Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver?

Call (844) 513-7253 to Speak to a Ride-Share Accident Lawyer Today

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

Dealing with big corporations on your own can be challenging and is often overwhelming. 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 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 will not owe us anything.

Can Companies 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 hurts others while at work, those companies may be held accountable under a legal concept called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously accountable for the injury their motorists cause while on the job. This means victims might 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 number of accidents these motorists have caused.

A few of the most common risks associated with 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 on the road to be given directions from their employer. Rather than concentrating on the road, these drivers 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 dangerous actions a driver 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 paid based on the amount of trips they complete. Therefore, motorists may be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and also take risky maneuvers to conserve time. This kind of driving puts at risk the whole community and puts their earnings 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 an accident.

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 might be liable for your injuries.

What Type of Compensation Can I Get?

A knowledgeable lawyer knows what evidence to use in order to seek various damages that may increase your potential compensation. These include tangible losses such as property damage, medical bills 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 actual pain experienced during medical treatments and surgeries incurred as a result of the accident, along with emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and fear caused by the crash. Some accident victims find it more difficult to drive at ease after a roadway incident, and this difficulty and anxiety might be quantified into monetary damages by your attorney.

A lawyer with experience handling similar cases might know which parties to file a claim 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 an in-depth investigation to obtain evidence that might help prove 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 Accident

Make note of any information in order to maintain crucial evidence useful 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 may be sought from the liable party by your attorney. This is extremely important, as medical expenses can be astronomical, and sometimes future medical expenses and treatments may be necessary for your recovery.

Call an Attorney

An attorney who has handled similar claims may help you know your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all relevant parties and the court. Additionally, your attorney may conduct in-depth investigations to obtain 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 submitting your claim. This includes educating you of your legal rights, performing in-depth 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 lawyer might also help guarantee compliance with any applicable legal deadline, negotiate with all applicable insurance companies, and communicate and advocate on your behalf with the other parties and the court.

It is highly 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 recuperation while they seek your highest compensation. Some cases may lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer gathers, may wish to avoid a loss at trial or extended legal expenses. In other cases, your lawyer 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 Ride-Share Accident Lawyer in Woodland Hills, 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! 

‍