Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver?

Call (844) 513-7253 to Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today

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

Dealing with large companies on your own can be difficult and is usually overwhelming. If you have been hurt by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you may be entitled to hold these companies responsible. The motor vehicle 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 will not owe us anything.

Can Corporations Be Held Responsible?

Companies associated with ride-sharing and deliveries typically try to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not full-time employees for financial reasons and to dodge liability. However, when a driver hurts others while on the job, those companies can be held liable under a legal concept called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously liable for the harm their drivers cause while on the clock. This means injured parties can pursue actions directly against the companies, as well as against the motorist.

Enhanced Risk

As more Americans today use delivery and ride-sharing services, the number of these cars on the road has significantly risen, as have the amount of accidents these motorists 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 driving to be given instructions from their company. Instead of concentrating on the road, these motorists frequently turn their focus 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 driver can take. Driving while using a cell phone is regarded by a number of experts to be as dangerous as driving drunk, and is a leading cause of wrecks today.
• Speeding-- A lot of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are paid based on the amount of trips they complete. Therefore, motorists might be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and take dangerous maneuvers to conserve time. This kind of driving endangers the entire neighborhood and places their profits before our safety.
• Bikes and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing workers operate on bicycles and scooters rather than a regular car. In doing so, many cause accidents 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 can be accountable for your injuries.

What Sort of Compensation Can I Get?

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

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

A lawyer with experience handling similar cases may know which parties to sue, including not just the driver, but also the corporate business the driver was working for, expanding your possible sources of compensation. Additionally, a lawyer may conduct an in-depth investigation to get evidence that may help confirm the suspected fault of the company and the motorist, and help validate your damages to the court and insurance companies.

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

Record the Scene of the Accident

Make note of any information in order to maintain vital evidence useful 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 accident, the associated costs for these treatments might be sought from the responsible party by your attorney. This is extremely important, as medical costs can be astronomical, and in some cases future medical expenses and treatments may be necessary for your recovery.

Get in Touch with a Lawyer

A lawyer who has handled similar cases might help you know your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Further, your lawyer might perform thorough investigations to acquire all possible evidence necessary 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 involves informing you of your legal rights, conducting extensive investigations and discovery of evidence regarding the accident, which are vital in order to obtain evidence of the other parties' suspected fault and the extent of your damages and injuries. Your lawyer might also help guarantee 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 concentrate on your recovery while they seek your maximum compensation. Some claims can lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer captures, might want to prevent a loss at trial or extended legal costs. In other cases, your lawyer may be able to seek your best compensation by taking your claim to trial and showing your damages to a jury.