Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver?
Call (323) 838-1444 to Speak With an Automobile 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 companies like UberEats and GrubHub, America's roads are filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial reasons. However, a lot of these services can unnecessarily endanger our neighborhood and lead to considerable injuries as a result.
Dealing with big companies by yourself can be difficult and is often intimidating. If you have been hurt by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you might be entitled to hold these companies accountable. The motor vehicle accident lawyers at Mendez & Sanchez are experienced and ready to fight on your behalf. Call us at (323) 838-1444 for a free consultation. If we do not reach a desirable result in your claim, 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 evade liability. Nevertheless, when a driver hurts others while on the job, those companies may be held liable under a legal concept called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously accountable for the harm their drivers cause while on the clock. This means victims may pursue actions directly against the companies, as well as against the motorist.
Increased Risk
As more Americans today use delivery and ride-sharing services, the amount of these vehicles on the road has dramatically increased, as have the amount of accidents these drivers have caused.
Some of the most common dangers linked to delivery and ride-sharing drivers include:
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 may be accountable for your injuries.
What Sort of Compensation Can I Seek?
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 expenses 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 include the real pain experienced during medical treatments and surgeries incurred as a result of the accident, 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 incident, and this difficulty and anxiety may be quantified into monetary damages by your lawyer.
A lawyer with experience handling similar claims may know which parties to sue, including not only the driver, but also the corporate company the driver was working for, increasing your potential sources of compensation. Further, a lawyer may conduct a thorough investigation to obtain evidence that may help confirm 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
Record the Scene of the Collision
Take note of any details in order to maintain vital evidence helpful 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 crash, the associated costs for these treatments might be sought from the liable party by your attorney. This is highly important, as medical costs can be huge, and sometimes future medical expenses and treatments might be necessary for your recovery.
Call a Lawyer
A lawyer who has handled similar claims may help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Additionally, your attorney might conduct extensive investigations to secure all possible evidence necessary in seeking your maximum compensation from the other parties.
Filing a Claim
Your attorney might handle all the steps in submitting your claim. This involves educating you of your legal rights, conducting extensive investigations and discovery of evidence regarding the accident, which are vital in order to acquire evidence of the other parties' suspected fault and the extent of your damages and injuries. Your lawyer may also help guarantee compliance with any relevant legal deadline, negotiate with all relevant insurance companies, and communicate and advocate on your behalf with the other parties and the court.
It is extremely 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 concentrate on your recovery while they seek your maximum compensation. Some claims can lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer captures, may want 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 presenting your damages to a jury.
"Michael was an outstanding attorney. He always made sure to keep me in the loop with my case and worked nonstop to help get the outcome I deserved. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs only the best lawyer and I will definitely return to him again in the future!"
"Super professional, friendly staff. The team was so knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire legal process of my car accident. I highly recommend using them!"
"Very professional and diligent. Got my case resolved in a timely manner and communicated with my throughout the process of my case."
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While other firms just handle your bodily injury claim, we offer a complimentary full-service package where we will also handle your property damage for no fee!
