The vast number of delivery vehicles on the road in San Francisco and the Bay Area means that collisions involving them are increasingly common.
If you’ve been injured in a collision with a delivery vehicle in San Francisco, contact Jacoby & Meyers for a free case review. Our experienced delivery accident attorneys understand the complexities of delivery accident claims, from Amazon and FedEx to food delivery services and more.
With over $2 billion in reported recoveries for our clients*, our San Francisco accident attorneys have experience handling complex injury claims. Call (415) 855-4289 or complete our online form to discuss your case with our team.
*Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Determining Liability in San Francisco Delivery Accidents
Since California is a fault state, car accidents are generally paid for by the person or party determined to be most at fault. This means it is necessary to determine who caused your delivery accident in San Francisco before filing an insurance claim.
Delivery vehicle crash claims may involve:
- Delivery driver responsibility
- Company liability for driver actions
- Third-party vehicle negligence
- Vehicle or equipment manufacturer liability
- Multiple-party claims and comparative fault
Under the principle of comparative fault, an insurance provider may evaluate whether a victim shares any responsibility for a collision. If a portion of fault is assigned to the victim, any recovery would be adjusted based on that specific percentage. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations into delivery-related crashes to help establish clear facts regarding fault and legal responsibility.
Compensation Available for Delivery Accident Victims
As a delivery accident victim in San Francisco, you may be eligible to seek recovery for related losses from one or more responsible parties. If evidence demonstrates that the delivery driver, the delivery company, or another third party was at fault, you may have grounds to pursue a claim for your damages.
Available types of compensation can include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Property damage
- Wrongful death claims for fatal accidents
It is advisable to consult with an attorney regarding the details of your personal injury claim before accepting an insurance settlement. While insurance providers often aim for a quick resolution, a San Francisco personal injury lawyer can provide a professional evaluation to help you determine if a settlement offer adequately addresses your current and future needs.
The Surge in Delivery Vehicle Accidents in San Francisco
Thousands of delivery vehicles travel the roads of San Francisco daily. There has been an increase in deliveries due to the popularity of food delivery apps and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. This increase has corresponded with more reported motor vehicle accidents involving delivery vehicles.
Delivery accidents in San Francisco may involve big rigs or 18-wheelers, delivery box trucks, vans, or standard passenger vehicles (e.g., Amazon Flex drivers and food delivery drivers). These collisions can occur anywhere but are most common in residential areas, busy downtown zones, business districts, and at intersections.
Common Causes of Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Delivery drivers can make many avoidable errors that increase the risk of collisions with other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians in San Francisco. Delivery drivers are often on tight schedules and facing pressures from their employers, which can lead to collisions. They may also be required to use delivery apps while driving, increasing the risk of distracted driving.
Top causes of delivery accidents include:
- Delivery driver time pressures and quotas
- Navigation app distraction in urban environments
- Driver fatigue and extended hours
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Making unsafe lane changes or turns
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Inadequate training for San Francisco’s challenging roads
- Vehicle maintenance issues
Delivery accidents in San Francisco can involve a wide range of services, including Amazon, USPS, FedEx, UPS, grocery delivery, food platforms like DoorDash and UberEats, and bicycle or scooter couriers. Regardless of the type of vehicle involved, you may have the right to seek recovery from the delivery company, the individual driver, or a third party responsible for the incident.
California Laws Affecting Delivery Accident Cases
Successfully navigating a delivery accident case in San Francisco requires an understanding of California’s related laws. Special laws pertain to delivery drivers compared to motor vehicle drivers who are not driving for work purposes. Delivery companies must properly vet and background-check their drivers, for example. Delivery vehicles must also be covered by commercial insurance policies.
If a delivery driver is at fault for your collision in the Bay Area, you may be eligible for coverage under a commercial policy rather than the driver’s personal automobile insurance. This may affect the available coverage limits for your claim. If the delivery person was working as an independent contractor, however, you may be unable to hold the delivery company vicariously liable (financially responsible for the actions of employees).
According to Proposition 22, which was upheld by the California Supreme Court in 2024, app-based drivers can continue to be classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This means delivery services can continue to avoid vicarious liability for accidents caused by their drivers, in many cases.
Common Injuries in Delivery Vehicle Accidents
A collision with a delivery vehicle can result in serious to catastrophic injuries, especially if the delivery vehicle was a large truck that weighed significantly more than the motor vehicle or the individual struck.
Every case is unique, but common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Disk injuries (back injuries)
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries
- Soft-tissue damage
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Pedestrian injuries
- Cyclist injuries
At Jacoby & Meyers, our team can assist you in pursuing medical treatment while we prepare your legal claim. We may also work with medical experts, when appropriate, to document the nature and extent of your injuries.
Contact Jacoby & Meyers for a Free San Francisco Delivery Accident Case Review
If you are considering legal action after a delivery accident in San Francisco, Jacoby & Meyers can discuss your options during a free consultation.
Our firm has recovered more than $2 billion in total settlements and judgments for our clients, including a $19 million resolution in a rideshare-related case. Our attorneys possess specialized experience in claims involving delivery service providers and the unique legal issues surrounding app-based drivers. We offer a thorough understanding of delivery company operations, insights into app-based employment structures, and extensive experience navigating the complexities of San Francisco traffic patterns and delivery-specific litigation.
You can learn more about your legal options during a free initial case evaluation at our local law office. Contact us online or call us directly at (415) 855-4289. We are located at 50 California St. Suite 1500, San Francisco, CA 94111.
*Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.