In recent years, package delivery and food delivery services have become part of everyday life. Companies like Amazon, UPS, FedEx, USPS, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub deliver goods to Maryland residents daily. Unfortunately, the surge in delivery vehicles on the road has also increased the risk of delivery-related accidents.
When delivery drivers are rushed, distracted, or improperly trained, the consequences can be devastating. At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we help injury victims in Maryland pursue compensation after accidents involving package or food delivery drivers.
Common Causes of Delivery-Related Accidents
Delivery drivers often face pressure to meet strict deadlines or complete a high volume of deliveries in a short time. This pressure can lead to dangerous driving behaviors such as:
- Speeding to stay on schedule
- Distracted driving, including GPS use, texting, or calling customers
- Improper parking, blocking driveways, or stopping in traffic lanes
- Fatigue from long shifts and late-night deliveries
- Failure to follow traffic laws, such as rolling through stop signs or making unsafe turns
- Negligent hiring or training by delivery companies
These factors create a higher risk of collisions, putting pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists at risk.
Who Is Liable in a Delivery Driver Accident?
One of the most complex aspects of a delivery accident claim is determining who is legally responsible for your injuries. Liability can vary depending on the company and the driver’s employment status:
- Third-party contractors: Many food delivery services classify drivers as independent contractors, which can complicate liability.
- Employer liability: Companies like UPS, FedEx, or Amazon may be responsible if their employees cause an accident while working.
- App-based services: For Uber Eats, DoorDash, and similar platforms, liability may depend on whether the driver was actively completing a delivery order at the time of the crash.
- Multiple insurers: Several insurance policies may come into play, including the driver’s personal insurance, the company’s commercial policy, or third-party coverage.
Because of these complexities, victims often benefit from having an experienced attorney review the facts and determine the best strategy for recovering compensation.
Steps to Take After a Delivery-Related Accident
If you are involved in an accident with a package or food delivery driver, take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Collect information from the driver, including their employer (Amazon, FedEx, DoorDash, etc.), contact details, and insurance information.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, and any visible delivery items in the car.
- Get witness statements and contact details if anyone saw the crash.
- Seek medical treatment even if injuries seem minor—some conditions worsen over time.
- Contact an attorney before speaking with the delivery company’s insurance representatives.
Delivery companies and insurers are quick to protect their own interests. Having legal counsel early can make a critical difference in your case.
Compensation Available in Delivery Accident Cases
Victims of delivery-related crashes in Maryland may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, therapy, and ongoing treatment)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members in fatal accidents
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and the available insurance coverage. At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we strive to ensure that victims recover the full value of their claims.
How McGowan & Cecil, LLC Can Help
Our attorneys have decades of experience representing Maryland injury victims in complex accident cases. With delivery-related accidents, we know how to:
- Investigate driver records and company policies
- Determine whether the driver was an employee or contractor
- Identify all available insurance coverage
- Build strong evidence using accident reports, expert testimony, and medical documentation
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers or litigate in court when necessary
We understand the tactics used by big corporations and their insurance carriers, and we are prepared to hold them accountable.
FAQ: Delivery-Related Accidents in Maryland
Can I sue a company like Amazon or DoorDash if their driver hits me?
Yes, but liability depends on whether the driver was considered an employee or an independent contractor, and whether they were on duty at the time of the crash.
What if the driver’s personal insurance denies coverage?
Many delivery platforms provide supplemental insurance when drivers are on active deliveries. We investigate all potential sources of coverage.
Do I need a lawyer for a delivery-related accident claim?
Yes. These cases often involve multiple parties and insurers, making them more complex than a standard car accident. An attorney helps protect your rights and maximize compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim in Maryland?
Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury in Maryland is three years from the date of the accident, but waiting can harm your case. It’s best to speak with a lawyer immediately.
Speak With a Maryland Delivery Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision involving a package or food delivery driver, don’t face the legal process alone. McGowan & Cecil, LLC is here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you pursue justice after a delivery-related accident in Maryland.
McGowan & Cecil, LLC is based in Laurel, Maryland, and proudly serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.