More than 1.7 million delivery drivers are employed in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Delivery drivers are all over the roads every day, transporting packages and cargo both large and small.
Unfortunately, sometimes these delivery drivers cause accidents to occur that harm others. If that happens to you or a loved one, you must understand your legal rights. These cases can be complicated because there may be multiple defendants responsible for covering your damages, so you need an attorney with experience.
The Lawyers of Brown and Roberto have represented clients involved in accidents with delivery drivers for more than two decades. We have the knowledge and skill to help you maximize the compensation you deserve when a truck harms you or a loved one. Contact us or give us a call today to talk with a Knoxville delivery accident attorney at (865) 691-2777.
Types of Delivery Accidents In Knoxville
Delivery drivers work for all different companies, including major multinational conglomerates and local mom-and-pop shops. Examples of delivery drivers who could become involved in a collision include:
- USPS, UPS, and FedEx drivers
- Amazon delivery drivers
- Food delivery drivers
- Delivery drivers for local businesses such as florists or dry cleaners
- Furniture and appliance delivery drivers
While it may seem like all of these cases involving delivery drivers would be handled similarly, that’s not necessarily true. That’s because it is important to determine if a delivery driver was employed by a larger company or operating independently.
Some services employ their drivers directly. For example, UPS drivers are employees. Others don’t, and the delivery drivers are independent contractors. This distinction matters because of vicarious liability laws.
Employers can be held liable for their employee’s actions under these laws, but as Hamrick v. Spring City Motor Co., 708 S.W.2d 383, 386 states,“it is necessary to show that the operator of a vehicle was acting as a servant or employee of the owner and in the course and scope of the employment at the time of the accident.”
If the delivery driver who harmed you was an employee, you may want to pursue a vicarious liability claim with the help of a Knoxville personal injury attorney against the company that employed them as it may have much larger insurance coverage limits to ensure you’re fully and fairly compensated for losses.
How Can a Knoxville Delivery Accident Attorney Help You?
A Knoxville delivery accident attorney will help you to:
- Identify all defendants that could be liable for the harm you endured so you can get fully compensated for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress
- Address the unique legal issues in your case. If the driver worked for USPS, for example, there are special rules that apply due to their status as government employees.
- Gather evidence, including subpoenaing records from the company to understand the driver’s training, experience, and time on the road.
- Negotiating a settlement or fighting for you in court.
These are just some of the many ways that the Knoxville car accident attorneys at The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto can help after a delivery accident affects your future.
Contact Our Knoxville Delivery Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love was harmed by a delivery driver, contact the Lawyers of Brown and Roberto at (865) 691-2777 today to schedule your free consultation with a Knoxville delivery accident attorney today.