Ride-Share Accident in Ontario, CA

Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

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Call (323) 379-9995 to Speak With a Car Crash Lawyer for Free Today

In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological advances has reduced the need 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 filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial reasons. Unfortunately, many of these services can needlessly endanger our neighborhood and cause considerable injuries as a result.

Dealing with large companies on your own can be difficult and is often intimidating. If you have been hurt by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you may be entitled to hold these companies responsible. The automobile accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright are experienced and prepared to fight on your behalf. Call us at (323) 379-9995 for a free consultation. If we do not reach a desirable result in your case, you will not owe us anything.

Can Corporations Be Held Accountable?

Companies associated with ride-sharing and deliveries usually try to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not permanent employees for financial reasons and to dodge liability. Nevertheless, when a driver injures others while at work, those companies might be held liable under a legal concept called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously responsible for the harm their drivers cause while on the clock. This means victims may pursue actions directly against the companies, and against the motorist.

Enhanced Risk

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

A few of the most common risks linked to delivery and ride-sharing drivers include:

• 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 instructions from their company. Rather than concentrating on the road, these motorists consistently 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 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 intoxicated, and is a leading cause of crashes today.
• Speeding-- Many delivery and ride-sharing drivers are compensated based on the amount of trips they complete. As such, drivers may be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and take hazardous maneuvers to save time. This type of driving puts at risk the entire neighborhood and places their profits before our safety.
• Bikes and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing workers operate on bicycles and scooters instead of a regular car. In doing so, many cause wrecks by hitting pedestrians or causing other vehicles to swerve in order to avoid an accident.

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 can be responsible for your injuries.

What Type of Compensation Can I Get?

An experienced lawyer knows what evidence to utilize in order to pursue various damages that might increase your possible compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical costs related to the treatment of your injuries, future lost wages, disability, along with "intangible" damages such as pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering can involve the real pain experienced during medical treatments and surgeries incurred as a result of the accident, 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 incident, and this difficulty and anxiety might be quantified into financial damages by your lawyer.

A lawyer with experience handling similar claims might know which parties to sue, including not only the driver, but also the corporate business the driver was working for, expanding your potential sources of compensation. Additionally, a lawyer may conduct an in-depth investigation to acquire evidence that may 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

Take note of any details in order to maintain important evidence useful 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 accident, the associated costs for these treatments might be sought from the at fault 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 necessary for your recovery.

Get in touch with a Lawyer

A lawyer who has handled similar cases can help you know your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all relevant parties and the court. Additionally, your attorney might 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 informing you of your legal rights, performing thorough investigations and discovery of evidence regarding the accident, which are vital in order to obtain evidence of the other parties' suspected fault and the extent of your damages and injuries. Your attorney 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 very important after an accident to focus 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 recovery while they seek your greatest compensation. Some cases might result in settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer captures, may want to prevent a loss at trial or prolonged legal expenses. In other cases, your lawyer may be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your case to trial and showing your damages to a jury.