Ride-Share Accident in Fresno, CA

Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

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

In today's rapidly changing economy, the convenience of technological advancements has reduced the need 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 full of personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, a lot of these services can needlessly endanger our community and cause substantial injuries as a result.

Facing large companies by yourself 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 attorneys at 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 positive result in your claim, you will not owe us anything.

Can Corporations Be Held Responsible?

Companies associated with ride-sharing and deliveries typically try to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not permanent employees for financial reasons and to dodge responsibility. Nevertheless, when a driver hurts others while on duty, those companies may be held liable under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously responsible for the harm their drivers cause while on the job. This means injured parties may pursue actions directly against the companies, and against the motorist.

Increased Risk

As more Americans today utilize delivery and ride-sharing services, the number of these cars on the road has dramatically increased, 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 get directions from their company. Rather than concentrating 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 among the most risky actions a motorist can take. Driving while using a cell phone is regarded by a number of experts to be as dangerous as driving drunk, and is a leading cause of collisions today.
• Speeding-- Many delivery and ride-sharing drivers are compensated based on the amount of trips they complete. Because of this, drivers may be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and also take hazardous maneuvers to conserve time. This kind of driving endangers the entire neighborhood and places their profits above our safety.
• Bicycles 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 running into pedestrians or causing other cars to swerve to avoid an accident.

Therefore, 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 liable for your injuries.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Seek?

A skilled lawyer knows what evidence to utilize in order to seek various damages that might increase your potential compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical bills associated with the treatment of your injuries, future lost wages, disability, as well as "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, as well as emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and fear caused by the collision. Some accident victims find it more difficult to drive at ease after a roadway accident, and this difficulty and anxiety may be quantified into monetary damages by your attorney.

An attorney with experience handling similar claims might know which parties to take legal action against, including not only the driver, but also the corporate company the motorist was working for, expanding your potential sources of compensation. Further, a lawyer might conduct a thorough investigation to obtain evidence that may help confirm 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 essential 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 responsible party by your lawyer. This is highly important, as medical expenses can be astronomical, and in some cases future medical costs and treatments may be necessary for your recovery.

Call an Attorney

A lawyer who has dealt with similar claims can help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all relevant parties and the court. Further, your lawyer might conduct extensive investigations to acquire all possible evidence necessary in seeking your highest compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your lawyer might take care of all the steps in filing your claim. This includes informing you of your legal rights, conducting in-depth investigations and discovery of evidence about 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 lawyer can also help ensure 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 very important after an accident to focus on rest, recovery and regaining your life back. Thus, your attorney, 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 may result in settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer captures, might wish to avoid a loss at trial or prolonged legal expenses. In other cases, your lawyer might be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your claim to trial and showing your damages to a jury.

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