According to data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), more than 27,000 United States workers have been killed in auto accidents between the years 2003 to 2017. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the US. Given how many companies rely on delivery trucks and delivery drivers, it should come as no surprise that people in these occupations face a number of hazards.
The Indianapolis, IN work injury and accident attorneys of Golitko & Daly would like to discuss some causes of delivery driver crashes. We will then go over why it’s important for commercial drivers filing work injury lawsuits to speak with our law firm.
Causes of Delivery Driver Injuries
There are numerous causes of delivery driver accidents. Some of these may include:
- Driver Fatigue – Long hours behind the wheel can lead to a delivery driver becoming tired. This has a negative effect on decision-making skills and coordination, making a collision more likely.
- Being Overworked – Related to fatigue, if a driver is forced to drive for long hours without breaks, or they are forced to work a longer-than-expected shift, this can lead to collisions. This is especially true if the driver is under a lot of stress to make many deliveries as quickly as possible.
- Reckless Driving – Drivers who speed or drive aggressively while on the job are more likely to get into crashes.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance – If the delivery driver is driving a vehicle that belongs to a company, issues with vehicle maintenance (e.g., brake problems, steering problems) could lead to crashes.
When going over your work-related auto accident, our Indianapolis attorneys will consider all of the evidence in your case to determine the cause of the crash and who should be held accountable.
Other Factors That Make Crashes More Likely
In addition to the issues we noted above, two other important factors contribute to the potential for delivery driver crashes:
- Poor Weather – Rain, snow, and other weather conditions affecting visibility and traction can make crashes much more likely.
- Bad Road Conditions – If there is debris on the road, potholes, a tight/blind turn, or anything else that makes safe driving more difficult, crashes may occur.
Types of Injuries Sustained by Delivery Drivers
Delivery drivers may experience a whole host of injuries in a crash. Some of these may include:
- Head and facial injures
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
Potential Injuries to Other Motorists and Bystanders
In addition to workers being harmed, delivery driver accidents can also lead to injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other bystanders. In such cases, determining the liable party in the crash is crucial for countless people involved in the accident.
Why You Should Speak with a Work Injury Lawyer
If you are a delivery driver who was injured while on the job, speaking with a work injury lawyer at our Indianapolis law firm is crucial. We can help determine who was liable for the accident occurring. If it was your employer or another party, we can help seek damages to cover medical bills and other losses associated with your injury.
In addition, we can help you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you are owed if you have been denied them on your first attempt. Our attorneys are here to help.
Learn More About Work Injury Lawsuits
For more information about your legal options following an injury while you are on the job, be sure to contact our work injury attorneys. The team at Golitko & Daly is here to help. You can reach our law firm by phone at (317) 566-9600.