Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver in Los Angeles?
Call (323) 838-1444 to Speak With a Car Crash Attorney for Free Today
In today's rapidly transforming economy, the convenience of technological advancements 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 full of personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, many of these services can unnecessarily endanger our community and cause considerable injuries as a result.
Facing large companies on your own can be difficult and is usually intimidating. 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 Mendez & Sanchez are experienced and ready to fight for you. Call us at (323) 838-1444 for a free consultation. If we do not reach a positive result in your claim, you will not owe us anything.
Can Companies Be Held Accountable?
Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries typically attempt to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not full-time employees for financial reasons and to evade liability. However, when a motorist hurts others while on the job, those companies may be held accountable 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 victims can pursue actions directly against the companies, as well as against the motorist.
Increased Risk:
As more Americans today utilize delivery and ride-sharing services, the amount of these vehicles on the road has drastically increased, as have the number of accidents these drivers have caused.
A few of the most common dangers linked to delivery and ride-sharing drivers include:
Thus, 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 might be accountable for your injuries.
What Sort Of Compensation Can I Pursue?
A knowledgeable lawyer knows what evidence to utilize in order to pursue 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, 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 crash, along with 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 might be quantified into financial damages by your lawyer.
A lawyer with experience handling similar cases might know which parties to take legal action against, including not only the motorist, but also the corporate business the motorist was working for, increasing your possible sources of compensation. Further, a lawyer might conduct a thorough investigation to acquire 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
Make note of any information in order to preserve crucial evidence useful in proving 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 crash, the associated costs for these treatments may be sought from the liable party by your attorney. This is highly important, as medical expenses can be substantial, and in some cases future medical expenses and treatments may be necessary for your recovery.
Call a Lawyer
A lawyer who has handled similar claims might help you know your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Further, your attorney may perform extensive 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 filing your claim. This involves educating you of your legal rights, performing thorough investigations and discovery of evidence regarding the accident, which are important in order to acquire 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 relevant 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. Therefore, 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 lawyer gathers, might wish to prevent a loss at trial or prolonged legal costs. In other cases, your attorney might be able to seek your best compensation by taking your case 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."
"Wow! Michael Sanchez got me more money than I thought I would ever get. He's confident and a shark yet kind with his clients. I highly recommend."
"My fiancé had a successful case with this firm. Under the circumstances, Mendez & Sanchez, attorneys and staff made this a pleasant experience. Staff was respectful, genuine, and all around a great fit for the case and my fiancé. This firm comes highly recommended!"
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!
