process very easy for me, which I greatly appreciated considering all the events that led up to this point. Justice isn’t always served, but working with Collin’s Law Firm really me feel that my injuries were tangibly worth something, and that to some degree, justice was served. Would highly recommend this law firm to anyone seeking out a personal injury firm/attorney.
Amy Ressen
9 months ago
I wana say a huge thank you to the Collin’s Law firm and Chris Gauthier for helping me with my Complicated case. They helped me put my life back together after a horrible incident that I didn’t think I could over come. Chris was always good about communicating and he made sure I got what I deserved! I highly recommend this law firm they were so kind and reassuring that things would work out. Thank you again for all the hard work and being there to help me through the process when I didn’t know where to turn to for help! Thanks again Chris and The Collin’s Law firm!
Lauren Dryanski
10 months ago
I had an exceptional experience with Collins Law Firm . A special thank you to Chris, my lawyer, and Patti, the legal assistant. They helped me navigate my car accident proceedings from start to finish, and I always felt like I was in great hands. Chris was incredibly knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and explained everything in a way I could understand. He always made sure I felt informed and supported, especially when it came to legal details I wouldn’t normally know. Patti was also wonderful—very helpful, communicative, and always made sure I had everything I needed throughout the process. I never once doubted this team. They made everything easy and stress-free. I would absolutely recommend Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of legal support!
A Google User
11 months ago
John brings impressive expertise and heartfelt dedication to every matter he handles. His thoughtful approach and clear communication make it easy to trust his advice, and it’s evident he is committed to fighting for what’s right with both professionalism and empathy. John’s balance of insightful expertise and warm, personal attention truly sets him apart.
Icela Hernandez
1 year ago
If ever needed. I will gladly go to the Collins law firm again. They were always quick to respond any questions. Happy to say case is closed and all went well .
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a go-to option for many people in Illinois. However, rideshare accidents happen all too often. When a rideshare vehicles is involved, they can bring up unique legal questions that differ from typical car accidents.
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident, working with experienced rideshare accident lawyers can make a big difference. Our lawyers understand the specific issues involved in these cases, such as which insurance policies apply and who’s at fault. Having the right legal support ensures you can make informed decisions and seek the compensation you deserve.
Get a free, no-obligation case review. We're available 24/7 and you pay nothing unless we win.
Do You Have a Rideshare Lawsuit?
What Are Common Injuries in a Rideshare Accident?
What Damages Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
Who Is Liable in Rideshare Accidents?
How Can a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help?
A rideshare accident typically involves the same basic principles of fault and negligence as any other car crash. However, there are unique factors that set these accidents apart. One key difference is the role of the rideshare driver, who works as an independent contractor for a company like Uber or Lyft. This means that determining liability often depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the incident. Were they logged out of the app? Were they waiting for a ride request? Were they carrying a passenger or heading to pick someone up?
Each scenario can impact which insurance policy applies, what coverage limits are in play and whether you have a valid claim against one or more parties. Rideshare injury lawyers are skilled at handling these specific issues.
Another challenge in these cases is how rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft handle accidents. These companies typically have set procedures for investigating crashes and processing insurance claims. Their resources often surpass those of individual drivers, which can make the process more difficult when negotiating a settlement. Having a lawyer experienced in rideshare accidents can help you untangle the rules, policies and liability issues to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Not every rideshare crash automatically leads to a lawsuit, but many injured individuals choose to file a claim. You might have a rideshare lawsuit if:
If any of these situations apply, you should speak with a rideshare accident lawyer. Your injuries can impact your health, finances and future. If the rideshare driver or company is responsible, you could seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
A Few of Our Motor Vehicle Verdicts and Settlements:
$8.5 Million - Motor Vehicle Wrongful Death Settlement
Plaintiff's decedent was killed when a bus driver negligently ran a red light at a Chicago intersection colliding with the decedent's vehicle. The decedent was survived by a spouse and three minor children.
$3.6 Million - Will County Jury Verdict, Rear-End Spine Injury
Two plaintiffs were injured in a rear-end collision and required spine surgery. The combined pretrial offer was $50,000. A Will County jury returned combined verdicts exceeding $3.6 million. John D. Risvold was brought in as trial counsel shortly before expert discovery and tried the case.
$1.6 Million - DuPage County Car Accident Jury Verdict
Rear-end crash resulting in four spine surgeries. State Farm refused to pay the judgment and was sued for insurance bad faith.
$1.5 Million - Drunk Driving Crash Settlement
A drunk driver traveling the wrong way down the street crashed head-on into our client’s vehicle.
$1.4 Million - Truck Crash Settlement
Our client was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed into an overturned semi after the truck driver lost control and failed to warn oncoming drivers. The client sustained a femur fracture requiring surgery.
$1.35 Million - Motor Vehicle Crash Settlement
Plaintiff suffered multiple fractures when the car she was driving was hit from behind at a high rate of speed.
$1.33 Million - Insurance Bad Faith Settlement
Settlement following a jury verdict in excess of the insurance company’s policy limits, after the insurer refused to settle a spine injury car crash case for its $100,000 policy limits.
$1.1 Million - Head-On Collision Settlement
Car crash head-on collision case involving a spinal fusion surgery.
$1 Million - Semi-Truck Crash Settlement
Our client was rear-ended at a low rate of speed while in traffic on I-55 in Chicago, causing a concussion and neck injuries that required a cervical spine fusion. The truck driver was texting.
$750,000 - Rideshare Accident Settlement
Rideshare crash settlement for a client who sustained a serious spinal injury.
$500,000 - Rideshare Accident Settlement
Our client was a passenger in a rideshare vehicle when it rear-ended another car. He injured his back and required a cervical fusion.
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case.
Rideshare accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may last a lifetime. While any type of injury is possible, certain types occur more frequently when vehicles collide:
Always seek prompt medical attention after a rideshare accident. Some injuries may not show up until days or even weeks later. In many claims, having proper documentation of your treatment can heavily influence the amount of compensation you may be able to recover.
When you bring a claim against a rideshare driver, the ridesharing company or others involved in the crash, you may be entitled to several types of damages. Specific recovery amounts depend on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your losses. Common categories of damages include:
These damages aim to make you as “whole” as possible after the collision. Each situation is different, and the amount you can recover depends on the details of your rideshare accident.
Determining fault in a rideshare crash can be straightforward if one driver clearly ignored traffic laws. Sometimes, the rideshare driver is obviously at fault, while other times, liability may be shared between multiple parties. A thorough investigation usually looks at the following:
Independent contractors are usually responsible for their own actions, but rideshare companies offer insurance in certain situations. The mix of personal insurance, rideshare company insurance and possibly another at-fault driver's insurance can be confusing. This is why many people turn to a rideshare accident lawyer to help clarify liability and figure out which insurance policies will cover their losses.
One of the hardest parts of a rideshare accident claim is figuring out the applicable insurance coverage. Rideshare drivers usually have their own personal auto insurance, and rideshare companies offer coverage that may apply when a driver is actively using the app. The key is to determine the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
When the driver is offline, they are not considered to be working for the rideshare company. The driver’s personal auto insurance covers collisions during this time.
If the driver is online and waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft typically provide third-party liability insurance for at-fault accidents in the following amounts:
These limits apply if the rideshare driver is found to be at fault and someone else is hurt or their property is damaged.
When the driver accepts a ride request and is either on the way to pick up a passenger or transporting a passenger, rideshare companies like Uber may provide up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage for property damage and injuries to riders or third parties if the rideshare driver is at fault.
These layers of coverage can make a difference when seeking compensation for hospital bills, lost wages or property damage. Because there are so many potential insurance policies and coverage limits to review, it is helpful to speak with a ridesharing accident lawyer.
Those figures are not company policy. Illinois sets them by statute. Under the Transportation Network Providers Act, 625 ILCS 57/10, a driver who is logged on but has not yet accepted a ride must carry liability coverage of "at least $50,000 for death and personal injury per person, $100,000 for death and personal injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage."
Once the driver accepts a ride, two things change, and the second matters more than most people realize. The coverage goes up, and it becomes primary. The statute requires that "[a]utomobile liability insurance shall be primary and in the amount of $1,000,000 for death, personal injury, and property damage." 625 ILCS 57/10(c)(1). Primary means the rideshare company's policy answers first. It does not get to point at the driver's personal insurer and wait.
The statute also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage while a passenger is in the vehicle, running from the moment the passenger gets in until the moment they get out. 625 ILCS 57/10(c)(2). That is the coverage that responds when someone else caused the crash and carried too little insurance to cover it.
There is a provision most injured passengers never hear about. If a rideshare driver's insurance has lapsed or does not provide what the statute requires, the transportation network company "shall provide the coverage required by this Section beginning with the first dollar of a claim." 625 ILCS 57/10(d). A lapse on the driver's side does not leave you with nothing.
Most people assume a rideshare claim is a claim against Uber or Lyft. Often it is not. If another motorist ran the light and hit the car you were riding in, that driver's insurance is primary, and the rideshare company's liability coverage may never come into play at all.
Here is where it gets difficult. Illinois requires only minimum liability limits, and a driver carrying the minimum will not come close to covering a spinal fusion, a brain injury, or months out of work. When the at-fault driver is underinsured, the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage required while you were a passenger becomes the next place to look.
That coverage exists. It is not volunteered. Identifying every policy that could respond, triggering them in the right order, and forcing them to answer is a substantial part of what a rideshare case actually involves, and it is routinely missed by people who handle their own claim.
Most Illinois injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. 735 ILCS 5/13-202.
One exception catches people badly. If a unit of local government is a defendant, the deadline is generally one year, not two. 745 ILCS 10/8-101. In a rideshare case that is not hypothetical. A CTA bus, a Pace vehicle, or a municipal truck in the collision changes the calendar entirely, and families often learn this only when the shorter deadline is nearly gone.
Waiting also costs evidence. App records, trip data, and dashcam footage are not preserved indefinitely, and the demand to preserve them has to be made early to be worth anything.
Illinois follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover only if you were 50% or less at fault, and your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% you recover nothing. 735 ILCS 5/2-1116.
This is why insurers work so hard to assign blame to injured people. Every percentage point they pin on you reduces what they pay, and pushing you past 51% eliminates the claim outright.
Illinois places no caps on compensatory damages in personal injury or wrongful death cases, economic or non-economic. In Lebron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, 237 Ill. 2d 217 (2010), the Illinois Supreme Court struck down statutory caps on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases, holding the cap "violates the separation of powers clause" and "effects an unconstitutional legislative remittitur." A jury that hears the full extent of what happened to a person can value it fully.
Rideshare cases turn on records held by a company that is not on your side. Capture these immediately:
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with a lawyer, including your own. Those statements are taken to be used, not to help you.
Drivers get left out of most of what is written about rideshare crashes, and their situation is harder in specific ways. Because rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, an injured driver generally has no workers' compensation claim. The income lost while unable to drive is real and often poorly documented. And a driver's own insurer may deny the claim outright under a rideshare exclusion.
What you do have is a claim against whoever caused the crash and, depending on your status in the app at the moment of impact, potential access to the rideshare company's uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Both are worth pursuing, and both go better with someone who understands the app data that establishes which period you were in.
Driverless vehicles are beginning to carry passengers, and a crash involving one does not fit the ordinary framework. There is no driver whose conduct can be examined, no statement to take, and no driving history to pull. Liability shifts toward the vehicle manufacturer, the software developer, the sensor suppliers, and the fleet operator, and the proof lives in system and sensor logs the company controls.
These cases require preserving that data before it is overwritten, and they raise questions Illinois courts have only begun to address. Collins Law Group handles autonomous and automated vehicle claims and is prepared to litigate them.
A crash caused by a DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats, Grubhub, or Shipt driver runs on a different set of rules than an Uber or Lyft passenger case. The coverage structure is not the same, contractor arrangements differ from company to company, and the terms change often enough that the answer depends on when your crash happened.
If a delivery driver hit you, start with our Illinois delivery app accident lawyer page.
Rideshare density follows traffic. The heaviest concentrations are in Chicago and along the corridors feeding it: the Kennedy and the Eisenhower, I-88 through DuPage, I-355, and the arterial routes around O'Hare and Midway where airport pickups cluster. Suburban volume runs heaviest in Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg, and Oak Brook.
Where the case is filed matters. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-101, suit is generally brought in the county where a defendant resides or where the transaction or some part of it occurred. A crash on a Cook County expressway typically belongs in the Circuit Court of Cook County Law Division at the Daley Center. A collision on I-88 may belong in DuPage County at the courthouse in Wheaton, and one on I-80 in Will County at Joliet. Venue affects the jury pool, the timeline, and how a case gets valued, which is one reason local counsel matters.
Our firm also handles car accident, truck accident, spine injury, and wrongful death cases throughout Illinois. See our case results.
Last updated August 2026 by John D. Risvold, equity partner, Collins Law Group, P.C.
A rideshare accident lawyer handles many important tasks to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
A lawyer can collect witness statements, police reports and any available video footage from dashcams or nearby surveillance cameras. They can also examine the driver’s phone records or rideshare app logs to determine if they were distracted or rushing.
Sometimes, insurance adjusters act in "bad faith," meaning they intentionally try to undermine your claim or avoid paying a fair settlement. This can include tactics like offering much less than what you deserve, delaying payments or even denying a legitimate claim without a valid reason.
A lawyer experienced in handling rideshare accidents knows how to spot these tactics and can stand up to the insurance company, ensuring you aren’t taken advantage of and that you get the compensation you're entitled to.
Sometimes, more than one driver, or even a third party, shares fault. Your lawyer will uncover each party’s role and seek fair compensation from all responsible sources.
You shouldn’t have to pay for your medical bills or long-term rehabilitation on your own after an accident. Lawyers for rideshare accidents help by evaluating all your costs—past bills, current treatments and any future medical expenses you might face. This ensures your claim is as complete as possible, covering not just what you've already paid but also what you'll need to recover fully.
If a fair settlement is not reached, a lawyer can file a lawsuit and fight in court. While most lawsuits settle before trial, having the option to litigate can help motivate insurers toward a fair resolution.
If you are looking for a legal ally in Illinois who understands the stakes involved in rideshare accident claims, call Collins Law Group today. Our rideshare accident lawyers are focused on a relentless pursuit of justice and won't let you accept less than you deserve. We offer a free consultation and are available 24/7 to discuss your case.
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