Crary, Clark & Domanico helps delivery drivers in Spokane who have been injured in pedestrian accidents. When you get out of your car to make a delivery, you effectively become a pedestrian, which means you face certain situations where you could be injured. Our team can support you through the recovery process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Being injured in a pedestrian accident while making a delivery can be overwhelming, especially when you weren’t expecting it–and can’t afford the consequences. However, you do have legal options. Our experienced team helps delivery drivers like you make their way through these difficult situations, even though there’s no legal requirement in Washington that says you need a lawyer.
Here’s how we can help you:
- Explaining how the law applies to your case and outlining your legal options.
- Gathering crucial evidence and assessing the full extent of your damages.
- Talking with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement.
- Protecting your rights, handling paperwork, and reducing your stress so you can focus on recovery.
Every pedestrian accident case is different, which is why we offer personalized guidance. Our Spokane pedestrian accident lawyers provide free consultations and work on a no upfront cost basis.
Does Being a Delivery Driver Change Your Legal Rights?
Legally speaking, the fact that you’re a delivery driver doesn’t change your legal rights when you’re injured while making a delivery. Basically, the moment you step out of your car, you’re a pedestrian. For delivery drivers, this means if you’re hit while walking to a customer’s door, crossing the street, or unloading items, you can file an injury claim against whoever is responsible.
Most of the time, this is going to involve a driver that hits you. However, it all depends on the circumstances. So, if you’re injured while making a delivery, the following could also share some of the liability:
- Other drivers – Even if they didn’t hit you directly, a reckless or distracted driver may have contributed to the accident.
- Local or state government – Poorly designed roads, broken signals, or missing crosswalks can make pedestrian accidents more likely.
- Vehicle or parts makers – If a car defect, such as faulty brakes, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be responsible.
- Homeowners or clients – If you were injured on their property due to hazardous conditions, unrestrained pets, obstructed entryways, or negligent actions, they may be held liable under Washington’s premises liability laws.
In some situations, you might also bear some responsibility, especially if you:
- Crossed the street in an unsafe or unmarked area.
- Ignored traffic signals or walked against the light.
- Stepped into traffic without giving drivers enough time to react.
Even if you are partially at fault, Washington’s comparative negligence law allows you to file a claim, but your potential damages may be reduced based on your share of responsibility.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Claim as a Delivery Driver?
Being injured in a pedestrian accident while making a delivery isn’t just unexpected, but it’s likely to leave you facing pretty serious injuries–on top of other challenges. Fortunately, the legal system is there to help you. Whether you choose to file an insurance claim out of court or file a lawsuit, your injury claim could cover damages like:
- Medical expenses – This includes costs for emergency services, hospital stays, surgery, tests, medications, and follow-up care.
- Future medical costs – If your injury is permanent, you can get damages for long-term treatments, therapy, or medications needed.
- Lost wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover wages lost due to missed work or reduced earning capacity. This will be especially important if you’re an independent contractor or if making deliveries was your primary source of income.
- Pain and suffering – This covers costs for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress – Along the same lines, this covers the emotional and psychological toll the accident takes, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- Reduced quality of life – This relates to costs that come from your reduced quality of life, like if you can’t enjoy activities or hobbies or lose connection with loved ones.
- Wrongful death expenses – In the event that your injuries are fatal, your surviving family can file a “wrongful death” claim that will recover funeral or burial costs, as well as other important damages.
Obviously, every case is different, so your damages are going to be closely related to your particular injuries and losses. Also, you have to file within three years of the date of the accident. Missing that deadline means you probably won’t be able to file a claim at all.
How Can You Protect Your Claim After a Pedestrian Accident?
When you’re injured in one of these accidents, it’s not surprising that the steps you take in the immediate aftermath are going to be extremely important to how your claim plays out. So, here’s what you’ll need to do to protect your claim–and make it stronger:
- Call 911 – Even if your injuries seem minor, get medical care right away by calling 911 for an ambulance. Some injuries might not be obvious at first, but EMTs can check you out and take care of any immediate injuries.
- Call the police – While on with 911, make sure the local police respond to the scene and file an official report. This will give you an official record of the accident.
- Get all the information you can – Get the driver’s contact and insurance details, as well as those of any witnesses (or the property owner if they’re involved.) This information will be crucial for your claim.
- Document the accident scene – If you can, use your phone to take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and the surrounding conditions.
- Be careful with statements – Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could harm your case. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police or insurance representatives.
- Track the impact of your injuries – Keep detailed records of how the accident is affecting your daily life, such as missed work, emotional distress, or limitations in your physical activities.
By following these steps, you’ll help protect your legal rights and build a strong case for damages. But remember, the process isn’t always easy–especially if you’re badly hurt. That’s where our team can step in and support you.
Free Consultations For Delivery Drivers Injured in Spokane Pedestrian Accidents
As a delivery driver, you work hard and put yourself in potentially dangerous situations. Sometimes, this means you’re injured. While this is tough to deal with, our Spokane pedestrian accident lawyers at CCD Law will be there to help you. We’ll explain your options and then guide you through the claims process to help you get the financial support you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
