Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

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

In today's rapidly changing economy, the convenience of technological advances has reduced the need for people 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 roads are full of personal vehicles driven for commercial reasons. However, many of these services can needlessly endanger our neighborhood and cause substantial injuries as a result.

Facing big companies by yourself can be challenging and is often intimidating. If you have been injured by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you might be entitled to hold these companies accountable. 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 claim, you will not owe us anything.

Can Companies Be Held Accountable?

Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries typically attempt to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not full-time employees for financial reasons and to evade responsibility. Nevertheless, when a driver injures others while on duty, those companies may be held accountable under a legal concept called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously accountable 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 driver.

Enhanced 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 number of accidents these drivers have caused.

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

• Driving While Distracted-- The majority of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phone while on the road to get directions from their company. Instead of 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 among the most dangerous actions a motorist can take. Driving while using a cell phone is considered by many experts to be as dangerous as driving drunk, and is a leading cause of crashes today.
• Speeding-- A lot of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are compensated based on the number of trips they complete. Because of this, drivers may be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and also take hazardous maneuvers to conserve time. This type of driving endangers the entire neighborhood and puts their earnings above our safety.
• Bikes and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing workers operate on bikes and scooters rather than a typical vehicle. In doing so, many cause crashes by running into pedestrians or causing other cars to swerve to avoid a collision.

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

What Sort of Compensation Can I Pursue?

A knowledgeable lawyer knows what evidence to use in order to seek various damages that may increase your possible compensation. These include tangible losses such as property damage, medical costs 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 involve the actual pain experienced during medical treatments and surgical procedures incurred as a result of the collision, in addition to emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and fear caused by the crash. Some accident victims find it harder to drive at ease after a roadway incident, and this difficulty and anxiety may be quantified into monetary damages by your lawyer.

A lawyer with experience handling similar cases might know which parties to take legal action against, including not only the driver, but also the corporate company the driver was working for, expanding your potential sources of compensation. Additionally, a lawyer might perform a thorough investigation to acquire evidence that might 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 Crash

Take note of any information in order to maintain 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 accident, the associated costs for these treatments may be sought from the responsible party by your lawyer. This is highly important, as medical costs can be huge, and in some cases future medical expenses and treatments may be required for your recovery.

Get In Touch with an Attorney

A lawyer that has handled similar claims can help you know your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Further, your attorney might perform in-depth investigations to secure all possible evidence required in seeking your maximum compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your lawyer might handle all the steps in filing your claim. This includes educating you of your legal rights, performing in-depth investigations and discovery of evidence regarding the accident, which are important in order to acquire evidence of the other parties' suspected fault and the extent of your damages and injuries. Your lawyer may also help ensure compliance with any relevant legal deadline, negotiate with all relevant insurance companies, and communicate and advocate on your behalf with the other parties and the court.

It is very 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 concentrate on your recuperation while they seek your maximum compensation. Some cases may lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer captures, might wish to prevent a loss at trial or extended legal costs. In other cases, your lawyer might be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your case 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 Rideshare Accidents in Topanga, 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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