Top 6 Causes of Injury For Delivery Drivers

 Posted on February 06, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Delivery drivers have a more dangerous job than most people recognize. Not only are delivery drivers on the road all day, but they are also entering people’s property, where they may encounter any number of hazards. Delivery drivers frequently face dangers such as aggressive dogs, unsalted icy driveways, and porches in poor repair. It is rare for a delivery driver to go his or her entire career without experiencing at least a minor work-related injury. If you are hurt and cannot work, the workers’ compensation program can help. An experienced Santa Clara County, CA workers’ compensation lawyer can review your case and help determine what benefits you might qualify for. Workers’ compensation may cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Common Types of Accidents Among Delivery Drivers 

A few of the most common types of accidents delivery drivers experience on the job include: 

• Car accidents - Delivery drivers are frequently rear-ended by other vehicles because they make frequent stops in residential areas. People who drive for work are generally more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident simply because of how much time they spend on the road. 
• Dog attacks - While many delivery drivers delight in meeting friendly dogs along their routes, aggressive dogs are always a risk when making deliveries to people’s homes. Unfriendly dogs may be loose in the yard or tied to the porch. A dog may appear friendly until it is too late for the driver to prevent a bite. Drivers can also be injured while they are fleeing from a charging dog. 
• Slipping and falling - Many people do not salt or shovel their walkways immediately after a winter storm. Delivery drivers are often left to carry packages up unsalted, snow-covered driveways, which carries a significant risk of slipping and falling. Slipping and falling is often played off as funny in the movies but can cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, in real life. 
• Tripping and falling - Drivers can trip over residents’ belongings, especially in an apartment building where items like winter boots are customarily left in the hallways. 
• Pedestrian accidents - Drivers often need to cross the street - this alone puts them at risk of being hit by a car. Drivers may not always be able to see delivery drivers around their trucks or think to check for a delivery person in their driveways before backing up. 
• Lifting injuries - Trying to carry heavy packages can lead to many different types of injuries, from repetitive stress injuries to back muscle strains or tears. Drivers can also fall while handling a heavy or irregularly shaped package or drop heavy items onto their feet or fingers. 

Contact a Santa Clara County, CA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer 

Cramer + Martinez has over 20 years of combined experience in workers’ compensation law. Our dedicated Morgan Hill, CA workers’ compensation attorneys will do all we can to help delivery drivers and other workers get the compensation they need. Contact us at 408-848-1113 for a complimentary consultation.