Lyft Accident Lawyer in Austin, TX

Hit By a Lyft Driver

Call (888) 744-5642 to Speak to an Automobile Accident Lawyer for Free Today

In today's rapidly changing economy, the convenience of technological advances has reduced the necessity for people to drive themselves, and has created more opportunities 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, a lot of these services can unnecessarily endanger our community and lead to considerable injuries as a result.

Dealing with large corporations on your own can be difficult and is often intimidating. If you have been injured by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you might be entitled to hold these companies responsible. The motor vehicle accident lawyers at Dunk Law Firm are experienced and ready to fight for you. Call us at (888) 744-5642 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 usually try to categorize their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not permanent employees for financial reasons and to evade liability. However, when a motorist injures others while on duty, those companies may be held liable under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously accountable for the injury their drivers cause while on the job. This means victims might seek actions directly against the companies, as well as against the driver.

Enhanced Risk

As more Americans today utilize delivery and ride-sharing services, the amount of these vehicles on the road has significantly increased, as have the number of accidents these drivers have caused.

A few of the most common risks associated with delivery and ride-sharing drivers include:

• Driving While Distracted-- Most delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phone while on the road to receive instructions from their company. Instead of focusing on the road, these motorists consistently turn their focus 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 driver 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 crashes today.
• Speeding-- A lot of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are compensated based on the number of trips they complete. As such, motorists might be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and also take risky maneuvers to save time. This type of driving puts at risk the entire neighborhood and puts their profits before our safety.
• Bikes and Scooters-- Some delivery and ride-sharing personnel operate on bikes and scooters rather than a normal vehicle. In doing so, many cause accidents 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 driver and the company whom she or he is working for can be responsible for your injuries.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get?

A knowledgeable lawyer knows what evidence to use in order to seek various damages that may increase your possible compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical expenses related to the treatment of your injuries, future lost wages, disability, as well as "intangible" damages such as pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering can include the actual 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 collision. Some accident victims find it harder to drive at ease after a roadway accident, and this difficulty and anxiety may be quantified into financial damages by your lawyer.

A lawyer with experience handling similar claims may know which parties to sue, including not just the driver, but also the corporate company the motorist was working for, expanding your possible sources of compensation. Further, a lawyer may conduct an extensive investigation to obtain evidence that may help prove 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 Lyft Accident

Document the Scene of the Crash

Make note of any details in order to maintain essential evidence helpful 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 extremely important, as medical expenses can be huge, and in some cases future medical costs and treatments might be necessary for your recovery.

Contact an Attorney

A lawyer that has dealt with similar cases may help you learn your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Further, your attorney may conduct in-depth investigations to acquire all possible evidence necessary in seeking your maximum compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your lawyer might handle all the steps in filing your claim. This includes informing you of your legal rights, conducting in-depth investigations and discovery of evidence concerning 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 attorney may 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 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 concentrate on your recuperation while they seek your greatest compensation. Some claims may lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your attorney gathers, may wish to prevent a loss at trial or prolonged legal costs. In other cases, your lawyer might be able to seek your best compensation by taking your claim to trial and showing your damages to a jury.