Delivery drivers offer a much-needed service. Companies, like Amazon, that provide these services, promise customers convenience and speed. Unfortunately, the benefits these companies offer may also be a reason why delivery drivers have a higher risk for a crash.
If you were injured by the negligence of a delivery driver, we recommend speaking with a licensed attorney right away. Delivery driver insurance issues often make these crashes more complex. In addition to no-fault benefits, injured victims may have severe injuries and need to file for excess damages.
Jay Trucks offers a free case review to discuss your situation. In this zero-cost meeting, you can learn about your available legal options at no risk to you.
Factors That Make Delivery Drivers More Likely to Be in a Crash
There are a lot of factors that may put delivery drivers at a higher risk for a crash, including:
Company Pressures and Incentives
Drivers get a lot of pressure placed on them by the companies they work for, such as:
- Incentives to deliver goods and services faster: Whether it is Amazon, FedEx or one of many food delivery services, customers want their deliveries fast. Companies often add incentives to encourage drivers to finish faster, which may lead to more careless or reckless driving.
- Meeting company quotas: While quotas may encourage drivers to do their job faster, they may also result in more reckless driver behaviors. For instance, drivers may speed more and become more impatient and aggressive on the road.
Rising Demand for Better Delivery Services
Now, more than ever, delivery services are high in demand, increasing the need for more drivers. However, this has also led to an increase of more inexperienced delivery drivers on the road. Those who operate larger commercial vans, such as FedEx, may be even more likely to cause a crash.
Inherent Delivery Driver Risks
Being a delivery driver comes with inherent risks. In other words, the nature of this job often creates more possibilities for a crash, such as:
- Distracted driving: Delivery drivers may often have to use a navigation or company app while on the job. This can make it more likely for them to be distracted on the road, putting themselves and others at risk for a serious crash.
- High-risk parking: Delivery drivers may often ignore traffic laws when parking, which can cause problems for other motorists. Double-parking, for instance, may obstruct the view for other drivers and lead to a crash.
- Driving in unfamiliar areas: Delivery drivers, especially for Amazon or food service deliveries who never drive the same route. This means they are often driving in unfamiliar areas. Sometimes these areas may be poorly lit and hard to navigate, especially in bad weather. Detours, because of a work zone, for instance, could also cause confusion and cause a wrong-way or lane change crash.
- Delivery service in owner-operated vehicles: Being more familiar and comfortable delivering with their own vehicle may make delivery drivers more careless.
What Can You Do to Avoid Being Involved in a Delivery Driver Crash?
It would be unrealistic to think that every crash can be avoided. However, there are steps you can take to reduce that possibility, such as:
Avoid Driving Near Large Delivery Trucks
Larger delivery vans or trucks are easier to spot on the road than rideshare or food delivery service drivers. While this can make them more visible and easier to avoid, they can also cause a lot more damage in a crash. When driving in the area of a delivery truck, be sure to:
- Take precautions when passing, especially if in their blind spot
- Avoid driving too close to the back of a delivery truck
- Change lanes if a delivery driver tailgates your vehicle
- Never cut off a delivery truck – their size makes it harder to stop quickly
Staying Alert for Rideshare or Food Service Delivery Drivers
Rideshare drivers may have a lit-up sign on their dashboard that makes them easier to spot. However, food delivery drivers, also often in their own vehicles, may be harder to see. However, it is best to drive defensively and remain alert for any drivers who:
- Fail to signal
- Drive while drowsy
- Distracted driving
- Careless behavior
- Speeding
- Double parking
How an Attorney May Benefit a Delivery Driver Claim
Michigan drivers can seek compensation for medical benefits, lost wages and more through their no-fault claim. However, once your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits run out, you may need other options.
Once your PIP is exhausted, you may be able to file a claim against the delivery driver’s policy or, in some cases, the company he or she works for. Unfortunately, many delivery drivers may not be able to rely on commercial insurance from the companies they work for. This can make for a challenging claim, especially if the delivery driver failed to get commercial insurance for their vehicle.
A qualified attorney can help you to determine all compensation sources that may be available to aid you in your recovery.
Injured by a Negligent Delivery Driver? We Are Here to Help
Car crashes are not always avoidable, despite your best efforts to drive safely. If you are injured by a delivery driver’s negligence, our car accident lawyers in Grand Rapids are here to help.
Contact our law firm 24/7 to arrange a meeting with one of our qualified attorneys. This initial consultation is completely free and carries no obligation to file a claim.
At Jay Trucks, we have a long history of proven results, recovering millions for injured clients throughout the state. If we represent you, we also charge no upfront costs or attorney fees. This means you do not pay us unless or until we win compensation for you.
