Tag: Who’s Liable

If you live in Chicago, you know how convenient it is to have food and other items delivered right to your doorstep—especially if you work from home. With the rise of delivery services like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Amazon Prime, getting the products and services you need is easier than ever without leaving your home. However, with this convenience comes the risk of delivery accidents. If you’re involved in a delivery accident in Chicago, do you know how to determine who is liable? Do you know what to do? Who to call? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more.

Types of Delivery Accidents

Delivery accidents can happen in various ways. Below are the most common types of delivery accidents:

1. Car Accidents

Delivery drivers who use their vehicles to make deliveries are at risk of getting into car accidents. These accidents can occur due to various reasons, such as reckless driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Of course, the delivery driver isn’t necessarily the one at fault, either; drivers should also know how to protect their personal rights if they get involved in an accident on company time. They should also know how to secure packages to diminish their chance of harming the driver in an accident.

2. Bicycle Accidents

Delivery drivers who use bicycles to make deliveries are also at risk of getting into accidents. These accidents can occur due to various reasons, such as reckless cycling, ignoring traffic signals, cycling in the wrong lane, or other cyclists causing the accident.

3. Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are also at risk of getting into accidents with delivery drivers. These accidents can occur due to various reasons, such as a delivery driver not paying attention while driving or cycling or a pedestrian crossing the street without paying attention. Delivery drivers can also be struck by distracted drivers or attacked by animals, such as guard dogs that haven’t been properly restrained.

Who’s Liable for a Delivery Accident?

You may wonder who’s responsible for the damages if you’re involved in a delivery accident. Liability in a delivery accident case can be complicated and depend on various factors. Below are the parties who may be liable for a delivery accident:

1. The Delivery Driver

If the delivery driver caused the accident due to their negligence or recklessness, they may be liable for the damages. In this case, the driver’s insurance may cover the damages.

2. The Delivery Company

If the delivery company hired the driver as an employee or independent contractor, they may be liable for the damages caused by the driver while making a delivery. In this case, the company’s insurance may cover the damages.

3. The Restaurant or Store

If the delivery driver was making a delivery on behalf of a restaurant or store, the restaurant or store may be liable for the damages caused by the driver. The restaurant or store’s insurance may cover the damages in this case.

4. Other Parties

In some cases, other parties may be liable for a delivery accident. For example, if the accident occurred due to a defective product, the product manufacturer may be liable for the damages. Or if a third-party driver caused the accident that caught the delivery driver and others, the initial driver is liable.

What to Do After a Delivery Accident

If you’re involved in a delivery accident, there are several things you should do:

1. Seek medical attention if necessary.
2. Call the police and report the accident.
3. Gather evidence, such as photos of the accident scene and contact information of witnesses.
4. Contact a personal injury lawyer to help you file a claim for damages.

How to Protect Yourself as a Consumer

As a consumer, you can protect yourself from delivery accidents by:

1. Ordering from reputable delivery services
2. Tracking your delivery in real-time to know when to expect the delivery driver and avoid any potential accidents.
3. Providing clear delivery instructions and ensuring the delivery address is accurate and easy to find.
4. Being cautious when accepting the delivery, especially if you notice any signs of recklessness or negligence from the delivery driver.

How to Protect Yourself as a Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers can also protect themselves from delivery accidents by:

1. Following all traffic laws and safety guidelines when making deliveries.
2. Avoiding distractions while driving or cycling, such as using mobile devices or eating while driving.
3. Regularly maintaining their vehicle or bicycle to ensure it’s in good condition and safe to operate.
4. Taking breaks when necessary to avoid fatigue or exhaustion.

Seeking Legal Help

If you’re involved in a delivery accident in Chicago, it’s crucial to seek legal help to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. Hiring a delivery accident attorney can be beneficial for several reasons, including:

1. Determining Liability: An experienced attorney can investigate the accident and determine who’s liable for the damages, whether it’s the delivery company, the driver, or another party.
2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to offer you a settlement that’s lower than what you’re entitled to. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
3. Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf to pursue compensation for your damages.
4. Providing Legal Guidance: An attorney can provide legal guidance throughout the process, from dealing with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit. They can also answer any questions you have about the legal process and ensure you understand your rights.
5. Maximizing Your Compensation: An attorney can help ensure you receive maximum compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Be sure to choose an experienced and reputable attorney specializing in personal injury and having a track record of success in handling delivery accidents. A good attorney will provide a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will only pay fees if they win your case.

Protect Yourself and Know Your Rights

Delivery accidents can have severe consequences for both consumers and delivery drivers. However, we can work together to prevent delivery accidents and keep our communities safe by taking the steps discussed in this article.