Ride-Share Accident in Riverside, CA

Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

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

In today's rapidly changing economy, the convenience of technological advances has reduced the necessity for people to drive themselves, and has created more possibilities 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 reasons. Unfortunately, a lot of these services can needlessly endanger our neighborhood and result in substantial injuries as a result.

Facing large corporations on your own can be difficult and is often overwhelming. If you have been injured by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you might be entitled to hold these companies accountable. The motor vehicle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright are experienced and ready to fight on your behalf. Call us at (323) 379-9995 for a free consultation. If we don't reach a favorable result in your claim, you won't owe us anything.

Can Companies Be Held Responsible?

Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries usually attempt to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not permanent employees for financial reasons and to dodge liability. However, when a driver hurts others while on the job, those companies might be held responsible under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously liable for the harm their drivers cause while on the job. This means victims can pursue actions directly against the companies, as well as against the driver.

Enhanced Risk

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

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

• Driving While Distracted-- The majority of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phone while driving to receive directions from their company. Rather than concentrating on the road, these motorists frequently 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 considered by a number of experts to be as hazardous as driving drunk, and is a leading cause of wrecks today.
• Speeding-- A lot of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are paid based on the amount of trips they complete. As such, drivers might be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and take hazardous maneuvers to conserve time. This type of driving endangers the whole community and places their profits before our safety.
• Bicycles and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing personnel operate on bikes and scooters instead of a typical vehicle. In doing so, many cause wrecks 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 hurt, both the driver and the company whom she or he is working for might be accountable for your injuries.

What Sort of Compensation Can I Pursue?

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

Pain and suffering can involve the real 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 accident. 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 file a claim against, including not just the driver, but also the corporate company the motorist was working for, expanding your potential sources of compensation. Further, an attorney might conduct an extensive investigation to acquire evidence that may help show 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:

Document the Scene of the Crash

Take note of any details in order to maintain essential 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 accident, the associated costs for these treatments may be sought from the liable party by your attorney. This is extremely important, as medical expenses can be astronomical, and sometimes future medical costs and treatments might be needed for your recovery.

Get in touch with an Attorney

An attorney that has dealt with similar claims might help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Additionally, your attorney might conduct in-depth investigations to acquire all possible evidence necessary in seeking your maximum compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your lawyer may handle all the steps in submitting your claim. This involves educating you of your legal rights, conducting 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 lawyer might also help guarantee 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. 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 highest compensation. Some claims can 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 expenses. In other cases, your lawyer might be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your case to trial and showing your damages to a jury.

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