Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver? Call (323) 379-9995 to Speak to an Automobile Mishap Lawyer for Free Today
In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological innovations 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 streets are filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, a lot of these services can needlessly endanger our neighborhood and result in considerable injuries as a result.
Dealing with big corporations on your own can be difficult and is usually overwhelming. If you have been injured by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you may 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 do not reach a positive result in your claim, you will not owe us anything.
Can Corporations Be Held Accountable?
Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries often attempt to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not full-time employees for financial reasons and to dodge liability. Nevertheless, when a driver injures others while on duty, those companies can be held liable under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously accountable for the injury their motorists cause while on the clock. This means injured parties might pursue actions directly against the companies, as well as against the driver.
Increased Risk
As more Americans today use delivery and ride-sharing services, the amount of these vehicles on the road has significantly increased, as have the amount of accidents these motorists 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 injured, both the motorist and the company whom she or he is working for can be accountable for your injuries.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Seek?
A knowledgeable attorney knows what evidence to utilize in order to pursue various damages that may 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, along with "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 collision, along with emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and fear caused by the crash. Some accident victims find it harder to drive at ease after a roadway incident, and this difficulty and anxiety might be quantified into financial damages by your attorney.
An attorney with experience handling similar cases might know which parties to sue, including not just the driver, but also the corporate company the driver was working for, expanding your potential sources of compensation. Additionally, an attorney might conduct an extensive investigation to obtain 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 Accident
Take note of any information in order to maintain important evidence useful in proving the delivery or ride-sharing driver's fault and demonstrating the full extent of your injuries. If you need any medical attention at a hospital as a result of the collision, the associated costs for these treatments might be sought from the liable party by your lawyer. This is very important, as medical expenses can be substantial, and in some cases future medical costs and treatments might be needed for your recovery.
Call an Attorney
A lawyer who has handled similar cases may help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all relevant parties and the court. Further, your lawyer might conduct thorough investigations to secure all possible evidence necessary in seeking your highest compensation from the other parties.
Filing a Claim
Your attorney may handle all the steps in submitting your claim. This includes educating you of your legal rights, conducting extensive investigations and discovery of evidence about the accident, which are essential 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 relevant legal time limit, 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 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 claims can result in 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 lawyer may be able to seek your best compensation by taking your case to trial and presenting your damages to a jury.
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