Struck By a Passing Vehicle as a Delivery Driver in Baltimore: What Are My Options?

Delivery drivers face serious hazards when exiting and entering their vehicles. Due to the nature of this profession, they may have to do this countless times each day. All it takes is one passing driver to cause serious, life-altering injuries. What can you do if you find yourself in this situation? How do you pursue compensation for your injuries? Although online research provides insights, this is a complex subject you may want to discuss alongside a delivery driver crash in Baltimore.

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable After Being Struck as a Delivery Driver 

If you were struck by a passing vehicle while working as a delivery driver in Maryland, you may have the opportunity to hold the negligent driver liable for your injuries. For example, you might have been working for Amazon when you exited your vehicle and attempted to retrieve parcels from inside. With your back turned, you may not have seen an approaching drunk driver. After being clipped by this negligent driver, you might have been thrown to the concrete – perhaps suffering head injuries and fractures.  In this situation, you could sue the driver directly for your injuries.

Another situation might involve a food delivery worker on an e-bike. Perhaps you had just arrived at the customer’s house, and you signaled to pull over to the side of the road. Despite your clear signaling, however, a driver might have sideswiped you and thrown you off your bike. In this case, you might also sue the negligent driver.

You should know that filing a lawsuit in this manner is not the same as a workers’ compensation claim. While workers’ comp is a “no-fault” system, Maryland follows an “at-fault” system of contributory negligence for auto injury lawsuits. This requires you to prove that the other driver caused your accident. An experienced injury lawyer in Maryland can help you prove negligence by presenting compelling evidence.

Insurers may offer settlements without trials. However, evidence may still prove useful in settlement negotiations. This evidence includes police reports, surveillance footage, medical records, pay stubs, and other documents relevant to your damages and losses.

Pursuing Compensation for Non-Economic Damages 

Although filing a lawsuit is more challenging than filing a workers’ comp claim, it comes with greater potential rewards. A lawsuit may provide compensation for non-economic damages, which is not possible in a workers’ comp claim. This can help you get the compensation you need for PTSD, depression, anxiety, disfigurement, emotional distress, and many other legitimate issues.

Pursue Compensation with a Delivery Driver Crash in Baltimore 

If you were injured as a delivery driver by a third party’s negligence, a workers’ compensation claim may not be your only option. To discuss your full range of legal options after an accident, contact Furman Honick Law at your earliest convenience. With our help, you can pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Reach out to our Baltimore car accident lawyers today to get started.

Sources: 

msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5300/sc5339/000113/004000/004611/unrestricted/20071522e.pdf

nbcwashington.com/news/local/prince-georges-county/delivery-driver-dies-after-trying-to-stop-car-theft-in-capitol-heights/3426625/