Delivery drivers provide an invaluable service, especially as more people rely on meal, grocery, and package delivery. However, they also spend a considerable amount of time on the road, increasing their risk of getting into an accident. Stats show that between 2020 and 2022, there were more than 1000 accidents involving UPS drivers in the US, with 74 of these incidents fatalities. While that’s a relatively small number compared to auto accidents overall, it’s still significant.
When a delivery driver accident occurs in Georgia, such as cities like Albany and Atlanta, complex legal implications arise regarding liability and financial responsibility. In this article, our Atlanta Amazon delivery accident lawyers will look at the issue.
Determining Fault
The first step following any vehicle collision in Georgia is determining fault and legal liability. Georgia follows traditional contributory negligence rules, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident assumes legal and financial liability. For delivery drivers, common causes include speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, tailgating, illegal turning or passing, running red lights or stop signs, and drunk driving. However, other parties may share in the fault.
If a driver strikes a delivery vehicle stopped improperly on the roadway in Atlanta, Georgia, for example, comparative fault rules would apply. The delivery service, driver, and other parties would share liability according to each party’s percentage of fault for the collision as established through a legal investigation and court judgment or settlement. This is a complex area of Georgia law that an experienced attorney can help navigate for the best result for their injured client or defendant driver and employer.
Implications for Injured Victims
Injured victims of accidents caused by delivery drivers have legal rights to pursue damage recovery. This includes reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, and other costs stemming from the crash. Damages can total hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on case circumstances.
For the best chance at maximum compensation, injured victims should consult qualified Georgia personal injury lawyers as soon as possible after an accident. An attorney can deal with insurance companies and aggressively pursue damage awards in court if fair settlements are not offered. Personal injury attorneys generally work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is little out-of-pocket risk for injured victims needing legal representation for their case.
Implications for Drivers and Delivery Companies
Delivery drivers in Georgia must carry minimum liability insurance under Georgia state law. However, major delivery companies like DoorDash often provide supplementary insurance to cover drivers while on duty. Without this, drivers risk serious out-of-pocket costs in accidents they cause. Additional insurance is advisable to protect driver assets and finances should they be deemed at-fault for a collision, especially if injuries and vehicle damage are extensive.
Delivery companies themselves also risk lawsuits if drivers were improperly hired, trained, or supervised. Negligent hiring and retention liability laws allow crash victims to pursue damages from employers under certain conditions. Companies can protect themselves by thoroughly vetting drivers, instituting training programs, and enforcing safety policies around issues like distracted driving, fatigue, and aggression behind the wheel.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. Call now for a free consultation with our Atlanta truck accident lawyer at (888) 477-0597=.