Rideshare Accident in Inland Empire, CA

Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

Call (323) 379-9995 to Speak with a Car Mishap Attorney for Free Today

In today's rapidly changing 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 companies like UberEats and GrubHub, America's roadways are filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial reasons. Unfortunately, many of these services can needlessly endanger our community and result in substantial injuries as a result.

Dealing with big corporations on your own can be challenging and is often intimidating. If you have been injured by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you may be entitled to hold these companies accountable. The automobile accident attorneys at the Law Offices of 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 favorable result in your case, you won't owe us anything.

Can Corporations Be Held Responsible?

Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries often attempt to categorize their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not full-time employees for financial reasons and to dodge responsibility. However, when a driver hurts others while at work, those companies may be held responsible under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously accountable for the harm their motorists cause while on the job. This means injured parties may seek actions directly against the companies, and against the driver.

Enhanced Risk

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

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

• Driving While Distracted-- Most delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phone while driving to be given instructions from their employer. Instead of concentrating on the road, these drivers frequently shift their focus to their cell phone. Focusing on a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving blind, and is among the most dangerous actions a driver can take. Driving while using a cell phone is considered by many experts to be as dangerous as driving drunk, and is a leading cause of collisions today.
• Speeding-- A lot of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are compensated based on the number of trips they complete. Therefore, drivers might be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and take risky maneuvers to save time. This type of driving puts at risk the entire community and puts their earnings above 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.

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 might be accountable for your injuries.

What Sort of Compensation Can I Pursue?

A skilled attorney knows what evidence to utilize in order to seek various damages that might increase your possible compensation. These include 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 include the real pain experienced during medical treatments and surgeries incurred as a result of the accident, in addition to emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and fear caused by the crash. Some accident victims find it more difficult to drive at ease after a roadway accident, and this difficulty and anxiety may be quantified into financial damages by your attorney.

An attorney with experience handling similar claims may know which parties to sue, including not just the driver, but also the corporate business the driver was working for, increasing your potential sources of compensation. Further, an attorney may perform an in-depth investigation to acquire evidence that may help verify 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 Collision

Take note of any information in order to maintain crucial evidence helpful in showing 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 accident, the associated costs for these treatments may be sought from the liable party by your attorney. This is extremely important, as medical costs can be huge, and sometimes future medical expenses and treatments may be necessary for your recovery.

Contact an Attorney

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. Additionally, your attorney might conduct in-depth investigations to secure all possible evidence necessary in seeking your maximum compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your attorney might take care of all the steps in submitting your claim. This includes informing you of your legal rights, performing in-depth investigations and discovery of evidence about the accident, which are essential in order to acquire evidence of the other parties' suspected fault and the extent of your damages and injuries. Your attorney might 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 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 concentrate on your recovery while they seek your highest compensation. Some claims might lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, who, seeing the evidence your lawyer captures, might wish to prevent a loss at trial or prolonged legal expenses. In other cases, your attorney may be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your case to trial and showing your damages to a jury.

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