Common Delivery Driver Injuries in North Carolina

In North Carolina, many delivery drivers work for companies such as Amazon, DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, FedEx, UPS, and Instacart. These drivers face a range of physical demands, environmental dangers, and time pressures while working, which can lead to serious on-the-job injuries. There are some common injuries reported by delivery drivers across the major companies operating in North Carolina.

Common Injuries for Delivery Drivers on the Job Across Companies

Drivers working for companies operating in North Carolina report common injuries while on the job, which can include:

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Injuries like sprains and strains are among the most often reported injuries for delivery drivers sustained while working. Package delivery companies often require drivers to lift heavy packages and unload in awkward postures to complete deliveries, which often result in back, knee, shoulder, and wrist injuries.
  For gig worker drivers, workers carry many bags or carry groceries upstairs and can experience musculoskeletal injuries. Sprains and strains are common for delivery drivers who are required to meet high daily quotas. Local trucking companies see strains routinely from handling freight.
• Slips/Trips/Falls: For drivers completing a final delivery leg of a route, these injuries can be common, and wet or icy walkways, uneven surfaces, or cluttered porches can contribute to hazardous driver conditions.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents and Injuries: When drivers operate in heavy traffic areas like Raleigh, Charlotte, or Durham, accidents can happen when drivers are distracted, tired, or rushing to meet deadlines/quotas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes transportation incidents cause fatalities because of frequent motor vehicle accidents.
  Some drivers may also skip wearing a seatbelt to increase delivery speed, which is a risk that can cause more serious injuries in the event of an accident.
• Animal-Related Injuries: Dog bites pose a major hazard for residential delivery drivers, as they often encounter unleashed animals during their deliveries. North Carolina found itself among the top ten states with the most dog attacks on delivery drivers, likely because of our suburban sprawl and areas where owners often let dogs off-leash.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: When drivers face repetitive work-related tasks, they are at risk for injuries like carpal tunnel or tendonitis, especially when gripping the steering wheel or carrying bags for hours.
• Violence-Related Injuries: Gig drivers and delivery drivers report injuries as a result of robberies, road rage, or delivery site confrontations.

Given the extensive rural and city routes across North Carolina, some injuries are routinely reported by delivery drivers. In urban areas, such as Raleigh, Charleston, or Durham, there tend to be more injuries, like vehicle crashes, while rural trucking routes tend to see more reports of falls and animal-related injuries.

Companies deliver a variety of packages and operate with employee drivers, gig workers, and independent contractors. Statewide, delivery driver injuries reflect the physically demanding, high-pressure nature of delivery work in North Carolina.

FAQs

Q: How Long Do I Have to Bring a Claim for Work-Related Injuries as a Delivery Driver in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, you have up to two years from the date of the work-related injury or the diagnosis date for an occupational disease to file a claim for workers’ compensation. If you miss this deadline, your right to benefits is typically barred, and you will not be able to pursue compensation for your workplace injury or illness.

If you have questions about the filing process, your legal rights, or your compensation beyond what is typically covered by workers’ comp as a delivery driver, you can consider consulting a knowledgeable North Carolina attorney.

Q: What Evidence Is Important if I Am Hurt Working as a North Carolina Delivery Driver?

A: Each case is different, and the evidence that is important and compelling is often specific to your individual North Carolina delivery driver case. You can help support your own injury claim by getting medical care for your injuries and taking photos of your accident and related injuries. You will want as much evidence as possible to prove someone else is at fault for your accident.

If you need help gathering supportive evidence, consult an experienced North Carolina attorney familiar with delivery driver injury claims.

Q: Who Is Responsible if I Am Working and I Am Injured on the Job in North Carolina?

A: North Carolina’s contributory negligence statute can serve to reduce worker injury claims if a driver is partially at fault for a workplace accident, but workers’ compensation benefits tend to cover most workplace injuries regardless of worker fault.

If you were hurt on the job performing work-related duties, you can consider speaking with a trusted attorney to discuss your specific injuries and your possible financial recovery. An attorney can help explain your employee rights and help maximize your claim.

Q: What Should I Do If I Work as a North Carolina Delivery Driver and I’m Hurt While Working?

A: If you are a North Carolina delivery driver who is hurt while working, you should report the injury to your company within 30 days, and it is critical to share information about how the accident happened. It is important to get immediate medical attention. You might be eligible for NC workers’ compensation benefits. If you have any questions about your claim eligibility or the claim filing process, you can consult a knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney.

Consult Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler to Discuss Delivery Driver Injury Claims in North Carolina

Our office sits in the heart of beautiful Charlotte and is conveniently located right off I-277. Also, our firm is close to nearby mass transit like the LYNX Blue Line and the Charlotte Area Transit System.

Contact Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler to schedule your initial consultation with one of our compassionate and competent attorneys right away.