Aurora Delivery Driver Accident Lawyer

Aurora Delivery Driver Accident Attorneys

Working as a delivery driver can be a rewarding job that grants you the ability to visit interesting places and meet all kinds of people. However, accidents can happen. When you are involved in a car accident as a delivery driver, the stakes can be considerably higher, not just for you but also for the company you work for and the other people involved in the accident. If you find yourself in this situation, you should consult an Aurora, IL, delivery driver accident lawyer.

Getting Into an Accident as a Delivery Driver

If you are ever injured in the act of performing your job duties as a delivery driver, you may be entitled to certain workers’ compensation benefits from your employer’s insurance carrier. It depends on your employer and the kind of workers’ comp insurance that they carry. However, if you injure a pedestrian or another driver while driving a company vehicle, you could open yourself or your company up to a personal injury case.

The Illinois Safety and Financial Responsibility Law requires all parties involved in a traffic accident to file a crash report with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) if the incident results in:

• A personal injury claim that exceeds $500
• Property damage that exceeds $500
• A death

In addition, Illinois state law requires anybody involved in a car accident that results in a personal injury or death to immediately stop at the scene. Any failure to do so can result in hit-and-run charges.

Common Causes of Delivery Driver Accidents

Delivery drivers are everywhere these days. You can order almost anything to your home through various online retailers and have it sent to you in days. Due to the overwhelming number of delivery drivers present on the road, there is also an increase in the possibility of an accident. Sometimes, delivery drivers themselves can be the cause of those accidents.

It is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself if you are ever in an accident caused by a delivery driver. Here are three common causes of these incidents:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains one of the biggest causes of car accidents across the country. Any behavior that takes your immediate focus away from the road ahead of you can be considered distracted driving. Such behavior includes:

• Eating and drinking
• Talking on the phone
• Texting while driving
• Playing with the radio
• Conversing with passengers
• Engaging in road rage

Delivery drivers may be driving larger vehicles, such as commercial trucks, which can make distractions even more dangerous. Do what you can to minimize distractions when driving.

Lack of Training

Regrettably, not every delivery driver is going to be trained as well as they should have been. A lack of training can translate into a lack of preparedness for certain situations, such as potential accidents. The demand for drivers may be considerably high for certain companies, leading to a need to rush drivers through training to meet that demand. Some drivers may not be as good at driving large trucks as others.

Driver Fatigue

In some cases, driving while tired can be almost as dangerous as driving while drunk. Driver fatigue is real and considerably dangerous. When you are tired, your brain is not functioning as strongly as it does when you are awake. The mental and physical demands of a delivery driver can be strenuous, resulting in an increase in fatigue that could cause a bad accident.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Case in Illinois?

A: Settling a car accident case in Illinois takes as long as it needs to take. Depending on the details of the case, a car accident can require anywhere from several weeks to several years to fully finalize. Certain factors will determine how long your case will take to finish, such as the severity of your injuries, the amount of evidence that proves who was at fault, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills.

Q: How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Driving Record in Illinois?

A: In Illinois, an accident can stay on your driving record for anywhere from four to seven years, depending on the nature of the accident and how severe the consequences may have been for all those involved. If your driving offense was minor and did not result in anyone’s injuries, your accident may remain on your driving record for anywhere from four to five years. It really depends on the details of the accident in question.

Q: How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Illinois?

A: In Illinois, you have 10 days to report a car accident in Illinois. You must report the incident to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The report can be filed by:

• The victim of the accident
• Their insurance agent
• The owner of the vehicle involved
• A representative

You must report the accident if it resulted in a serious injury, death, or property damage that resulted in at least $1,500 in damages.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Hit-and-Run in Illinois?

A: In Illinois, the statute of limitations for a hit-and-run claim is two years. This means that you will have two years to:

• Start building a case.
• Gather the necessary evidence.
• Consult a lawyer.
• File a civil claim.

If you are unable to file your claim before two years are up, your case may be thrown out, and your opportunity to pursue damages will have passed by.

Reach Out to Our Aurora Delivery Driver Accident Lawyer Today

Delivery drivers can cause terrible accidents due to a lack of training, fatigue, or simple driver error. If you are ever involved in an accident with a delivery driver, it is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself. At Connolly Injury Law, we can help you develop your case, gather evidence, and represent your interests throughout. Together, we can pursue the right course of legal action. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.