The on-demand economy has created many challenges and opportunities for businesses. People want near-instant gratification when making online purchases or ordering delivery services. Companies have rushed to provide that level of convenience by establishing their own delivery fleets.
As a result, there are more delivery drivers on the road than ever before. In addition to professionals working for the United States Postal Service (USPS) and well-established parcel delivery companies, there are delivery drivers working for large corporations with their own delivery fleets and countless independent contractors delivering meals and groceries to people. Those delivery drivers put everyone else in traffic at increased risk of collisions.
What makes the increase in delivery drivers dangerous for others in traffic?
Delivery drivers can be unpredictable
Delivery drivers sometimes have to enter neighborhoods with which they are not familiar. They may then make unexpected maneuvers if they almost miss a turn or need to double back. The sudden and aggressive maneuvers of delivery drivers trying to secure tips or conform to demanding company schedules can lead to preventable collisions.
Drivers may park in inappropriate places
Another reason delivery drivers put others at risk is that they have to exit their vehicles to drop off packages, food or groceries. Frequently, delivery drivers park in locations that aren’t technically legal. If there isn’t legal curb parking available, they may park on the shoulder of the road or in a lane of traffic. Drivers may stop their vehicles at the top of hills or near dangerous curves. Where they choose to park can lead to others hitting their stopped vehicles or might result in single-vehicle collisions involving those trying to avoid a delivery vehicle stopped at an inappropriate location.
People may be unsure about the availability of compensation after a delivery vehicle crash. There may be multiple different sources of compensation available when a delivery vehicle is to blame for a collision. What type of insurance is available and who may ultimately be liable depends in part on the underlying cause of the crash and whether the driver is an employee or an independent contractor.
Reviewing the details of a recent delivery vehicle wreck with a skilled legal team can help people cover property damage costs and injury-related losses. Insurance can help in many cases, and a personal injury lawsuit may be an option in some scenarios.