In recent years, the delivery service sector has enjoyed massive growth. Giant courier companies delivering packages like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS have fleets of trucks on the highways covering every region of the United States.
The popularity of package delivery has provided many Americans with job opportunities as delivery drivers.
However, working as a delivery driver for these courier companies can be challenging. Drivers must follow specific procedures to ensure quick and constant workflow, but that doesn’t always translate as expected on the road. As such, accidents involving delivery trucks have gone up.
Data from the NHTSA’s CRSS showed an increase in large truck injury cases from 112,000 in 2016 to 116,000 in 2017. Many of these trucks are in the delivery business.
As a delivery driver, these stats are concerning. You’re probably wondering what you’d do if you got into an accident while on the job.
Here are the steps to take if you get into an accident while delivering packages:
Table of Contents
1. Contact Emergency Services
When you realize that you’re conscious after an accident, see if you’re in a position to call 911. If you can’t do anything, perhaps because you’re in pain or trapped, keep still and wait as emergency responders are most likely on the way.
You may assess the damage or scope of your injuries without moving about. If you’ve sustained serious injuries, moving around could make the situation worse.
If the accident wasn’t serious, or if it left you with minor injuries and you’re able to get out of the vehicle and walk, call 911 as soon as possible.
Remember, you and the other driver need to remain where you are and wait for emergency services and the police to arrive on the scene.
2. Gather Some Evidence
While waiting for the authorities to arrive, try gathering some evidence of the crash scene if you’re in a position to do so. That information will help if you need to sue for damages.
The standard procedure is that the police will analyze the crash scene and create a report detailing the extent of damages and determining fault.
Still, having some of your own evidence like photographs or a witness can only strengthen your case. After all, you’ll be going toe-to-toe with a resourceful insurance company.
3. Seek Treatment
After an accident, you’ll probably be rushed to the hospital unconscious. If you suffered minor injuries, seek treatment anyway for your well-being.
The other reason you need medical attention is to ascertain the extent of your injuries. If you’re going to suffer in silence at home and then seek legal aid, it will be difficult to prove to insurance lawyers that you sustained injuries in the accident.
Going to the hospital provides you with an official medical report detailing the extent of your injuries. You’ll need that report in court.
4. Notify the Company
Getting out of the accident scene and onto a hospital bed should be your priority because your well-being comes first. Don’t worry about calling your boss beforehand.
When you’re safe and receiving treatment, you can go ahead and notify the company about the accident. You also don’t want to delay reporting in. Get it done as soon as you’re able to do so.
Amazon and UPS consider their drivers as employees. You’ll need to reach out soon to remain in line with their procedure.
FedEx, however, considers you a private contractor. Chances are there won’t be any benefits coming your way if you get into an accident on the job.
5. Seek Legal Services
If the accident was caused by a courier truck, you may need to face off with the company for maximum compensation.
However, being a delivery driver yourself doesn’t mean you have no chance of getting compensated for damages. With the assistance of a skilled personal injury lawyer, you can file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company.
If you’re awarded a settlement, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying it.
Conclusion
Just because you’re a trained delivery driver, it doesn’t mean you can’t get into an accident. Some things you can’t foresee or avoid, but it’s worth knowing what would happen if you’re involved in an accident while delivering packages for these companies.