Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

Call (844) 513-7253 to Speak to an Automobile Accident Lawyer for Free Today

In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological innovations 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 streets are full of personal vehicles driven for commercial reasons. Unfortunately, a lot of these services can unnecessarily endanger our neighborhood and cause substantial injuries as a result.

Dealing with big companies on your own can be difficult and is usually intimidating. If you have been hurt 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 on your behalf. Call us at (844) 513-7253 for a free consultation. If we do not reach a favorable result in your case, you will not owe us anything.

Can Corporations 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 dodge liability. Nevertheless, when a driver hurts others while on the job, those companies might be held responsible under a legal concept called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously liable for the harm their drivers cause while on the job. This means victims may seek actions directly against the companies, and against the motorist.

Increased Risk

As more Americans today use delivery and ride-sharing services, the number of these vehicles on the road has dramatically risen, as have the amount of accidents these motorists have caused.

Some of the most common dangers associated with delivery and ride-sharing drivers include:

• Driving While Distracted-- Most 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 focusing 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 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 hazardous as driving intoxicated, and is a leading cause of collisions today.
• Speeding-- Many delivery and ride-sharing drivers are paid based on the number of trips they complete. As such, motorists may be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and also take hazardous maneuvers to conserve time. This type of driving endangers the entire community and puts their profits above our safety.
• Bikes and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing personnel operate on bikes and scooters rather than a typical car. In doing so, many cause wrecks by hitting pedestrians or causing other cars to swerve in order to avoid an accident.

Thus, 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 might be liable for your injuries.

What Type of Compensation Can I Get?

A skilled lawyer knows what evidence to use in order to pursue various damages that might increase your potential compensation. These include 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 actual pain experienced during medical treatments and surgeries incurred as a result of the collision, in addition to emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and fear caused by the accident. Some accident victims find it harder to drive at ease after a roadway accident, and this difficulty and anxiety might be quantified into monetary damages by your attorney.

An attorney with experience handling similar cases may know which parties to sue, including not only the driver, but also the corporate business the motorist was working for, expanding your potential sources of compensation. Additionally, an attorney may perform an in-depth investigation to get evidence that may help confirm the suspected fault of the company and the driver, and help prove 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 details in order to preserve vital evidence helpful in proving 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 responsible party by your lawyer. This is very important, as medical costs can be astronomical, and sometimes future medical costs and treatments might be required for your recovery.

Get in Touch with a Lawyer

A lawyer who has dealt with similar claims can help you know your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Further, your attorney might perform thorough investigations to acquire all possible evidence necessary in seeking your highest compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your attorney might handle all the steps in submitting your claim. This includes informing you of your legal rights, conducting extensive 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 deadline, negotiate with all relevant insurance companies, and communicate and advocate on your behalf with the other parties and the court.

It is highly important after an accident to focus 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 recuperation while they seek your maximum compensation. Some cases might lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your attorney captures, may wish to avoid a loss at trial or extended legal expenses. In other cases, your attorney might be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your case to trial and presenting your damages to a jury.