Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

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

In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological advances has reduced the necessity for individuals to drive themselves, and has created more opportunities to have others drive for them. From ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, to delivery companies like UberEats and GrubHub, America's streets are filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. However, many of these services can needlessly endanger our community and lead to considerable injuries as a result.

Facing big companies by yourself can be difficult and is often intimidating. If you have been hurt by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you may be entitled to hold these companies accountable. The automobile accident attorneys at Drake Law Firm are experienced and ready to fight on your behalf. Call us at (844) 513-7253 for a free consultation. If we don't reach a desirable result in your case, you will not owe us anything.

Can Companies Be Held Responsible?

Companies associated with ride-sharing and deliveries usually try to categorize their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not full-time employees for financial reasons and to evade responsibility. However, when a motorist hurts others while at work, those companies may be held liable under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously accountable for the injury their motorists cause while on the clock. This means victims may pursue actions directly against the companies, and against the motorist.

Increased Risk

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

A few of the most common dangers associated with delivery and ride-sharing drivers include:

• Driving While Distracted-- Most delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phone while driving to be given directions from their company. Instead of focusing on the road, these drivers repeatedly turn their attention to their cell phone. Focusing on a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving blind, and is among the most risky actions a motorist can take. Driving while using a cell phone is considered by a number of experts to be as dangerous as driving intoxicated, and is a leading cause of wrecks today.
• Speeding-- A lot of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are paid based on the number of trips they complete. Because of this, drivers may be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and take hazardous maneuvers to conserve time. This kind of driving puts at risk the whole neighborhood and puts their earnings above our safety.
• Bicycles and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing workers operate on bikes and scooters rather than a normal vehicle. In doing so, many cause wrecks by running into pedestrians or causing other vehicles to swerve to avoid a collision.

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

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get?

A knowledgeable attorney knows what evidence to use in order to pursue various damages that might increase your potential compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical costs associated with the treatment of your injuries, future lost income, disability, along with "intangible" damages such as pain and suffering.

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

A lawyer with experience handling similar claims may know which parties to sue, including not just the driver, but also the corporate company the motorist was working for, expanding your possible sources of compensation. Further, a lawyer might conduct an extensive investigation to get evidence that might help show 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:

Document the Scene of the Crash

Take note of any details in order to preserve crucial evidence helpful in proving the delivery or ride-sharing driver's fault and showing the full extent of your injuries. If you need any medical attention at a hospital as a result of the crash, the associated costs for these treatments may be sought from the liable party by your attorney. This is highly important, as medical costs can be astronomical, and in some cases future medical costs and treatments might be necessary for your recovery.

Get in touch with a Lawyer

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

Filing a Claim

Your lawyer may handle all the steps in submitting your claim. This involves educating you of your legal rights, performing thorough investigations and discovery of evidence regarding the accident, which are crucial in order to acquire evidence of the other parties' suspected fault and the extent of your damages and injuries. Your attorney may also help ensure compliance with any relevant legal time limit, negotiate with all relevant insurance companies, and communicate and advocate on your behalf with the other parties and the court.

It is extremely important after an accident to concentrate on rest, recovery and regaining your life back. Thus, your lawyer, 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 may result in settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your attorney captures, might wish to avoid a loss at trial or extended legal costs. In other cases, your attorney may be able to seek your best compensation by taking your claim to trial and presenting 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 Ride-Share Accident Lawyer in San Fernando Valley, 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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