Delivery Driver Accidents
Delivery drivers are everywhere in Iowa, rushing to drop off packages, groceries, or takeout meals on tight deadlines. But when one of them causes a crash, the damage can be devastating. Victims often face serious injuries, totaled vehicles, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Delivery crashes usually involve companies with deep pockets and legal teams who know how to dodge responsibility. That’s why victims want a lawyer who doesn’t back down, someone who will dig deep, demand answers, and push hard to hold the right people accountable.
Iowa Delivery Driver Accident Lawyer
McCarthy & Hamrock represents people injured in delivery driver accidents in Des Moines, Polk County, and throughout the state of Iowa. Call our firm at 515-279-9700 to request a free consultation to discuss your injuries and potential claims for compensation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, which means you don’t pay us any legal fees. Instead, our firm gets a percentage of the settlement or verdict or “contingency fee” upon achieving a victory in your case. Learn more important information about Iowa delivery driver accidents, including common types and causes of crashes, the legal options available to victims, and how an Iowa delivery driver accident attorney can fight on the victim’s behalf to obtain compensation and justice.
Overview of Delivery Driver Accidents in Iowa
- Main Types of Iowa Delivery Driver Accidents
- Delivery Companies in Iowa
- Risks Behind Delivery Driver Accidents
- Who May Be Liable In A Delivery Driver Accident In Iowa
- What an Iowa Delivery Driver Accident Lawyer Does for Victims
- Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Delivery Driver Crashes
- Resources
Main Types of Iowa Delivery Driver Accidents
Rear-End Collisions — These crashes are especially common among delivery drivers who are constantly stopping at homes or businesses. When a driver follows too closely or gets distracted by a GPS device or app notification, they might not brake in time. Rear-end accidents are often the result of time pressure, and they can cause serious injuries to both the delivery driver and the other vehicle’s occupants. Under Iowa Code § 321.307, drivers must maintain a safe distance and avoid colliding with the vehicle in front of them.
Intersection Accidents — Delivery drivers often make quick turns or try to beat yellow lights, especially when behind schedule. That behavior, combined with poor visibility or misjudged speeds, leads to accidents in intersections. These types of crashes frequently result in side impacts, which are particularly dangerous at higher speeds.
Side-Impact (T-Bone) Crashes — When a delivery vehicle crashes into the side of another car, or vice versa, the impact can be devastating. These accidents usually happen at intersections or when a driver fails to yield during a left turn. In Iowa, failure to obey traffic signals or stop signs (covered under Iowa Code § 321.256 and § 321.322) often leads to these T-bone collisions.
Left-Turn Collisions — Accidents involving left turns are often caused by a delivery driver misjudging how much time they have to complete a turn or turning without properly checking oncoming traffic. These collisions can happen in both city areas and rural intersections. Iowa Code § 321.320 states that drivers making a left turn must yield to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that poses a hazard.
Highway Delivery Accidents — Some delivery drivers operate on interstates or major highways, particularly when transporting goods between cities. High speeds, merging lanes, and sudden braking can cause serious wrecks. These crashes tend to involve multiple vehicles and result in severe injuries. Iowa Code § 321.285 addresses safe and reasonable speed limits, which are frequently relevant in these cases.
Backing-Up Crashes — A driver delivering to homes or offices may back up without checking blind spots or surroundings. If a pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle is behind them, the results can be tragic. This happens often in narrow residential driveways or alleyways.
Pedestrian Strikes — Delivery drivers often make stops in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as downtown Des Moines or near schools and apartment complexes. Rushed driving or failure to watch crosswalks can result in a pedestrian being hit. Iowa Code § 321.257 and § 321.328 require drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care.
Collisions with Bicyclists or Scooter Users — As delivery drivers navigate urban areas, they often share the road with cyclists or scooter users. These riders are hard to see, especially when the driver is turning or merging. Iowa Code § 321.281 prohibits drivers from
Serious Injuries From Iowa Delivery Driver Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — A sudden jolt or blow to the head in a crash can cause lasting damage to the brain. This often happens when a delivery driver or another person in the vehicle strikes their head on a window, steering wheel, or hard surface inside the vehicle.
Spinal Cord Injuries — A hard impact in a delivery accident can compress or sever part of the spinal cord. These injuries may result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even paralysis. Delivery drivers who lift heavy items or are hit while unloading may be especially vulnerable.
Crush Injuries — These can happen when a delivery driver is caught between a vehicle and a loading dock, or pinned by a collapsing package load or shelving unit inside the van. The injuries can lead to internal bleeding, broken bones, or amputations.
Joint Dislocations And Fractures — Many victims suffer broken arms, wrists, or shoulder dislocations during a sudden crash. These injuries can require surgery and long recovery times.
Internal Injuries — Blunt-force trauma from seatbelts, airbags, or crushed vehicle doors can damage organs like the spleen or liver.
Amputations — In some severe delivery-related accidents, a limb may be so badly damaged that it must be surgically removed.
Facial And Dental Injuries — A hit to the face during a crash or fall can lead to broken teeth, jaw damage, or facial fractures. These injuries may require reconstructive surgery or long-term dental care.
Burns And Chemical Exposure — Delivery trucks sometimes carry cleaning products or other hazardous materials that can spill during a crash. If skin comes into contact with these substances, serious burns or respiratory injuries may follow.
Psychological Injuries — Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can all follow a traumatic delivery accident, even without physical wounds.
Delivery Companies in Iowa
- Amazon — In Des Moines, Amazon operates large-scale distribution through its stations in Grimes and Bondurant. Most deliveries are handled by third-party contractors through the DSP program or gig workers using Amazon Flex.
- FedEx — FedEx Ground contracts local operators for delivery routes across the Des Moines metro. FedEx Express drivers, typically employees, handle time-sensitive deliveries using larger commercial vans.
- UPS — UPS maintains a major sorting facility in Des Moines and employs full-time union drivers. Their delivery trucks frequently operate in downtown Des Moines and residential areas like Beaverdale and South Side.
- DHL — DHL serves Des Moines primarily through subcontractors handling international and high-priority commercial shipments. These deliveries often go to corporate clients in office parks and industrial areas.
- USPS — Postal workers based in Des Moines operate LLVs and other USPS trucks on fixed daily routes. These include downtown, East Village, and suburban neighborhoods.
- Uber Eats — Uber Eats gig drivers use personal vehicles to deliver food from restaurants throughout Des Moines. Common areas include Drake University, Ingersoll Avenue, and downtown.
- DoorDash — Des Moines residents frequently use DoorDash for food and convenience deliveries. Dashers receive orders through their phones and make frequent stops around town.
- Instacart — Instacart drivers shop for groceries at stores like Hy-Vee and Target, then deliver to homes around Des Moines.
- Grubhub — Grubhub operates in partnership with restaurants across the Des Moines metro. Deliveries often occur in tight downtown streets or apartment complexes where parking is limited.
- Shipt — Target-owned Shipt uses gig workers to fulfill same-day grocery and home goods deliveries.
Risks Behind Delivery Driver Accidents
Delivery drivers today face a range of pressures that can lead to unsafe conditions on the road. Many are required to complete hundreds of stops each day, often under strict time constraints set by apps or employers. This rush can result in speeding, distracted driving—such as checking navigation or delivery updates while behind the wheel—and risky maneuvers like sudden stops or unsafe parking. Some drivers work long hours without breaks, increasing the chances of fatigue-related errors. Others may be navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods or dealing with poor weather, especially during Iowa winters. Importantly, not all drivers have commercial insurance or company oversight, which can affect accountability.
Who May Be Liable In A Delivery Driver Accident In Iowa
The Delivery Driver — If a driver caused a crash because of negligence, such as by speeding (Iowa Code § 321.285) or distracted driving (Iowa Code § 321.276), they could be both criminally charged and found civilly liable to a victim for injuries caused by the driver’s negligence.
The Delivery Company — Employers may be liable if they failed to train drivers properly, scheduled unsafe workloads, or did not maintain their vehicles. Under Iowa Code Chapter 668, an employer can be held responsible for an employee’s actions done within the scope of employment.
Independent Contractor Platforms — When a company like Uber Eats or DoorDash classifies a driver as an independent contractor, liability may still arise if the company exercised control over how the work was performed.
Vehicle Maintenance Providers — If a crash was caused by a brake failure, tire blowout, or mechanical issue that should have been fixed during a routine check, a third-party repair shop or fleet maintenance service may be liable.
Third Parties On The Road — In some cases, another driver may cause the accident by cutting off the delivery vehicle, running a red light, or driving while impaired. Fault will be allocated under Iowa’s comparative fault system described in Iowa Code § 668.3, which allows recovery even if the victim is partially at fault—as long as their share is not more than 50 percent.
Vehicle Owners — If the delivery vehicle is owned by someone other than the driver—such as a company or leasing firm—that party may face liability under Iowa Code § 321.493, which imposes responsibility on vehicle owners for damage caused by drivers they permit to operate the vehicle.
Government Entities — If poor road conditions, hidden signage, or dangerous intersections contributed to the accident, the state or local government might be liable under the Iowa Municipal Tort Claims Act, Iowa Code Chapter 670.
What an Iowa Delivery Driver Accident Lawyer Does for Victims
Iowa delivery driver accident cases involve a complex mix of legal issues, including employer liability, contract-based defenses, and conflicting insurance coverages. Unlike a typical crash between two private drivers, delivery accidents often include major companies, gig platforms, or fleet contractors. Many companies try to avoid financial responsibility by calling their drivers “independent contractors,” even when they control the driver’s schedule and performance. A skilled commercial truck crash attorney knows how to challenge those labels and hold the right parties accountable. This involves digging into records like GPS logs, delivery schedules, employment terms, and app usage—all to show who had control and who should be liable.
An experienced Iowa lawyer helps victims handle complex insurance tactics common in commercial delivery cases. These policies often involve layered or excess coverage, with each insurer trying to shift blame. Whether filing claims or going to trial, the lawyer seeks full compensation under Iowa law—including for lost wages, medical bills, pain, and permanent injuries. In fatal cases, they may file wrongful death claims under Iowa Code § 611.20 for funeral costs, lost income, and companionship.
Because delivery crashes usually involve commercial insurers or self-insured companies, they require deeper legal strategy and investigation than typical injury claims. The lawyer’s goal is to level the field and secure the full compensation the injured or their family deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Delivery Driver Crashes
How soon should someone talk to a lawyer after a delivery accident?
It’s best to contact a lawyer within a few days to protect legal rights and evidence.
Can the delivery company be held responsible for the driver’s actions?
Yes, if the driver was working at the time and the company had control over the job.
Does the driver’s personal car insurance cover delivery accidents?
Not always. Many personal policies exclude coverage when driving for commercial purposes.
What if the person hit was walking or riding a bike?
Pedestrians and cyclists can bring claims if the delivery driver caused the crash.
Can a victim still get money if they were partly at fault?
Yes. Iowa uses comparative fault (Iowa Code § 668.3), so partial fault doesn’t bar recovery.
What damages can a delivery accident victim get?
Victims may recover for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and long-term effects.
Is there a deadline to file a delivery driver accident claim?
Generally two years from the date of the accident under Iowa Code § 614.1(2).
What happens if the delivery driver leaves the scene?
It becomes a hit-and-run. Victims should report it and may use uninsured motorist coverage.
Can someone sue both the driver and the company?
Yes, depending on employment status and the facts surrounding the crash.
Do these cases usually settle, or do they go to court?
Most settle, but some might go to trial if the companies deny fault or damages.
Resources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — What Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers Do — This government site explains the typical work of delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers. It covers daily duties, work schedules, equipment handling, and interactions with customers. It also notes different job types like light truck drivers and driver/sales workers with sales responsibilities.
Des Moines Register — Kim Reynolds Signs Iowa Law Capping Damages in Truck Driving Lawsuits — This article from the Des Moines Register explains the new Iowa law signed by Governor Kim Reynolds that limits noneconomic damages to $5 million in most truck crash lawsuits.
FMCSA — Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts — This federal site shares data about crashes involving buses and large trucks. It provides national statistics on fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. The information is based on several transportation safety databases.
National Library of Medicine — Trends in Parcel Delivery Driver Injury: Evidence from NEISS-Work — This research article examines emergency department injury trends among parcel delivery drivers from 2015 to 2022. It uses national data to look at injury rates by age, sex, injury type, and employment sector.
Hire a Commercial Truck Accident Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa
If you were injured in a delivery driver accident in Des Moines, Iowa, hire a skilled, experienced personal injury attorney to fight for you. The lawyers at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. have more than seven decades of combined legal experience. We represent accident victims the Des Moines area, including Polk County and Dallas County, Story County, Warren County, Marion County, Mahaska County, Adair County, Madison County, and throughout the state of Iowa.
We will seek just compensation for your injuries and help you recover what you have lost. We are not afraid to take on trucking companies and their insurance companies in order to obtain a satisfactory settlement. We are also experienced trial attorneys and we are prepared to go to court if necessary to get justice for you. Call us today at (515) 279-9700 to schedule a consultation.