Food Delivery Accident Attorney in Kentucky

How Do Food Delivery Accidents Occur?

Given the nature of food delivery, the drivers are often in a time crunch. This can create reckless and dangerous road behavior. Some common causes of a car accident specific to a food delivery driver include:

• Distracted Driving – A food delivery driver is required to follow a GPS while driving to find the location of their delivery. When a driver becomes distracted by their GPS, incoming orders, or any other phone notification, it can cause a collision.
• Speeding – Given the nature of food delivery, the drivers are often in a time crunch. Attempting to meet delivery deadlines by speeding can create reckless or dangerous behavior on the road that can cause a collision.
• Fatigue – Food delivery drivers often work long hours and may feel pressured to complete many deliveries which can cause driver fatigue and lead to an accident.
• Unfamiliar roads – Food delivery drivers often travel on unfamiliar roads to get to their drop-off location, which can increase the likelihood of causing navigation errors.
• Poor vehicle maintenance – Most food delivery drivers use their own vehicles, meaning they may not have been properly maintained and can cause a crash if any part malfunctions or breaks.
• Adverse weather conditions – Food delivery services run regardless of weather conditions; so, a driver who is driving an order in the rain, fog, or snow can create hazardous driving conditions and cause a crash.

It’s important to address that a food delivery driver can also be affected by the emotional burden of completing their deliveries, receiving a good review, and not getting fired from their job. All these factors can impact on a driver’s ability to focus on driving, leading to collisions.

Contact Morrin Law Firm if a food delivery driver in Kentucky recently struck you.

How Many People Are in Food Delivery Accidents?

According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,486 fatal work injuries in the U.S. during 2022. This was an increase from 2021, with only 5,190. Transportation accidents, which can include food delivery being transported, were the most frequent type of fatal event, accounting for 37.7% of all occupational fatalities. In 2022, 2,066 transportation incidents resulted in fatalities. For food preparation and serving-related occupations, 123 incidents occurred in 2022.

You can view the report in its entirety here.

Potential Injuries

When a person is involved in a collision with a food delivery driver, the resulting impact can cause various injuries, including:

• Whiplash: When a driver or passenger is in a rear-end collision and their head/neck is in pain.
• Fractures: Broken bone(s) from the impact of the crash.
• Head injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Spinal injuries: Damage to a driver or passenger’s spine or spinal cord.
• Internal injuries: Damage to a driver or passenger’s internal organs from the impact.

Keep in mind that these are just several examples of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Morrin Law advises to always receive medical attention following a car collision. Even if you do not initially feel any pain or injuries, they may set in over time. Obtaining proper medical documentation that outlines the extent of your injuries is extremely important for a personal injury case.

Damages Resulting from a Food Delivery Accident

The damages that result from a crash refers to the financial costs or burden caused by the collision. When seeking financial compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, the settlement will go to support any of the following damages:

• Past, present, and future projected medical bills;
• Lost wages due to missing work;
• Wrongful death if a loved one died who was supporting the family; and/or
• Pain and suffering.

Unsure what the value of damages is from your Kentucky car wreck? Contact an experienced Kentucky personal injury attorney today.

What to Do if a Food Delivery Accident Occurs

No one expects to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. However, it’s important to know what to do and the steps you can take following a food delivery accident in Kentucky:

1. Ensure safety: Immediately following the collision, you should move to a safe location out of the way of other vehicles and if possible, assess for any injuries.
2. Call 911: Motorists in Kentucky are required by law to report any accident that involves personal injury or $500 in property damage. You should contact the police to review the accident scene and help determine liability and fault. If the police do not arrive at the crash site, you must file an accident report online within 10 days of the collision.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible damages. You should also get the contact and insurance information from the other person/party involved. Additionally, seek out any potential witnesses to the crash.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you think you are fine following a motor vehicle accident, a medical professional should still see you. Certain injuries take time to set in, and sometimes adrenaline from the wreck can make the injured person not recognize the full extent of injuries.
5. Notify Insurance: Your insurance, as well as the other driver’s insurance, must be contacted to report the accident. The insurance company will assess the accident, determine fault and liability, and is typically in charge of offering financial settlements for damages.
6. Consult an Attorney: Hiring an attorney who is experienced in food delivery accidents is extremely helpful when seeking to file a personal injury claim. When you trust Morrin Law with your case, we can contact the insurance companies on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement.

Who is Held Liable for a Food Delivery Accident?

When a motor vehicle accident occurs, liability can depend on several factors, including:

• The food delivery driver – If the food delivery driver was operating the vehicle dangerously or negligently, they can be held liable.
• Employer liability – If the food delivery driver is an employee (not an independent contractor), the delivery company might be held liable under the principle of vicarious liability.
• Third parties – There are cases where other parties, such as another driver or a vehicle manufacturer, might be liable if they contributed to the accident.

The state of Kentucky uses a “pure comparative negligence” rule for accident liability and insurance claims. This means that if each driver is partially at fault for the collision, the percentage of their fault will be subtracted from what they can recover through a personal injury claim.

If you have questions regarding fault and liability in Kentucky, contact Morrin Law.

What is the Average Settlement for a Food Delivery Accident?

When it comes to compensation for car accident injuries, the average settlement can vary. However, it is widely based on factors like:

• Degree of fault: The clearer it can be established that the other party is at fault, the higher the potential settlement.
• Severity of injuries: Injuries that are more severe generally result in higher settlements.
• Insurance limits: The coverage limits of the insurance policies involved can cap the settlement amount.
• Economic damages: The resulting medical bills, lost damages, and other quantifiable expenses will help to determine the settlement amount.

Average Settlement for Whiplash Caused by a Food Delivery Driver

Whiplash settlements can vary but typically range from $2,500 to $10,000 for mild to moderate cases. Severe cases involving long-term medical treatment can result in higher settlements. Key points to consider when dealing with a whiplash personal injury case:

1. Severity and duration of the injury and how long the symptoms have persisted;
2. The cost of medical expenses and any lost wages due to time off work; and
3. The willingness of the insurance companies to cooperate and understand the extent of your injuries.

Wrongful Death Caused by a Food Delivery Accident

When a driver or passenger is killed in a negligent accident, it is referred to as wrongful death. The financial compensation goes to support the family or spouse of the deceased and can depend on several factors, including:

• Victim’s age and health, as younger victims with dependents can result in higher settlements;
• Economic losses such as lost future income and benefits;
• Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering of the surviving family members; and
• Punitive damages if the case is determined to be gross negligence.

Have questions about wrongful death? Contact a personal injury attorney with Morrin Law Firm.

How Much Can a Person Sue for a Food Delivery Accident?

The amount a person can sue for regarding a food delivery accident will depend on the same factors as a personal injury claim: the severity of the injury, full extent of damages, and evaluation of fault and liability.

Under Kentucky law, a person can only sue for damages in an accident that exceeds the following thresholds:

• $1,000 in medical bills;
• A broken bone(s);
• Permanent disfigurement;
• Permanent injury; or
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Is it Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Food Delivery Accident?

While it is not required to hire an attorney, doing so can be highly beneficial in certain scenarios. One situation is if the injuries suffered from the car accident are severe and require extensive recovery and ongoing medical treatment. Severe injuries often result in expensive medical bills, long-term rehabilitation, and even permanent issues. These can all drastically affect a person’s quality of life and financial stability. An attorney can help ensure that your injuries are covered by adequate compensation to cover these extensive costs, so you can focus on your recovery.

Another scenario where hiring an attorney can be helpful is if there is a dispute over liability for the accident. Establishing fault in a car crash can be a complex process that involves detailed investigations and gathering evidence to prove the extent of your injuries. A lawyer who is experienced in personal injury claims will understand how to navigate these complexities and build a strong case on your behalf.

Additionally, insurance companies can be reluctant to offer a fair settlement amount. They are known to downplay the extent of a victim’s injuries and aim to minimize the potential payout in a claim. This can lead to you receiving much less compensation than your injuries deserve. By collaborating with an attorney, you can let them speak to the insurance companies on your behalf and counteract them to ensure your offer is fair.

Morrin Law is a Kentucky personal injury firm with extensive experience representing those wrongfully injured in car accidents. We can answer any questions you have during a free consultation if you call (859) 358-0300.

How a Kentucky Personal Injury Attorney Will Fight for Fair Compensation for Damages

Dealing with any civil matter can be confusing. Hiring an attorney who specializes in personal injury can add several benefits to a claim, including:

• Investigate the accident to help you gather evidence to build a convincing case;
• Negotiate with insurers on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement;
• Calculate the damages that can result from the accident; and
• Provide legal advice by offering guidance throughout the entire process to ensure you make informed decisions; and
• File a lawsuit and represent your case in court if it becomes necessary.

Contact Morrin Law

If you or someone you love is suffering from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident, consider consulting a personal injury attorney. This can be a long, complicated process. You should be able to focus on making a full recovery while a legal expert takes on contacting the insurance companies and negotiating for a fair settlement.

The Kentucky personal injury attorneys at Morrin Law are experienced in representing cases involving food delivery vehicles. We understand the nuances of dealing with these types of accidents and can provide you with support and guidance throughout the entire process. Receive a free case evaluation by contacting our office at (859) 358-0300. Our firm works on a contingency basis, meaning we only succeed if you do!