
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident in Rhode Island caused by a driver delivering pizzas, flowers or packages, understanding your legal rights can offer you both peace of mind and financial relief. However, what happens if the driver was behind the wheel of their own vehicle that was not owned by the company? Are your rights still protected and will your medical bills be paid by the driver at fault for your damages and injuries?
Rhode Island delivery driver accident lawyer
There are numerous liability issues when the Rhode Island accident involving a delivery van was not your fault. These types of RI crashes continue to be a problem in urban areas and residential communities. Ranking statistics maintained by the Bureau of Labor indicate that delivering pizzas, flowers and other goods is one of the top five most dangerous occupations in the U.S. In fact, three fourths of all delivery-related fatalities are the result of traffic accidents.
Drivers Posing Real Dangers in Rhode Island
Nearly every time a delivery driver suffers serious injuries in a vehicle accident, others are usually injured too. In many cases, negligence of the driver delivering goods to households is the direct cause of the injuries and damages. Some accidents involve employees racing to deliver goods to accept their tips, while others attempt to uphold the reputation of the company known for their service and on-time deliveries.
The Need for a RI Personal Injury Attorney
If the delivery individual was operating their own vehicle, they may be working as an independent contractor, which could quickly muddy the waters when seeking compensation. This is because the driver’s company could make a claim that they are not legally liable and are not responsible for paying any medical bills, ambulance expenses and the cost of follow-up care.
Additionally, if the driver did not maintain adequate insurance coverage on their vehicle, the victim could be left holding the bag on their damages and losses. Because of that, victims suffering serious injuries caused by a pizza or flower delivery driver will hire a Providence personal injury attorney to settle liability claims. The RI car accident attorney will seek recovery for a variety of damages and losses that include:
Maintain adequate insurance coverage
• Economic damages including the cost of medical care, hospitalization, rehabilitation and physical therapy required because of the accident-related injuries,
• Future medical expenses,
• Exemplary damages,
• Loss of benefits, consortium, companionship and quality of daily living,
• Past and future lost wages,
• The loss to earn a living in the future,
• Losses caused by physical impairments,
• Non-economic damages including pain, suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress and grief.
Building a Case in Providence Superior Court
A skilled RI personal injury attorney who specializes in delivery driver accidents can provide legal assistance to build the case. The motor vehicle crash lawyer in RI will obtain medical documents, police records, case information and photographs associated with the accident. In addition, the law firm will track down eyewitnesses to be interviewed for future testimony in a claim for compensation or a lawsuit trial.
The Providence car wreck attorney walks the victim through each complicated step of the legal civil action process to minimize potential disruptions of the case so the injured party can focus on healing. Part of building the case involves providing expert witnesses who will testify which party is at fault and the extent of the victim’s injuries directly caused by the accident. Presenting a solid case in front of a claims adjuster while negotiating a settlement will ensure that the victim receives the financial compensation they deserve because of their injuries.
Successfully Resolving a Case
Hiring an aggressive =Rhode Island delivery truck accident attorney is essential to successfully resolving the case. Most reputable Providence and East Providence personal injury law firms offer free initial consultations to evaluate the evidence and provide numerous legal options on moving a claim or lawsuit forward. Delivery driver accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that legal representation is immediately provided to the victim without the need of paying any upfront fees.
If a delivery driver working for a service like Uber Eats is involved in an accident that results in injury or death, several legal and insurance considerations come into play. It’s important to note that the specific legal and insurance rules may vary by jurisdiction, and regulations can change over time. Here’s a general overview of what typically happens:
- Immediate Response:
- If there are injuries or fatalities, the first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved parties. Call 911 or the appropriate emergency services immediately.
- Police Report:
- In most cases, the police will investigate the accident and create a report. This report will be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Driver’s Insurance:
- The delivery driver’s personal auto insurance will typically be the first source of coverage. However, personal auto insurance often excludes coverage for accidents that occur while the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes, such as food delivery.
- Uber’s Insurance:
- Uber typically provides insurance coverage for its drivers, but the specifics can vary. The extent of coverage often depends on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident.
- Uber’s insurance may cover accidents that occur while the driver is actively engaged in a delivery or on the way to pick up an order. Coverage may also depend on whether the driver has accepted an order on the app.
- Lawsuit Potential:
- In cases involving serious injuries or fatalities, the injured party or their family may consider filing a lawsuit against the delivery driver, Uber, or both, depending on the circumstances.
- Legal Consequences:
- The driver could face legal consequences if their actions are found to be negligent or unlawful. This might include fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges if the accident was the result of reckless behavior.
- Insurance Claim Process:
- The injured party or their family may file an insurance claim with the responsible party’s insurance, whether it’s the driver’s personal insurance or Uber’s insurance.
- Insurance companies will investigate the claim and may negotiate a settlement with the claimant.
- Criminal Investigation:
- If the accident involves death or serious injury, there may be a criminal investigation to determine if the driver should be charged with a crime, such as vehicular manslaughter.
- Civil Lawsuit:
- The injured party or their family may also file a civil lawsuit against the responsible parties to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
- Settlement or Court Trial:
- The parties involved may settle out of court, or the case may go to trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
This is a simplified overview of the process, and the specifics can be quite complex, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the jurisdiction. If you or someone you know is involved in such a situation, it’s essential to consult with a legal professional who can provide guidance based on the specific details of the case.