Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological innovations has reduced the need for people to drive themselves, and has created more opportunities 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 filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, a lot of these services can unnecessarily endanger our community and cause substantial injuries as a result.

Dealing with large companies on your own can be difficult and is often intimidating. If you have been injured 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 don't reach a favorable result in your claim, you will not owe us anything.

Can Corporations Be Held Responsible?

Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries usually try to categorize their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not permanent employees for financial reasons and to evade liability. Nevertheless, when a driver hurts others while on the job, those companies may be held liable under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously responsible for the injury their drivers cause while on the job. This means injured parties may pursue actions directly against the companies, and against the motorist.

Enhanced Risk

As more Americans today use delivery and ride-sharing services, the amount of these cars on the road has significantly increased, 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-- Most delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phone while driving to be given directions from their employer. Rather than focusing on the road, these motorists consistently turn their attention to their cell phone. Focusing on a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving blind, and is among the most risky 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 number of trips they complete. Therefore, drivers may be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and also take risky maneuvers to save time. This type of driving puts at risk the whole neighborhood and puts their earnings before our safety.
• Bicycles and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing personnel operate on bicycles and scooters as opposed to a regular car. In doing so, many cause wrecks 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 might be responsible for your injuries.

What Sort of Compensation Can I Pursue?

An experienced lawyer knows what evidence to use in order to pursue various damages that might increase your possible compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical bills related to the treatment of your injuries, future lost income, 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 crash, as well as emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and fear caused by the crash. 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 lawyer.

A lawyer with experience handling similar cases might know which parties to take legal action against, including not only the driver, but also the corporate company the driver was working for, increasing your potential sources of compensation. Further, a lawyer may conduct an extensive investigation to acquire 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:

Document the Scene of the Crash

Take note of any information in order to preserve vital 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 accident, the associated costs for these treatments might be sought from the liable party by your attorney. This is extremely important, as medical costs can be astronomical, and in some cases future medical costs and treatments may be required for your recovery.

Contact an Attorney

An attorney that has handled similar claims may help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Additionally, your attorney may perform extensive investigations to secure all possible evidence necessary in seeking your highest 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, 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 might 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 very important after an accident to concentrate on rest, recovery and regaining your life back. Therefore, your lawyer, by doing all of the legal work on your behalf, can allow you to concentrate on your recuperation while they seek your highest compensation. Some claims can result in settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer captures, might wish to avoid a loss at trial or prolonged legal expenses. In other cases, your attorney may be able to seek your greatest 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 Sherman Oaks, 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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