Hit By a Ride-Sharing or Delivery Driver

Call (313) 777-7LAW to Speak to a Motor Vehicle Accident 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 opportunities to have others drive for them. From ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft to delivery companies like UberEats and GrubHub, America’s streets are filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, many of these services can needlessly endanger our neighborhood and result in substantial injuries as a result.

Facing big corporations by yourself 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 accountable. The automobile accident attorneys at Marko Law are experienced and prepared to fight on your behalf. Call us at (313) 777-7LAW for a free consultation. If we do not reach a positive result in your claim, you won’t owe us anything.

Can Corporations Be Held Responsible?

Companies associated with 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 dodge responsibility. However, when a motorist hurts others while on the job, those companies may be held accountable under a legal concept called “respondeat superior.” Under “respondeat superior,” a company is vicariously responsible for the injury their drivers cause while on the clock. This means victims might seek actions directly against the companies, as well as against the motorist.

Enhanced Risk

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

Some of the most common dangers linked to delivery and ride-sharing drivers consist of:

  • Driving While Distracted– Most delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phones while on the road to be given directions from their employer. Rather than focusing on the road, these drivers repeatedly turn their attention to their cell phone. Focusing on a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving blind, and is one of the most dangerous actions a motorist can take. Driving while using a cell phone is regarded by many experts to be as hazardous as driving drunk, and is a leading cause of collisions today.
  • Speeding– Many delivery and ride-sharing drivers are compensated based on the amount of trips they complete. Therefore, drivers may be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and take risky maneuvers to save time. This type of driving endangers the whole community and places their earnings above our safety.
  • Bikes and Scooters– Some delivery and ride-sharing workers operate on bikes and scooters as opposed to a normal vehicles. 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 hurt, both the driver and the company whom she or he is working for might be liable for your injuries.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get?

A skilled lawyer knows what evidence to use in order to seek various damages that might increase your potential compensation. These include tangible losses such as property damage, medical costs related to the treatment of your injuries, future lost income, and disability, as well as “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 accident, 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 incident, and this difficulty and anxiety might be quantified into financial damages by your attorney.

An attorney with experience handling similar cases may know which parties to sue, including not only the motorist but also the corporate company the motorist was working for, expanding your potential sources of compensation. Additionally, an attorney might perform an extensive investigation to get evidence that might 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 Ride-Sharing/Delivery Accident:

Record the Scene of the Collision

Take note of any details in order to preserve essential 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 collision, the associated costs for these treatments might be sought from the liable party by your lawyer. This is highly important, as medical costs can be huge, and in some cases future medical costs and treatments might be required for your recovery.

Call an Attorney

A lawyer who has dealt with similar claims can help you learn your rights, and legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Further, your lawyer might perform thorough investigations to secure all possible evidence necessary in seeking your maximum compensation from the other parties.

Filing a Claim

Your attorney may take care of all the steps in filing your claim. This involves educating you of your legal rights, performing extensive investigations, and discovering of evidence about the accident, which is vital in order to obtain 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 deadline, 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 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 highest compensation. Some cases might lead to settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, who, seeing the evidence your lawyer captures, may wish to avoid a loss at trial or extended legal expenses. In other cases, your attorney might be able to seek your greatest compensation by taking your claim to trial and presenting your damages to a jury.

Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation

If you are ready to start your case or need more information about Lyft Accidents in Canton, Michigan, contact Marko Law Firm today. Let us represent you as you seek justice and compensation for your pain and damages. Call (313) 777-7LAW today to get a free consultation or visit our website: MarkoLaw.com to get more information.