Every day, thousands of packages make their way to doorsteps throughout Atlanta. However, the drivers responsible for making these deliveries can cause serious, life-altering accidents. The pressure to meet deadlines and navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods sometimes leads to fatal errors, leaving families devastated and searching for justice.
If you lost a loved one due to a delivery driver’s fatal error, you deserve justice. In Atlanta, you have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver, their employer, and any other party that may have contributed to the accident. Contact a wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta to determine your family’s legal options as soon as possible.
Types of Delivery Driver Negligence Leading to Fatalities
Delivery driver negligence can manifest in various ways. Drivers may succumb to distractions, violate traffic laws, or operate vehicles while fatigued, increasing the risk of fatal accidents. Additionally, negligence on the part of the delivery company, the manufacturer of the delivery vehicle, or even a cargo loader can lead to a collision.
Some of the most common causes of fatal delivery accidents include:
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Impaired driving
- Reckless lane changes
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Failing to provide proper training
- Backing up without checking for passersby
- Failure to secure cargo
- Overloaded vehicles
Determining Liability: Driver versus Company Responsibility
In a wrongful death lawsuit, the person or entity responsible for the death is financially liable for the damages suffered by the family and the estate. When the case involves delivery drivers, determining liability can be complex. Sometimes, the driver bears sole responsibility for their negligent actions.
However, the delivery company may also be held accountable under certain circumstances. If the company’s policies and practices caused the accident—such as hiring unqualified drivers or pressuring employees to drive more hours than allowed—then the company would be liable for any accidents that occur.
If the driver was employed by the company and caused an accident while performing their job duties, the company would be liable as well. This is due to a concept known as vicarious liability, which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees. However, many delivery companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, which limits their liability in these situations.
This classification doesn’t always shield the company from responsibility. Courts may look at factors such as the level of control the company exerts over the driver’s work, the nature of the work performed, and the agreement between the parties to determine if the company should share liability for the accident.
Seek Justice with an Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Have you lost a loved one due to a delivery driver’s negligence? Your family deserves justice—and Monge & Associates can fight for you. Wrongful death claims provide a path to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Our Atlanta truck accident attorneys can help you navigate the complex legal process, protecting your rights throughout the process.
With decades of experience and thousands of five-star reviews, you can trust our firm to investigate thoroughly, negotiate fiercely, and litigate effectively on your behalf. We will work diligently to uncover the truth and secure the settlement your family needs to move forward. Contact us at (888) 653-0605 for a free case evaluation and begin your legal journey today.