Call (844) 513-7253 to Speak With an Automobile Accident Lawyer for Free Today
In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological advancements 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 companies like UberEats and GrubHub, America's streets are filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. However, a lot of these services can needlessly endanger our neighborhood and result in substantial injuries as a result.
Facing big corporations on your own can be challenging 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 ready to fight for you. Call us at (844) 513-7253 for a free consultation. If we do not reach a desirable result in your case, you won't owe us anything.
Can Corporations Be Held Responsible?
Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries often try to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not permanent employees for financial reasons and to evade liability. Nevertheless, when a driver injures others while at work, those companies may be held liable under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously liable for the injury their motorists cause while on the clock. This means injured parties can seek actions directly against the companies, as well as against the motorist.
Enhanced Risk
As more Americans today use delivery and ride-sharing services, the amount of these cars on the road has drastically 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:
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 might be responsible for your injuries.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Pursue?
A skilled lawyer knows what evidence to utilize in order to seek various damages that might increase your possible compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical bills associated with the treatment of your injuries, future lost wages, disability, in addition to "intangible" damages such as pain and suffering.
Pain and suffering can include the actual 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 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 cases may know which parties to take legal action against, including not only the motorist, but also the corporate business the motorist was working for, increasing your potential sources of compensation. Further, an attorney may perform a thorough investigation to acquire evidence that might help verify the suspected fault of the company and the driver, and help validate your damages to the court and insurance companies.
What to Do After a Ride-Sharing/Delivery Accident
Document the Scene of the Accident
Take note of any information in order to preserve essential evidence useful in showing 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 collision, the associated costs for these treatments may be sought from the liable party by your lawyer. This is very important, as medical costs can be huge, and in some cases future medical expenses and treatments might be required for your recovery.
Get in Touch with a Lawyer
An attorney that has handled similar cases can help you know your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all relevant parties and the court. Additionally, your attorney may perform extensive investigations to acquire all possible evidence necessary in seeking your maximum compensation from the other parties.
Filing a Claim
Your attorney may take care of all the steps in filing your claim. This involves informing you of your legal rights, conducting extensive investigations and discovery of evidence concerning the accident, which are essential in order to obtain evidence of the other parties' suspected fault and the extent of your damages and injuries. Your lawyer can also help guarantee compliance with any applicable 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 claims can result in settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer captures, might want to prevent a loss at trial or prolonged legal costs. 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.