Got Hit By a Lyft or Delivery Driver?

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

In today's rapidly changing 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 streets are full of personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. However, a lot of these services can unnecessarily endanger our community and cause considerable injuries as a result.

Facing big companies on your own can be difficult and is often overwhelming. If you have been injured by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you may be entitled to hold these companies responsible. The car accident lawyers 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 claim, you will not owe us anything.

Can Corporations Be Held Accountable?

Companies associated with 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 dodge liability. Nevertheless, when a motorist injures others while at work, those companies might be held accountable under a legal concept called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously liable for the harm their motorists cause while on the job. This means victims may seek actions directly against the companies, and against the driver.

Increased Risk

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

Some of the most common dangers 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 get directions from their company. Instead of focusing on the road, these drivers repeatedly shift their focus 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 regarded by a number of experts to be as dangerous as driving drunk, and is a leading cause of accidents today.
• Speeding-- A lot of 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 also take hazardous maneuvers to save time. This type of driving puts at risk the whole neighborhood and places their profits above our safety.
• Bicycles and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing workers operate on bicycles and scooters rather than a normal vehicle. In doing so, many cause crashes by running into pedestrians or causing other cars to swerve to avoid an accident.

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

What Kind of Compensation Can I Pursue?

A skilled attorney knows what evidence to utilize in order to seek various damages that may increase your potential compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical bills associated with the treatment of your injuries, future lost wages, disability, along with "intangible" damages such as pain and suffering.

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

A lawyer with experience handling similar claims might know which parties to take legal action against, including not just the driver, but also the corporate business the driver was working for, expanding your potential sources of compensation. Additionally, an attorney might perform an extensive investigation to acquire evidence that might help show the suspected fault of the company and the driver, and help prove your damages to the court and insurance companies.

What to Do After a Lyft/Delivery Accident:

Document the Scene of the Collision

Take note of any information in order to maintain vital 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 might be sought from the liable party by your lawyer. This is highly important, as medical expenses can be astronomical, and sometimes future medical costs and treatments may be needed for your recovery.

Get In touch with a Lawyer

A lawyer who has dealt with similar claims might help you know 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 maximum compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your attorney may handle all the steps in submitting your claim. This involves educating you of your legal rights, performing thorough investigations and discovery of evidence relating to 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 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 focus on rest, recovery and regaining your life back. Thus, 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 may result in settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer gathers, may want to prevent a loss at trial or prolonged legal expenses. In other cases, your lawyer may be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your claim to trial and presenting your damages to a jury.