Last February, I got a call from a nurse named Maria who worked at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
She'd just finished a brutal 12-hour shift. All she wanted was to get home to her Lincoln Park apartment, take a hot shower, and collapse into bed.
She opened her Uber app. Got matched with a driver. Climbed into the back seat for what should have been a simple ride up Lake Shore Drive.
Except near Millennium Park, at the Michigan Avenue intersection, another driver blew through a red light and T-boned them.
Maria ended up with a herniated disc. Three months off work. Medical bills piling up like crazy.
But here's what really threw her for a loop—it wasn't just the pain or the injury.
It was trying to figure out who the heck was supposed to pay for all of this.
Uber's insurance company said it wasn't their problem. The driver's personal insurance said they don't cover "commercial activities." The other driver's insurance tried to blame Maria's Uber driver.
She felt lost. Frustrated. Angry. And honestly? Abandoned by everyone who should have been helping her.
Sound familiar?
When I was nine years old, my father was catastrophically injured at work. He was a truck driver and a Teamster. Still a young man. But that injury took everything from him—his ability to work, his health, his dignity.
His injury case took 17 years to resolve. And at the end of those 17 years, after being run around by the insurance company and defense lawyers, his own lawyer sued him to get more fees.
Guess what I discovered when I started practicing injury law?
Even though my father's case was an extreme example, the way injured people get treated by insurance companies, defense lawyers, and even their own lawyers isn't much different.
So I decided to represent injured people in a different way. A better way.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident anywhere in Chicago, I want you to know something: you don't have to figure this out alone. And you don't pay me a penny unless I win your case.
Let me show you how I can help.
Rideshare accidents aren't like regular car accidents.
They're deliberately complicated.
Uber and Lyft have set up these maze-like insurance policies with different "periods" and "coverage phases" that make your head spin. And they count on you getting confused, frustrated, and either giving up or accepting way less than you deserve.
From the Loop to O'Hare Airport, from Wrigley Field to Midway, from River North to Hyde Park—there are thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers on Chicago streets every single day. And with all those drivers come accidents. Lots of them.
I've handled rideshare cases all over the city: on the Kennedy Expressway during rush hour, on the Dan Ryan where everyone drives like they're qualifying for NASCAR, at busy intersections in Wicker Park and Logan Square, in parking lots at Navy Pier, and everywhere in between.
What makes these cases different?
Three things:
Depending on what the driver was doing when the crash happened, you could be dealing with the driver's personal insurance, Uber or Lyft's contingent coverage, or the company's million-dollar policy. And they'll all point fingers at each other hoping you'll give up.
Uber and Lyft aren't mom-and-pop operations. They have armies of lawyers whose entire job is to pay you as little as possible. They know most people will accept a lowball offer out of desperation or confusion.
Critical evidence about the driver's status lives in the rideshare app—GPS records, trip details, timestamps. All of it can vanish if you don't act quickly.
That's where I come in.
Let me break down how rideshare insurance actually works. Because once you understand it, you'll see why having a lawyer who knows this stuff matters so much.
The driver isn't working. The Uber or Lyft app is completely off. Only their personal car insurance applies—except here's the problem: most personal policies specifically exclude coverage when you're doing rideshare stuff.
So you might be stuck with minimal coverage. Or none at all.
Driver is logged into the app, waiting for someone to request a ride. During this time, Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage—$50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident.
That sounds like a lot until you see your medical bills and realize you're already way past that number.
Once the driver accepts your ride request and is heading to pick you up, boom—Uber and Lyft's $1 million policy kicks in. This also includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which matters a lot in Chicago where plenty of drivers don't carry adequate insurance.
From the moment you get in until you're dropped off and the trip officially ends in the app, full million-dollar coverage applies.
Now here's what the insurance companies won't tell you:
They will fight like crazy to classify your accident into whatever period gives them the smallest bill.
I've seen insurance adjusters argue that a driver's app was off when video evidence clearly showed it wasn't. I've seen them claim a ride was "completed" when the passenger was still sitting in the vehicle.
They will lie. They will delay. They will do everything possible to avoid paying what they owe.
Not on my watch.
If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft when the accident happened, you have rights. Period.
Doesn't matter who caused the crash. You deserve compensation.
I've helped passengers hurt in crashes all over Chicago—from downtown tourists to residents commuting between neighborhoods. Whether your ride was through Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Bucktown, West Town, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Rogers Park, Edgewater, Andersonville, or any other neighborhood, I can help.
Uber and Lyft drivers get hurt too. And despite what these companies claim about you being an "independent contractor," you still have rights.
If you got injured while logged into the app, on your way to pick someone up, or with a passenger in your car, I can help you navigate the insurance maze and get you the compensation you deserve.
I've represented drivers from all over the Chicago area—Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, Cicero, Berwyn, and throughout Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, and Will County.
Maybe you were just driving down the Eisenhower or cruising along Lake Shore Drive when an Uber or Lyft driver crashed into you.
Maybe you were on your bike in one of Chicago's bike lanes when a rideshare driver cut you off.
Maybe you were walking across State Street or Michigan Avenue when a rideshare vehicle struck you.
You have a claim. And depending on the circumstances, it could be against multiple insurance policies.
Some of the worst accidents I see involve rideshare vehicles and multiple other cars. These often happen on our major highways—I-90, I-94, I-290, the Kennedy, the Dan Ryan—or at busy intersections throughout the city.
These cases require thorough investigation to identify every responsible party and every available insurance dollar.
The injuries I see in rideshare cases run the full spectrum:
Here's what you need to know: Even if your injuries seem "minor" right now, you should still talk to me.
Some injuries don't show their full extent for days or even weeks after an accident. By the time you realize how serious it is, you may have already said something to an insurance adjuster that hurts your case.
When you hire me as your rideshare accident lawyer, here's what I do:
In rideshare cases, critical evidence disappears quickly. The driver's app data. GPS records. Surveillance footage from Chicago's extensive camera network.
When you hire me, I get to work right away preserving everything we need to win your case. I don't mess around with this stuff.
You shouldn't have to fight with insurance adjusters while you're trying to recover from your injuries.
I handle all communication with Uber, Lyft, and every insurance company involved. I know their tactics. I know their tricks. And I don't back down.
I've been doing this long enough to know exactly what they're going to try—and how to shut it down.
I work with your doctors to make sure your medical records properly document your injuries. I calculate not just your current medical bills and lost wages, but your future needs too.
Because some injuries require ongoing treatment. And you deserve compensation for all of it.
I don't settle for the first offer. I don't settle for the second offer. I build a strong case and negotiate aggressively to get you every dollar you deserve.
And if the insurance company won't be reasonable? I'm fully prepared to take your case to court.
My office is at 1000 Jorie Blvd, Ste 204, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523.
Insurance companies know that lawyers with offices downtown are serious. They can afford the expensive rent because they win cases. And they're ready, willing, and able to go to Court if there are any problems.
That's me.
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
When I decided to become a personal injury lawyer, I made a commitment to do things differently than the firm that handled my father's 17-year nightmare.
Here are the three principles that guide everything I do:
People who've been hurt in an accident deserve to have their phone calls answered. They deserve to have a lawyer they like, trust, and respect.
You deserve to know where your case stands and to have your questions answered.
I make sure everyone on my small team understands: winning your case while helping you and being there for you is our #1 goal.
To get every dollar you deserve, whether at settlement or trial, I've spent the last two decades studying with the best of the best.
I've invested well over $100,000 in advanced settlement and trial training that most lawyers never even consider.
I've flown all over the country to train with top legal minds. I'm a graduate of the world-renowned Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's College and the prestigious "The Edge" program.
Not one in 10,000 lawyers has completed the training I have.
I did it for one reason: so you get the very best, most cutting-edge and effective representation possible.
From our in-house developed automated case management software to our proprietary pre-suit case process, my firm discovers more about your case, earlier.
We beat the insurance company to the punch. And that means better results and faster case settlements for you.
Look, I'm not going to tell you I'm the only lawyer who can handle rideshare cases. That would be ridiculous.
But I handle them differently. And my clients notice.
When you call my office, you get me. Not a case manager. Not a paralegal. Not someone who takes a message.
When you have questions, I answer them. When you're worried, I listen.
Some firms brag about having 50, 80, even 100 lawyers. Know what that means? You're just another file number.
I intentionally limit how many cases I take so I can give each client real attention.
Your case matters to me.
I never hustle people. I never harass anyone. We talk like friends.
Hiring a lawyer is your choice, and you should always work with a lawyer you like and trust. Never go with the high-pressure sales guys.
If they put pressure on you or act like a jerk, is that really the lawyer you want representing you?
If you want to hire me, great. If you don't, that's okay too. Either way, we end up as friends.
That's just how I roll.
I've spent over $100,000 on advanced legal training that most lawyers never even consider.
I'm a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College—one of the most prestigious programs in the country. I've also completed "The Edge" trial program.
Why did I do it?
So insurance companies know I'm serious when I take your case. And they know I will go to trial if they don't pay what's fair.
If you or someone you love just got injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, here's what to do:
1. Get Medical Attention
Even if you don't think you're badly hurt, go to the hospital. Adrenaline masks pain. Plus, seeing a doctor right away creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
2. Document Everything You Can
If you're able, take photos. Get witness names and contact information. Screenshot your Uber or Lyft trip details in the app before they disappear.
3. Report It in the App
Both Uber and Lyft have accident reporting features. Use them. This creates an official record with the rideshare company.
4. DON'T Give a Statement to Insurance
This is huge: Don't give a recorded statement to ANY insurance company before talking to me.
They will twist your words against you. I've seen it happen a thousand times.
Politely tell them you'll cooperate after you've consulted with an attorney.
5. Call Me at (312)-500-4500
Seriously. Call me right now.
I'm available 24/7/365. Yes, even at 2 AM. Even on Christmas. Even when you think it's too late or too early.
Because when you've been hurt in a rideshare accident, time matters. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Insurance companies start building their defense.
The sooner you call, the better I can protect your rights.
I wish I could give you a specific number right now, but every case is different.
It depends on your injuries, your treatment, how much work you miss, and how the accident affects your daily life.
What I can tell you is this: people who hire an experienced lawyer recover significantly more than people who try to handle it alone.
Insurance companies know who has a lawyer and who doesn't. And they adjust their offers accordingly.
Let me ask you this: Do you think Uber and Lyft have lawyers working for them?
Of course they do—teams of them.
So why would you go up against their legal team without your own representation?
Plus, rideshare cases have unique insurance complications that most people (and even some lawyers) don't understand.
You need someone who specializes in these cases. Someone who knows all the tricks the insurance companies are going to try.
That's me.
Not a penny out of your pocket.
I work on contingency, which means I only get paid if I win your case.
No recovery, no fee. Period.
I don't charge upfront fees, retainers, or hourly rates.
The call is free. The consultation is free. And if I don't win? You don't pay me anything.
In Personal Injury cases, my fee is 33 1/3%, or 40% if we have to go to Court or trial. These are standard rates.
I even advance all case costs—medical records, filing fees, expert witnesses, all of it. You never have any out-of-pocket costs.
Pretty good deal, right?
Illinois has a rule called "modified comparative negligence."
You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still get money.
I've handled many cases where insurance companies tried to blame my client—and we proved them wrong.
It depends. Some cases settle in a few months. Others take longer if the insurance company won't make a fair offer.
Here's my promise: I will never drag your case out unnecessarily, and I will never pressure you to settle for less than you deserve.
We move as quickly as possible while making sure we maximize your recovery.
Most rideshare cases settle before trial.
But some don't.
Insurance companies make lowball offers because they're betting you won't have the determination (or the lawyer) to take them to trial.
I prepare every case like we're going to trial—which ironically makes insurance companies more likely to settle fairly.
If we do go to trial, I'll be with you every step of the way. I've tried over dozens of cases to verdict, and insurance company lawyers know I'm not afraid of the courtroom.
I represent injured rideshare passengers, drivers, and accident victims throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
Chicago Neighborhoods: Loop, River North, Streeterville, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Ukrainian Village, West Town, Near West Side, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Hyde Park, South Shore, Bronzeville, Chatham, Austin, Humboldt Park, Albany Park, Rogers Park, Edgewater, Andersonville, Uptown, Ravenswood, North Center, Irving Park, Portage Park, Jefferson Park, Avondale, Old Town, Chinatown, Near North Side, Near South Side
Surrounding Suburbs: Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northbrook, Glenview, Niles, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Palatine, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Oak Park, Berwyn, Cicero, Riverside, Brookfield, La Grange, Western Springs, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Burbank, Bridgeview
Counties: Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County
Whether your accident happened on Lake Shore Drive near Soldier Field, at a busy Loop intersection, on the Kennedy Expressway, near Wrigley Field, in a parking lot at Navy Pier, near O'Hare or Midway Airport, or anywhere else in the Chicagoland area—I can help.
Hiring Scott was one of the best moves I have made in my life. Scott is a down to earth person and attorney. Scott is a 5 star first class act who really knows his stuff. The Judge said his presentation was one of if not the best he had ever seen. Take my advice, hire Scott I’m sure you’ll be 200% satisfied I was.
Scott not only cares about the case, but he truly cares about his clients and that makes him the best lawyer I have ever met and hired! He won my case! He is thorough in everything he does. I highly recommend Scott, and will always refer him to family and friends.
I hired Scott DeSalvo upon a friend’s recommendation. His office kept me informed of developments as they happened, and I felt the settlement reached was fair considering my injuries. I would highly recommend Scott DeSalvo to represent your personal injury case.
When I take on your rideshare accident case, I fight to recover compensation for:
The insurance companies will try to minimize every single one of these categories.
They'll argue your injuries aren't that serious. They'll claim you're exaggerating your pain. They'll say you could go back to work if you really wanted to.
I don't let them get away with that.
No matter how you or someone you love has been hurt, I truly hope to hear from you to see how I can help.
Here's how it works when you call:
Sound good?
Look, I know you're probably talking to other lawyers. That's smart. You should.
But here's what I want you to know:
When you hire me, you're not just getting a lawyer. You're getting someone who truly cares about your case.
Someone who will fight for you like you're family.
Someone who has the skills and knowledge to take on billion-dollar companies and their insurance teams—and win.
I'm available 24/7/365.
Yes, really. Even at 2 AM on a Sunday. Even on holidays. Even when you think it might be too late or too early to call.
Of course, I visit my clients all over Chicago and the suburbs. We can meet at your home, at a local coffee shop, or anywhere you feel comfortable.
Call me now at (312)-500-4500
Time matters when you've been hurt in a rideshare accident.
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. Insurance companies start building their defense against you.
The sooner you call, the better I can protect your rights.
Find out if you have a good case, or a tough one...for free!
"Hiring Scott was one of the best moves I have made in my life. Scott is a down to earth person and attorney. Scott is a 5 star first class act who really knows his stuff. The Judge said his presentation was one of if not the best he had ever seen. Take my advice, hire Scott I'm sure you'll be 200% satisfied I was."
— Richard Lange
"Scott not only cares about the case, but he truly cares about his clients and that makes him the best lawyer I have ever met and hired! He won my case! He is thorough in everything he does. I highly recommend Scott, and will always refer him to family and friends."
— Geannine Rowe
"His office kept me informed of developments as they happened, and I felt the settlement reached was fair considering my injuries. I would highly recommend Scott DeSalvo to represent your personal injury case."
— Lisa Hibbard
Call "My Injury Guy" Scott DeSalvo
(312)-500-4500
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Whether you have a case or not, you deserve answers to your questions and some peace of mind.
The call is free. The consultation is free. But the peace of mind of having your questions answered? Priceless.
P.S. — There is one particular rideshare accident lawyer I'd like you to call. I'll let you guess who that is. (Yes, that's my sense of humor creeping in.)
Main Office:
1000 Jorie Blvd Ste 204
Oak Brook, IL 60523
New Cases: 312-500-4500
Office: 1 312-895-0545
Fax: 1 866-629-1817
service@desalvolaw.com
Chicago and Other Suburban Offices
By Appointment Only
