Law Offices of Tim D Wright - Rideshare Accident in North Hollywood, CA

Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver?

Call (323) 379-9995 to Speak With an Automobile Mishap Lawyer for Free Today

In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological advances 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 roadways are filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial reasons. However, a lot of these services can unnecessarily endanger our community and cause considerable injuries as a result.

Facing large corporations on your own can be challenging and is usually intimidating. If you have been injured by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you might be entitled to hold these companies responsible. The automobile accident lawyers at Tim D. Wright are experienced and prepared to fight for you. Call us at (323) 379-9995 for a free consultation. If we don't reach a positive result in your case, you won't owe us anything.

Can Corporations Be Held Responsible?

Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries typically try to categorize 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 duty, those companies may be held accountable under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously liable for the harm their motorists cause while on the clock. This means injured parties can 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 cars on the road has dramatically 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:

• Driving While Distracted-- The majority of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phone while on the road to receive directions from their company. Rather than focusing on the road, these motorists repeatedly turn their attention to their cell phone. Focusing on a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving blind, and is one of the most dangerous actions a motorist can take. Driving while using a cell phone is considered 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, motorists might be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and take hazardous maneuvers to conserve time. This kind of driving endangers the entire neighborhood and places their earnings above our safety.
• Bicycles and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing workers operate on bikes and scooters instead of a normal car. In doing so, many cause crashes by hitting pedestrians or causing other vehicles to swerve in order to avoid an accident.

Therefore, 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 can be accountable for your injuries.

What Sort of Compensation Can I Pursue?

A skilled 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 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 involve the real pain experienced during medical treatments and surgeries incurred as a result of the collision, 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 monetary damages by your attorney.

An attorney with experience handling similar claims may know which parties to file a claim against, including not just the motorist, but also the corporate company the motorist was working for, expanding your potential sources of compensation. Further, a lawyer might perform an extensive investigation to obtain evidence that might help prove 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:

Record the Scene of the Accident

Take note of any information 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 collision, the associated costs for these treatments might be sought from the at fault party by your attorney. This is extremely important, as medical expenses can be substantial, and sometimes future medical costs and treatments might be required for your recovery.

Call a Lawyer

An attorney that has dealt with similar cases might help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Further, your attorney may perform thorough investigations to obtain all possible evidence necessary in seeking your maximum compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your attorney might handle all the steps in filing your claim. This includes educating you of your legal rights, conducting in-depth investigations and discovery of evidence regarding the accident, which are important 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 extremely important after an accident to concentrate 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 recovery while they seek your maximum compensation. Some claims might lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your attorney gathers, might wish to avoid a loss at trial or prolonged legal expenses. In other cases, your lawyer may be able to seek your best compensation by taking your claim to trial and showing your damages to a jury.

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For more information about Rideshare Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys in North Hollywood, California, contact Law Offices of Tim D. Wright at (323) 379-9995 or visit our website at​​ TimWrightLaw.com for a Free Consultation! 

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