Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological advancements has reduced the necessity for individuals to drive themselves, and has created more opportunities to have others drive for them. From ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, to delivery providers like UberEats and GrubHub, America's roads are filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, many of these services can unnecessarily endanger our neighborhood and result in substantial injuries as a result.

Facing big companies by yourself can be challenging and is usually overwhelming. If you have been injured by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you might be entitled to hold these companies responsible. The motor vehicle accident attorneys 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 do not reach a positive result in your case, you will not owe us anything.

Can Companies Be Held Accountable?

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 on the job, those companies can be held liable under a legal concept called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously liable for the harm their drivers cause while on the clock. This means injured parties can pursue actions directly against the companies, as well as against the motorist.

Increased Risk

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

A few of the most common risks 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 receive directions from their employer. Instead of concentrating on the road, these motorists frequently 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 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 intoxicated, and is a leading cause of accidents today.
• Speeding-- Many delivery and ride-sharing drivers are compensated based on the amount of trips they complete. Because of this, motorists might be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and take dangerous maneuvers to save time. This kind of driving puts at risk the whole neighborhood and places their earnings before 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 accidents 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 injured, both the driver and the company whom she or he is working for can be responsible for your injuries.

What Sort of Compensation Can I Pursue?

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

Pain and suffering can involve the actual 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 incident, and this difficulty and anxiety may be quantified into financial damages by your attorney.

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

What to Do After a Ride-Sharing/Delivery Accident:

Record the Scene of the Accident

Take note of any details in order to preserve essential evidence helpful in proving the delivery or ride-sharing driver's fault and demonstrating 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 might be sought from the liable party by your attorney. This is very important, as medical costs can be huge, and sometimes future medical expenses and treatments might be necessary for your recovery.

Call an Attorney

An attorney who has handled similar claims might help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all relevant parties and the court. Additionally, your lawyer might conduct thorough investigations to acquire all possible evidence necessary in seeking your highest compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your lawyer might take care of all the steps in filing your claim. This includes educating you of your legal rights, conducting in-depth investigations and discovery of evidence concerning the accident, which are important in order to obtain 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 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. Thus, your lawyer, 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 lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your attorney gathers, might wish to prevent a loss at trial or prolonged legal costs. In other cases, your lawyer might be able to seek your best compensation by taking your case to trial and presenting 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 Calabasas, 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! 

‍