Hit By a Lyft Driver

Call (313) 777-7LAW to Speak to a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer 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 Uber Eats and GrubHub, America’s roadways are filled with personal vehicles driven for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, many of these services can needlessly endanger our community and result in considerable injuries as a result.

Facing large corporations by yourself can be challenging and is usually overwhelming. If you have been injured by a delivery or ride-sharing driver, you may be entitled to hold these companies accountable. The motor vehicle accident attorneys at Marko Law are experienced and prepared to fight for you. Call us at (313) 777-7LAW for a free consultation. If we don’t reach a favorable result in your case, you will not owe us anything.

Can Corporations Be Held Accountable?

Companies involved in ride-sharing and deliveries often attempt to classify their drivers as “independent contractors,” meaning they are not full-time employees for financial reasons and to evade liability. Nevertheless, when a driver injures others while at work, those companies might be held liable under a legal theory called “respondeat superior.” Under “respondeat superior,” a company is vicariously responsible for the injury their motorists cause while on the clock. This means injured parties can seek actions directly against the companies, and against the driver.

Increased Risk

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

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

• Driving While Distracted– The majority of delivery and ride-sharing drivers are required to use their cell phones while driving to receive directions from their employer. Rather than focusing on the road, these drivers consistently turn their focus 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 driver can take. Driving while using a cell phone is considered by many experts to be as dangerous as driving intoxicated, and is a leading cause of wrecks today.
• Speeding– Many delivery and ride-sharing drivers are paid based on the amount of trips they complete. Because of this, motorists may be incentivized to drive at excessive speeds and also take hazardous maneuvers to conserve time. This type of driving puts at risk the entire neighborhood and places their profits above our safety.
• Bikes and Scooters– Some delivery and ride-sharing personnel operate on bikes and scooters as opposed to a regular car. 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 motorist and the company whom she or he is working for can be liable for your injuries.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get?

A skilled lawyer knows what evidence to use in order to pursue 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 wages, disability, as well as “intangible” damages such as pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering can involve the actual 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 crash. Some accident victims find it more difficult to drive at ease after a roadway accident, and this difficulty and anxiety might be quantified into financial damages by your attorney.

A lawyer with experience handling similar claims might know which parties to sue, including not just the motorist, but also the corporate company the driver was working for, increasing your possible sources of compensation. Additionally, a lawyer might perform a thorough investigation to get evidence that might help verify 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 Lyft Accident:

Record the Scene of the Crash

Take note of any details in order to maintain vital evidence helpful in proving 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 accident, the associated costs for these treatments might be sought from the at fault party by your attorney. This is very important, as medical expenses can be astronomical, and in some cases, future medical expenses and treatments may be needed for your recovery.

Call a Lawyer

An attorney who has dealt with similar cases may help you know your rights, legal deadlines, and communicate on your behalf with all applicable parties and the court. Additionally, your lawyer 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 handle all the steps in submitting your claim. This includes educating you of your legal rights, conducting thorough investigations and discovery of evidence concerning the accident, which are important in order to obtain evidence of the other parties’ suspected fault and the extent of your damages and injuries. Your lawyer might also help guarantee compliance with any applicable 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 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 focus on your recuperation while they seek your highest compensation. Some cases may result in settlements with insurance companies and the other parties, whom, seeing the evidence your lawyer gathers, may want to avoid a loss at trial or extended 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.

Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation

If you are ready to start your case or need more information about a Lyft Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids, 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.