Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Who Covers Courier and Delivery Drivers if They Are Hurt in a Job Related Auto Accident?

For someone who works in a bustling industry such as the courier industry, driving is an inescapable part of their work. This type of work unfortunately exposes them to many more possible accidents during the course of their working day than people who don't drive for a living. As such, there are insurance questions that they must think about beforehand, in the case of ever experiencing an accident.

All courier companies, (and most other companies which employee professional drivers) will have insurance policies out on their vehicles and drivers to ensure that they are not held liable in the event of an accident. This situation might be different for a courier company who subcontracts drivers. Those drivers would be responsible for their own insurance on their vehicle, although the courier company might require a minimum amount of coverage. This is the most common type of courier model with smaller companies. It helps protect the employer as it ensures that there is no way they would be held liable in the case of an accident. If they own their vehicles and maintain them, as is the case in many of the larger companies, an accident caused by mechanical failure could leave the courier company held at fault.

Fault is important to note. When injured as a courier driver, the accident will be treated much like any other and is subject to the particular laws of the state you are in. In a no-fault state, it will not matter who caused the accident in regards to auto damages and most medical bills. However, in a state without no-fault insurance, it might be possible that, if the other party is at fault in the accident, you can sue them for a variety of benefits relating to your injury. As mentioned above, the company that you work for might also be held responsible if the accident was due to negligence on their part. It is wise to consult a lawyer to learn the specifics of the possibilities and insurance laws in place within your state.

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