Delivery Driver Injury Lawyer

San Francisco Delivery Driver Injury Attorney

As online shopping steadily replaces traditional in-store shopping, the need for delivery drivers also increases. Many drivers work long hours on the road, increasing their chances of being involved in an accident. Unfortunately, sometimes these accidents result in injuries. If you are a truck driver who has been involved in an accident, it may be time to consult with a San Francisco delivery driver injury lawyer.

You deserve representation if you are injured while driving a delivery truck. At Bridges Law Firm, we have years of experience helping clients get the most out of insurance claims so they can get back to their lives.

How Delivery Driver Accidents Occur

Recent data on traffic accidents in San Francisco reveal that accidents have increased from 2021 to 2022, and 2,787 resulted in injuries. Further, most accidents occurred at the intersection of Gough Street and Market Street, with 70 injury collisions between 2017-2022. Delivery drivers are generally trained to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. While some accidents are the fault of delivery drivers, many are caused by other drivers.

The following are some common causes of injuries experienced in delivery driver accidents, along with their percentage of occurrence:

• Speeding – 18%
• Failure to yield – 10%
• Violating a traffic signal – 9%
• Unsafe lane changes – 9%
• Unlawful left-turn or U-turn – 6%
• Following vehicles too closely – 5%
• Failure to stop at a STOP sign – 4%
• Other violations – 40%

Other violations may include distracted driving, driving drowsy, or driving under the influence. Often, drivers misjudge delivery trucks because of their sheer size and weight.  Making unsafe lane changes, driving too closely, speeding, and illegal turns can all be detrimental when sharing the road with a delivery truck.

Common Injuries Sustained in Delivery Driver Accidents

Accidents can be broadside, T-bone, rear-end, or head-on, and they all can result in serious injuries. In severe cases, a delivery truck can flip over, causing serious injuries and putting other drivers on the road at risk. Because a collision can cause a serious impact, delivery drivers may be at risk of sustaining the following injuries:

• Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Bone fractures
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Lacerations
• Burns

Potential Workers’ Compensation Benefits

An accident that occurs while a delivery driver is on the job is considered a workplace accident. This means that, as a delivery driver who has experienced an accident while working, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a state-required insurance program that provides benefits to employees injured on the job. In California, the Department of Industrial Relations handles workers’ compensation claims and outlines your basic rights. If you make a workers’ compensation claim, some benefits you may receive include:

• Medical care benefits. Medical care may include doctor’s visits, medications, physical therapy, and other medical appointments.
• Temporary disability benefits. Some accidents are so severe that the injured may have to take off work to recover from injuries, and temporary disability benefits may compensate for lost wages.
• Permanent disability benefits. In other cases, your injuries may be so serious that you cannot return to work, in which permanent disability benefits help you take care of day-to-day expenses.
• Death benefits for decedents. If your injuries result in death, your family may receive benefits to help cover funeral costs and other expenses.
• Supplemental job displacement benefit. The purpose of these benefits is to help you retrain or obtain a skill to seek future employment following an accident.

The amount you receive depends on the nature of your accident, the severity of your injuries, how long your injuries last, total loss of income, and other factors. While the exact amount you receive is difficult to determine, payments may range from $240-$1600 per week.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Your attorney can help you in many ways if you are involved in an accident. Not only can they walk you through the insurance and benefits process, but they can negotiate your settlement if you believe it is insufficient or fight your case in court if you are denied benefits. While you recover from your injuries, your lawyer can be busy working to ensure your rights are protected.

FAQs About SanFrancisco,CA Delivery Driver Injury Law

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to Make a Claim Against a Trucking Company?

If you are a delivery driver who wants to file a claim against your trucking company, you may want to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. This type of attorney focuses on helping injured employees file claims with their employer’s insurance, even if the employer denies benefits or disputes the claim. A workers’ compensation lawyer can protect your rights, gather evidence for your case, and help you pursue maximum benefits.

Can a Delivery Driver Make a Claim for Falling on Your Property?

Yes, a delivery driver can make a claim if they are injured due to unsafe conditions while delivering on private property. Under California’s premises liability law (Civil Code §1714), property owners have the responsibility to ensure that lawful visitors to the property are safe, including delivery drivers. If a hazard, such as uneven pavement, poor lighting, or a wet walking surface, leads to a fall, the property owner could be held liable for the driver’s injuries.

What Percentage Do Most Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Take?

The percentage most workers’ compensation lawyers take depends on the specific case. Each firm has its own set of percentages, and the factors that determine these percentages include the lawyer’s experience, the firm’s location, and the complexity of the case. If your case is complex and your settlement substantial, your lawyer may take a larger percentage as opposed to minor cases.

What Are Most Lawyers’ Fees for a Car Accident?

Lawyers’ fees vary by firm, lawyer’s experience, and the nature of your case. Some lawyers charge fixed rates, while others charge hourly. If the lawyer is highly experienced and has a high success rate, for example, they may charge higher rates. Another factor that may be considered is the location of the firm. Firms in locations with a high cost of living may be pricier than firms in areas with a lower cost of living.

Exceptional Firm Focused on Your Compensation

Bridges Law Firm has a history of helping both English and Spanish-speaking clients settle workers’ compensation claims. We are devoted to helping those injured in delivery driver accidents get back on their feet or receive adequate compensation if they are unable to return to work. If you were injured while driving a delivery truck, contact us today for a consultation and learn how we can assist you.