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In today's rapidly changing economy, the convenience of technological advancements 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 full of personal vehicles driven for commercial reasons. However, many of these services can needlessly endanger our community and result in substantial injuries as a result.
Facing large corporations on your own 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 automobile accident attorneys 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 desirable result in your case, you will not owe us anything.
Can Companies Be Held Responsible?
Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries often attempt to classify their drivers as "independent contractors," meaning they are not permanent employees for financial reasons and to dodge liability. However, when a motorist injures others while on the job, those companies may be held responsible under a legal theory called "respondeat superior." Under "respondeat superior," a company is vicariously liable for the harm their drivers cause while on the clock. This means victims may seek actions directly against the companies, as well as against the driver.
Enhanced Risk
As more Americans today use delivery and ride-sharing services, the number of these cars on the road has drastically risen, 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:
Thus, if a delivery or ride-sharing driver has caused you to be hurt, both the driver and the company whom she or he is working for can be liable for your injuries.
What Type of Compensation Can I Seek?
A skilled attorney knows what evidence to use in order to pursue various damages that might increase your potential compensation. These consist of tangible losses such as property damage, medical bills 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 actual pain experienced during medical treatments and surgeries incurred as a result of the crash, as well as emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and fear caused by the accident. 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.
A lawyer with experience handling similar claims may know which parties to take legal action against, including not just the motorist, but also the corporate business the driver was working for, increasing your possible sources of compensation. Further, an attorney might conduct an in-depth investigation to get evidence that might help confirm 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 Lyft Accident:
Record the Scene of the Accident
Take note of any information in order to maintain important evidence useful in showing the delivery or ride-sharing driver's fault and showing 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 responsible party by your lawyer. This is highly important, as medical expenses can be astronomical, and sometimes future medical expenses and treatments might be necessary for your recovery.
Contact a Lawyer
An attorney that has handled similar claims can help you know your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all relevant parties and the court. Further, your lawyer might perform extensive investigations to obtain all possible evidence necessary in seeking your highest compensation from the other parties.
Filing a Claim
Your attorney might take care of all the steps in filing your claim. This includes educating you of your legal rights, conducting extensive investigations and discovery of evidence concerning the accident, which are crucial in order to acquire evidence of the other parties' suspected fault and the extent of your damages and injuries. Your lawyer can also help guarantee 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 highly important after an accident to concentrate 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 can result in 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 costs. In other cases, your lawyer may be able to seek your best compensation by taking your claim to trial and presenting your damages to a jury.