Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

Call (844) 513-7253 to Speak with a Motor Vehicle Mishap Attorney for Free Today

In today's rapidly changing economy, the convenience of technological advances has reduced the need for individuals to drive themselves, and has created more possibilities to have others drive for them. From ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, to delivery companies like UberEats and GrubHub, America's roads are full of personal vehicles driven for commercial reasons. Unfortunately, a lot of these services can needlessly endanger our neighborhood and cause considerable injuries as a result.

Facing big companies by yourself can be challenging and is usually intimidating. If you have been hurt by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you might be entitled to hold these companies accountable. The car accident lawyers at Drake Law Firm are experienced and prepared to fight on your behalf. Call us at (844) 513-7253 for a free consultation. If we do not reach a favorable result in your case, you won't owe us anything.

Can Companies Be Held Accountable?

Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries usually attempt to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not permanent employees for financial reasons and to dodge responsibility. Nevertheless, when a motorist injures others while on duty, those companies might be held accountable under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously responsible for the injury their drivers cause while on the clock. This means injured parties might pursue actions directly against the companies, as well as against the motorist.

Increased Risk

As more Americans today use delivery and ride-sharing services, the amount of these vehicles on the road has significantly increased, as have the number of accidents these drivers have caused.

A few of the most common risks linked to delivery and ride-sharing drivers consist of:

• Driving While Distracted-- Most delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phone while on the road to get instructions from their employer. Rather than focusing on the road, these motorists frequently turn their attention to their cell phone. Focusing on a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving blind, and is one of the most risky actions a driver can take. Driving while using a cell phone is regarded by many experts to be as dangerous as driving drunk, and is a leading cause of accidents today.
• Speeding-- Many delivery and ride-sharing drivers are compensated based on the amount of trips they complete. As such, drivers might be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and take hazardous maneuvers to save time. This kind of driving endangers the whole community and puts their earnings before our safety.
• Bikes and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing personnel operate on bicycles and scooters instead of a typical vehicle. In doing so, many cause accidents by running into pedestrians or causing other vehicles to swerve to avoid an accident.

Therefore, if a delivery or ride-sharing driver has caused you to be hurt, both the driver and the company whom she or he is working for can be liable for your injuries.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Pursue?

An experienced attorney knows what evidence to use in order to seek various damages that may increase your possible compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical costs related to the treatment of your injuries, future lost wages, disability, as well as "intangible" damages such as pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering can include the actual pain experienced during medical treatments and surgical procedures incurred as a result of the crash, in addition to emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and fear caused by the collision. Some accident victims find it more difficult to drive at ease after a roadway incident, and this difficulty and anxiety may be quantified into financial damages by your attorney.

An attorney with experience handling similar claims may know which parties to take legal action against, including not just the motorist, but also the corporate business the motorist was working for, expanding your potential sources of compensation. Additionally, an attorney might conduct a thorough investigation to acquire evidence that may help verify the suspected fault of the company and the motorist, and help prove your damages to the court and insurance companies.

What to Do After a Ride-Sharing/Delivery Accident:

Record the Scene of the Collision

Take note of any details in order to preserve crucial evidence useful in showing the delivery or ride-sharing driver's fault and demonstrating the full extent of your injuries. If you require any medical attention at a hospital as a result of the crash, the associated costs for these treatments might be sought from the at fault party by your attorney. This is extremely important, as medical expenses can be astronomical, and sometimes future medical costs and treatments might be needed for your recovery.

Call a Lawyer

An attorney that has dealt with similar cases may help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Further, your lawyer may conduct extensive investigations to obtain all possible evidence required in seeking your highest compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your lawyer might take care of all the steps in submitting your claim. This includes informing you of your legal rights, conducting thorough investigations and discovery of evidence relating to the accident, which are essential in order to acquire evidence of the other parties' suspected fault and the extent of your damages and injuries. Your lawyer may also help guarantee compliance with any applicable legal deadline, negotiate with all applicable insurance companies, and communicate and advocate on your behalf with the other parties and the court.

It is highly important after an accident to concentrate on rest, recovery and regaining your life back. Therefore, your attorney, by doing all of the legal work on your behalf, can allow you to focus on your recovery while they seek your greatest compensation. Some cases can result in settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your attorney captures, might wish to prevent a loss at trial or prolonged legal expenses. In other cases, your attorney may be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your claim to trial and showing your damages to a jury.

At Drake Law Firm, we've assisted numerous personal injury clients to get the compensation they require to recover. We won't let you accept unfair treatment from other law firms and we will defend you from beginning to end. If you need help with a Ride-share Accident Lawyer in Panorama City, California, give us a call at (844) 513-7253 for a FREE consultation or visit our website at DrakeLawGroup.com to get started on your case today! 

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