Since 2015, at least 10 people have been killed in delivery-related accidents. In 2019, a similar investigation found that delivery drivers from Amazon alone had caused or been involved in over 60 crashes in four years.
Whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver, you may risk pain and suffering from a delivery driver accident each time you venture out into the world. Just recently, a Chicago food delivery driver faced charges for an alleged hit-and-run.
It’s important to be prepared for any catastrophic crashes that could impact your future. Let’s discuss what may happen if you experience involvement in a delivery driver accident.
Why Delivery Driver Accidents Happen
Tight parking spots, bumper-to-bumper traffic, and inclement weather can create the potential for accidents at any given time. However, there are specific reasons why delivery drivers might be more at risk for causing crashes, including:
• Rushed or reckless driving
• Larger blind spots (due to the bulky frame of a delivery truck)
• Working and driving under the influence (of stress-relieving substances, or attention-enhancing drugs)
• Working and driving while fatigued
While any car crash is dangerous and can result in significant damage, the potential for injury is often higher with delivery vehicles. Why? Delivery vehicles are large, heavy, and difficult to stop.
You should be aware of the most common injuries after an incident with a delivery truck. Many victims of these types of crashes suffer from:
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Neck injuries
What’s more, not all of these injuries will be readily apparent after the crash. While an amputation may be easy to diagnose, a victim could walk away from the accident with severe (but invisible) brain damage or internal bleeding.
That’s why one of the first things that any victim of a delivery driver accident should do is head to the hospital for a full checkup. This is also important for establishing a record of care. Later, when your legal team is working to pursue compensation for you and your family, this formal documentation will be invaluable for your case.
The Steps to Take After a Delivery Driver Accident
Right after an accident, you need to be concerned about your own safety. Once you’re no longer in danger, though, you should start to think about documenting what has happened. This may seem like an odd thing to think about, but later, any notes or photos you’re able to take of the accident scene can be crucial as in-the-minute evidence.
Here are a few other recommendations for actions you may wish to consider:
• Summon the police to the scene of the crash. Their report will also constitute evidence.
• Take photographs documenting all damage done to all vehicles involved in the accident.
• Ask any witnesses to give you their contact information.
• Make sure that all victims receive medical treatment, even if they don’t seem to have severe injuries.
• Do not take responsibility for the accident or apologize.
• Call a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can after the accident.
Several of the more common injuries that victims of delivery truck incidents receive can fully change a victim’s life. If you or a loved one is in this situation, it’s a good idea to be very practical about protecting your family’s financial future.
You and your attorney may work to pursue any of the following types of compensation:
• The cost of medical treatment (now and in the future)
• Potential lost wages
• Property damage
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
Trust the Cullotta Bravo Law Group When Managing the Aftermath of a Delivery Driver Accident
If you or a loved one has experienced pain or suffering due to a crash with a delivery driver, you need to take action. Very likely, that delivery driver’s employer has insurance to cover this type of accident—which means that you have an avenue for pursuing compensation to protect your family’s future.
However, you also need to focus on healing, resting, and taking care of your loved ones during this difficult time. That’s where we come in. At the Cullotta Bravo Law Group, we’re proud to be a trusted Illinois personal injury firm. We’ll help you protect your future by working towards the settlement that your family deserves.
Call us at 630-898-7800 or visit www.cullottalaw.com to learn more about how we can help you.