Hit By a Lyft Driver

Call (844) 513-7253 to Speak to an Automobile Crash Attorney for Free Today

In today's rapidly transforming 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 providers like UberEats and GrubHub, America's streets are full of personal vehicles driven for commercial reasons. Unfortunately, many of these services can needlessly endanger our neighborhood and cause considerable injuries as a result.

Dealing with large companies on your own can be difficult and is often 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 positive result in your claim, you won't owe us anything.

Can Corporations Be Held Accountable?

Companies associated with ride-sharing and deliveries often try to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not full-time employees for financial reasons and to evade responsibility. However, when a driver injures others while on duty, those companies can be held accountable under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously accountable for the harm their motorists cause while on the job. This means injured parties can seek actions directly against the companies, as well as against the motorist.

Increased Risk

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

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

• Driving While Distracted-- The majority of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phone while driving to be given directions from their employer. Rather than focusing on the road, these motorists consistently 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 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 wrecks today.
• Speeding-- Many delivery and ride-sharing drivers are paid based on the number of trips they complete. Because of this, drivers might be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and also take hazardous maneuvers to save time. This type of driving puts at risk the whole community and puts their profits before our safety.
• Bicycles and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing personnel operate on bikes and scooters instead of a normal vehicle. In doing so, many cause accidents by hitting pedestrians or causing other cars to swerve in order to avoid a collision.

Thus, 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 Type of Compensation Can I Pursue?

A knowledgeable lawyer knows what evidence to utilize in order to pursue various damages that may increase your possible compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical expenses related to the treatment of your injuries, future lost income, disability, as well as "intangible" damages such as pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering can include the actual pain experienced during medical treatments and surgeries 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 harder to drive at ease after a roadway accident, and this difficulty and anxiety may be quantified into monetary damages by your lawyer.

A lawyer with experience handling similar cases may know which parties to file a claim against, including not only the driver, but also the corporate business the driver was working for, increasing your possible sources of compensation. Further, a lawyer may perform an in-depth investigation to get evidence that may help confirm 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 Lyft Accident:

Document the Scene of the Accident

Make note of any details in order to preserve essential evidence helpful in showing the delivery or ride-sharing driver's fault and showing the full extent of your injuries. If you require any medical attention at a hospital as a result of the collision, the associated costs for these treatments may be sought from the responsible party by your attorney. This is very important, as medical expenses can be huge, and sometimes future medical expenses and treatments may be required for your recovery.

Call an Attorney

A lawyer who has dealt with similar claims might help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all relevant parties and the court. Further, your lawyer might perform in-depth investigations to obtain all possible evidence required in seeking your highest compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your lawyer may handle all the steps in filing your claim. This involves educating you of your legal rights, conducting 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 can 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 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 focus on your recovery while they seek your maximum compensation. Some claims might lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer captures, may want to avoid a loss at trial or prolonged legal expenses. In other cases, your attorney might be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your case 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 Lyft Accident Attorney in Encino, 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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