Maison Law can help you through the claims process when you’re hurt in a car accident with a Jitsu delivery driver in Los Angeles. There’s never a good car accident scenario, but it feels even more complicated if the driver was making a delivery for Jitsu at the time of the collision. Our team can explain how everything works and then guide you through it. Set up a free consultation today.
When a Lawyer Makes Sense
The last thing you need when you’re just driving to work or taking your child to school is to be involved in a car accident. But unfortunately, you and thousands of other people in Los Angeles are out here on the road. Some of these other drivers are actively working, including those that are making last-mile deliveries for companies like Jitsu.
But all of that becomes much more personal when you’re the one that’s in an accident with one of these drivers. All of a sudden, you’re in pain and facing all the issues that come with a car accident—pain, missed work, doctor’s appointments, and car repairs.
That’s usually when you start thinking about insurance or filing a lawsuit, and that’s when getting a lawyer starts to make more sense. At Maison Law, our team of Los Angeles car accident lawyers will help you by:
- Looking into how the accident happened
- Getting and keeping evidence tied to the driver’s delivery activity
- Handling the talks with the insurance company and sorting through coverage issues
- Tallying up how the injuries have affected your life
- Negotiating a settlement, or if necessary, filing a lawsuit
A lot of people in your position first try handling their claim on their own, which is understandable. But the reality is that these kinds of accidents get confusing quickly, and it’s made even harder when you need to start answering important questions about who’s responsible and how the process works.
Who’s Responsible For My Damages in an Accident With a Jitsu Driver?
It’s not all that difficult to see why Jitsu delivery drivers find themselves involved in so many car accidents in Los Angeles. Day in and day out, they’re doing things like:
- Looking at GPS directions while driving
- Checking delivery notifications
- Speeding through traffic
- Unsafe lane changes
- Sudden stops
- Distracted driving
- Backing through crowded parking lots
- Driving while fatigued
While that gives you a better idea of why an accident happens, it’s also important for understanding who’s responsible for your damages. In legal terms, this is called liability, and fortunately, liability works the same way as it would in any other car accident in Los Angeles. It comes down to negligence. In other words, who caused the accident and why?
If the Jitsu driver was doing something like speeding, driving distracted, following too closely, or otherwise acting carelessly, they’re the ones that are responsible for your injuries and financial losses.
The company itself doesn’t carry any of the liability for your damages because drivers are considered “independent contractors.” This effectively makes them like any other driver that’s on the road on their own time.
But again, it’s not always just the Jitsu driver that could be responsible. Depending on the situation, others could share some liablity, like:
- Another driver involved in the accident
- The owner of the vehicle that was being used
- A maintenance company that didn’t make proper repairs
- A manufacturer of defective vehicle parts
- The city, state, or county government agency responsible for dangerous road conditions
California also follows comparative negligence rules. That means multiple people can share fault for the same accident. Even if you were partially responsible, you’re still able to recover damages. It’s more a question of how you want to do that.
How to Get Damages in a Claim
Even if you know that you can file a claim to get damages after a car accident with a Jitsu driver, your own personal situation matters a lot. “Damages” is just the legal term for what you yourself have lost because of the accident—and because of someone else’s negligence.
But to get these damages, you will have to file a claim. And you can do it through either:
- An insurance claim.
- A personal injury lawsuit.
Insurance is usually quicker and it’s less formal because it’s outside of court. But the tradeoff is that it’s totally controlled by the insurance company. They’re the sole decider on what the evidence says and what they decide to offer you in terms of a settlement based on their policy—if they accept your claim at all.
If they don’t, or just lowball you, you can move on with a lawsuit. It’s more formal and happens inside the court system. That means it takes more time and effort, but again, it’s a fairer process. It allows you to go after fuller damages that include costs for things like:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Follow-up care
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning ability
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
One way or the other, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file. That sounds like a lot of time, but delivery records, app usage, your injuries, and damage to your car all change in that time. So, the sooner you decide to move ahead, the easier it is to get the information you’ll need.
Information That Can Make My Claim Stronger
Like any car accident, evidence can make a major difference after an accident involving a Jitsu driver. Basically, it’s about showing how the accident happened and how your injuries are impacting your life. To get a strong claim, try to focus on getting:
- Pictures of vehicle damage and of the accident scene
- Witness contact information to get their statements
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Dashcam footage
- Traffic camera footage
- Documentation showing missed work
- Delivery app screenshots
- Cell phone records or other information showing the driver was actively making deliveries
Obviously, every situation is different. The records or information you need for your claim might not match exactly with someone else’s. But generally, it’s the small details and documentation that end up mattering. That, and getting the right help.
Maison Law Helps People Injured in Car Accidents With Jitsu Drivers in Los Angeles
Los Angeles traffic already creates enough challenges without Jitsu delivery drivers rushing between nonstop orders all day. Yet, there’s a huge pool of people that use this and other delivery services to make extra money. That doesn’t change what you’re facing when you’re in an accident with one of them, though.
At Maison Law, we understand what you’re going through and know how to help. Set up a free consultation today and let’s talk through your options together.
