Maison Law can help you if you’ve been injured in a car accident with a GoShare delivery driver in Los Angeles. Companies like GoShare have exploded in recent years, mostly because it couples well with the huge demand for delivery services and the large pool of people looking for extra income. Unfortunately, though, that increases the chances that you’ll be injured in an accident with one of these drivers. Our team can guide you through the claims process. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
Any car accident carries the potential of leaving you overwhelmed. Even relatively minor collisions can create a long list of problems almost immediately. And while the other driver’s insurance company is doing their own digging, you’re left waiting on them while you’re also dealing with medical bills, missed work, car repairs, and all the other things that come out of a car accident.
That’s usually when people realize they might need legal help. That’s exactly what we can do at Maison Law. We help people in your situation by:
- Explaining how the claims process works
- Investigating the accident itself
- Getting and keeping important evidence
- Reviewing insurance coverage issues
- Talking with insurance adjusters
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
More than anything, we try to take some of the pressure off you while you recover. The legal side of things becomes much harder when you’re already dealing with injuries and financial stress. And while you have options, the starting point begins right there at the accident scene.
What Information Should I Look For at the Scene?
One of the hardest parts of an accident involving a GoShare driver is figuring out what information actually matters. But in many ways, these cases start like any other car accident claim. That narrows down what you should look for there at the scene, so focus on getting:
- The police report
- Photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, traffic signs, and road conditions
- The GoShare driver’s name, insurance details, and vehicle information
- Evidence showing the driver was actively working or completing a delivery
- Witness names and contact information
- Medical records and treatment documents
- Notes about missed work, pain levels, mobility problems, or sleep issues
- Insurance claim paperwork and any emails, texts, or letters from the company
Not every person walks away from the scene with perfect evidence. That’s normal. Even small details gathered early can end up making a major difference later. And it’s especially important because of the differences that these accidents have.
Why Accidents With GoShare Drivers Can Be Different
It’s not just the information available to you that makes things different in an accident with a GoShare driver. Another thing is the type of vehicles involved. Many GoShare drivers are using:
- Pickup trucks
- Cargo vans
- Box trucks
- Large SUVs with trailers
- Moving vehicles carrying heavy loads
That added size and weight can make accidents more serious, especially on crowded roads. A driver hauling furniture through Downtown LA traffic or trying to unload near an apartment complex in Koreatown faces very different challenges than someone driving to work in their own car. On top of that, GoShare drivers also spend a lot of time:
- Looking at navigation apps
- Coordinating deliveries through their phones
- Searching for parking or loading zones
- Driving unfamiliar routes
- Making repeated stops throughout the day
The pressure to complete jobs quickly can sometimes lead to rushed decisions behind the wheel. And in Los Angeles traffic, even one distracted moment can lead to a serious accident. That obviously brings up important questions about how things work.
Who Pays for a GoShare Accident in California?
One of the biggest questions people ask after these accidents is simple: who actually pays for the damage? That’s not an easy question to answer, but it helps to look at how the law works in general, and then how it applies to your situation.
Most of the time, the GoShare driver is going to be the one that’s primarily responsible for the damage if their negligence was what caused the accident. GoShare drivers are generally classified as independent contractors rather than employees. That means their own car insurance policy is the one that’s in effect.
But again, it also depends on the situation. Outside of the driver, others that might be liable include:
- Another driver involved in the collision
- The owner of the vehicle
- A maintenance company
- A parts manufacturer
- The city, county, or state government agency responsible for dangerous road conditions
Every case has its own moving parts, which is why these claims often require a closer investigation than standard car accident cases. And when you factor in injuries and damage to your car, the actual claims process is going to be important for your recovery.
How the Claims Process Works After a GoShare Accident
Given how different a GoShare accident can be, you might think that the claims process follows a similar path. But in actuality, the claims process works exactly the same as it does in a regular car accident. That means you have two general options:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
Things start with an insurance claim, but companies are worried about protecting their bottom line. That usually means lowball offers initially. If you don’t like their offer, you can move on with a lawsuit. That’s where your injuries and losses come in as your “damages.” That may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Lost income from missed work
- Reduced earning ability
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of daily life
If the accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may also have the option to file a wrongful death claim. California also has deadlines for filing injury claims. In most situations, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can make it harder to recover evidence and protect your case.
Maison Law Can Protect Your Case After a Los Angeles GoShare Accident
Facing any car accident is difficult, but when the other driver is making a delivery for GoShare, it adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Even still, that doesn’t change what you’re dealing with or how you’re feeling.
At Maison Law, our Los Angeles GoShare accident team does understand and can help you through the recovery process. If you’ve been hurt, we’ll explain your options and what the path ahead looks like. Set up a free consultation today.