Did a delivery driver injure you in an accident in Sacramento? Demas Law Group can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Our skilled attorneys have the experience, resources, and resolve to pursue profit-hungry companies and their insurers for maximum compensation. We have helped many Sacramento accident victims recover record-breaking verdicts and settlements. Put our firm’s knowledge and unwavering dedication to work for you.
Contact Demas Law Group today for a free consultation with a Sacramento delivery driver accident lawyer.
What Happens When a Delivery Driver Causes a Crash?
When a delivery driver causes a crash, determining responsibility for the injured parties’ losses is not always clear. Does the blame fall on the delivery driver or the delivery company? A delivery driver accident attorney can help determine which party is liable for your accident-related injuries and losses.
These factors will affect which party is liable for a delivery driver accident:
- The delivery company’s policies – Delivery companies have individualized policies regarding auto accident liability. For example, DoorDash requires its drivers to maintain personal liability insurance, which is the primary policy after an accident. That means an accident victim must first file a claim with the delivery driver’s auto insurance to recover compensation for their injuries. Only after that would DoorDash’s insurance cover an accident victim’s losses. On the other hand, Uber provides up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance for its drivers while making a delivery.
- The driver’s status at the time of the accident – Most delivery companies will not cover crashes that occur when the driver is inactive. In other words, if the delivery driver who hit you was not actively delivering at the time of the accident, the driver’s insurance company should pay for your injuries, not the delivery company.
- Other parties’ liability – In some accidents, more than one party may be to blame for a delivery driver accident. Under California law, every party with some share of fault for an accident can be held liable by accident victims. Examples of other potential defendants include motorists, trucking companies, or government agencies.
Once your delivery driver accident lawyer determines who is liable for your injuries, they can help you file a claim for your losses from every applicable insurance company. Your attorney may need to negotiate with the insurer for a fair settlement offer. If the company refuses to settle on reasonable terms, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit to demand full and fair compensation at trial.
Types of Compensation in a Delivery Driver Accident
California allows accident victims to recover compensation for losses like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Car repairs or replacement
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Lost quality of life
A successful personal injury claim allows individuals to obtain money for their current and projected losses in the future. The purpose is to make the victim “whole,” or put them in the same financial position they would be in if the crash had never happened.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Delivery Accident?
Delivery driver accidents are no different from other car crashes in their capacity to cause harm. Both can inflict serious injuries on victims, such as:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Facial injuries
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Causes of Accidents Involving Delivery Drivers
Delivery driver accidents occur for several reasons, including the following:
- Distracted driving – Delivery drivers must monitor their phones and navigation devices when traveling to their destinations. These distractions can easily take their attention off the road and cause a collision.
- Speeding – Delivery drivers are expected to complete deliveries quickly or risk losing out on valuable tips, which may compel them to drive too fast and cause a collision with another road user.
- Fatigue – Delivery drivers often work at night. These late and long hours lead to fatigued driving.
- Inexperience – Delivery companies experience a high turnover rate among their drivers. Hiring replacements quickly without vetting their experience or safety records means less experienced drivers on Sacramento roads.
- Bad weather – Poor weather often encourages people to stay home to order food and groceries. That puts more delivery drivers on the road in dangerous conditions, increasing the risk of crashes.
Insurance Policies for Delivery Drivers
Almost all delivery companies require drivers to maintain their own auto insurance policies following their state’s local laws. The minimum insurance requirements for all registered vehicle owners in California are:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for injury or death per accident
- $5,000 for property damage
Delivery companies have their own insurance policies, which only kick in after certain terms are met. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will determine what insurance coverage applies to your case when placing a value on your case.
The Independent Contractor Defense and Your Delivery Driver Accident Case
In recent years, California lawmakers and voters have debated the question of whether delivery drivers and other gig workers qualify as employees or independent contractors. Companies have fewer legal obligations to independent contractors. When an accident occurs involving one of their delivery drivers, the company may claim the driver’s status as an independent contractor relieves them of any liability for a victim’s injuries. A skilled lawyer will investigate your case thoroughly so that businesses do not escape liability on a technicality.
What Should I Do If a Delivery Driver Hit Me?
If a delivery driver hits you, take these steps to protect your safety and legal rights:
- Get medical attention.
- Take photos of your injury and the crash site.
- Don’t speak to the insurance company without discussing your case with a lawyer.
- Keep all records of your accident-related expenses, including bills, receipts, and pay stubs.
- Keep a journal about how your injuries affect your life.
- Stay off social media.
- Consult a car accident attorney for help with your case.
Contact an Experienced Delivery Driver Accident Attorney at Demas Law Group
Getting compensation after an accident with a delivery driver may be more complicated than you think. Let a Sacramento delivery driver accident attorney from Demas Law Group take the pressure off. We will explore all your legal options and aggressively pursue maximum compensation from the at-fault party. Contact us today for a free consultation.
