Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

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

In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological innovations has reduced the necessity 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 roadways are full of personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. However, a lot of these services can needlessly endanger our community and cause considerable injuries as a result.

Dealing with large companies by yourself 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 accountable. The automobile accident attorneys at Drake Law Firm are experienced and prepared to fight for you. Call us at (844) 513-7253 for a free consultation. If we don't reach a positive result in your claim, you won't owe us anything.

Can Companies Be Held Accountable?

Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries usually try to categorize 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 at work, those companies may be held liable under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously accountable for the harm their motorists cause while on the clock. This means victims might pursue actions directly against the companies, and 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 risen, as have the amount of accidents these motorists have caused.

A few of the most common dangers 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. Instead of focusing on the road, these motorists consistently shift their focus 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 a number of experts to be as hazardous as driving intoxicated, 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, motorists might be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and also take risky maneuvers to conserve time. This type of driving endangers the entire community and puts their profits above our safety.
• Bicycles and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing personnel operate on bikes and scooters as opposed to a regular car. In doing so, many cause crashes 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 may be accountable for your injuries.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get?

An experienced attorney knows what evidence to use in order to seek various damages that might increase your possible compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical costs related to 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 real pain experienced during medical treatments and surgical procedures incurred as a result of the accident, 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 claims may know which parties to sue, including not only the driver, but also the corporate company the motorist was working for, expanding your possible sources of compensation. Additionally, an attorney might conduct an in-depth investigation to get evidence that might help verify 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 Ride-Sharing/Delivery Accident:

Record the Scene of the Collision

Make note of any details in order to maintain vital evidence useful 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 crash, the associated costs for these treatments may be sought from the liable party by your attorney. This is highly important, as medical expenses can be huge, and in some cases future medical expenses and treatments may be necessary for your recovery.

Call an Attorney

An attorney that has dealt with similar claims can help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Additionally, your lawyer might perform thorough investigations to acquire all possible evidence required in seeking your highest compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your attorney may take care of all the steps in submitting your claim. This involves informing you of your legal rights, performing thorough investigations and discovery of evidence concerning the accident, which are crucial 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 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 focus 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 recuperation while they seek your maximum compensation. Some claims might result in settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer gathers, might want to prevent a loss at trial or extended legal expenses. In other cases, your lawyer might be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your claim 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 Rideshare Accidents in Northridge, 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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