Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver? Call (323) 379-9995 to Speak With a Car Crash Attorney for Free Today
In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological advancements 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 full of personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, many of these services can needlessly endanger our community and lead to substantial injuries as a result.
Dealing with big companies on your own can be difficult and is often overwhelming. If you have been hurt by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you may be entitled to hold these companies responsible. The motor vehicle accident lawyers at Tim D. Wright are experienced and ready to fight for you. Call us at (323) 379-9995 for a free consultation. If we don't reach a desirable result in your case, you will not owe us anything.
Can Corporations Be Held Accountable?
Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries usually attempt to categorize their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not permanent employees for financial reasons and to dodge responsibility. Nevertheless, when a driver injures others while on the job, those companies may be held responsible under a legal concept called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously responsible for the injury their motorists cause while on the clock. This means victims may pursue actions directly against the companies, and against the driver.
Enhanced Risk
As more Americans today use delivery and ride-sharing services, the amount of these vehicles on the road has significantly risen, as have the amount of accidents these drivers have caused.
A few of the most common risks associated with delivery and ride-sharing drivers include:
Therefore, if a delivery or ride-sharing driver has caused you to be hurt, both the driver and the company whom she or he is working for can be liable for your injuries.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Pursue?
A knowledgeable lawyer knows what evidence to utilize in order to pursue various damages that might increase your possible compensation. These include tangible losses such as property damage, medical expenses related to the treatment of your injuries, future lost wages, disability, along with "intangible" damages such as pain and suffering.
Pain and suffering can include 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 accident. Some accident victims find it harder to drive at ease after a roadway accident, and this difficulty and anxiety might be quantified into financial damages by your attorney.
A lawyer with experience handling similar claims may know which parties to sue, including not just the motorist, but also the corporate business the driver was working for, expanding your possible sources of compensation. Additionally, an attorney might perform an extensive investigation to obtain evidence that might help show the suspected fault of the company and the driver, 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 Collision
Make note of any details in order to maintain important evidence helpful in showing the delivery or ride-sharing driver's fault and demonstrating the full extent of your injuries. If you require any medical attention at a hospital as a result of the collision, the associated costs for these treatments might be sought from the at fault party by your lawyer. This is extremely important, as medical costs can be substantial, and in some cases future medical expenses and treatments might be required for your recovery.
Get in Touch with a Lawyer
An attorney who has dealt with similar claims may help you know your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Further, your attorney might conduct in-depth investigations to secure all possible evidence necessary in seeking your highest compensation from the other parties.
Filing a Claim
Your lawyer may handle all the steps in filing your claim. This includes informing you of your legal rights, conducting extensive investigations and discovery of evidence relating to 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 might 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. Therefore, your lawyer, by doing all of the legal work on your behalf, can allow you to focus on your recuperation while they seek your greatest compensation. Some cases may result in settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer gathers, may want to avoid a loss at trial or extended legal costs. In other cases, your attorney might be able to seek your best compensation by taking your case to trial and presenting your damages to a jury.
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