The Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom can help you through the workers’ compensation process if you’re a delivery driver that’s been hurt on the job in Sacramento. Like a lot of cities, delivery drivers make up a healthy portion of the workforce in Sacramento. If you’re a delivery driver and you’re injured on the job, workers’ comp is there to help. We’ll be there to guide you through that process. Set up a free consultation today.
Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
Legally, you’re allowed to file a workers’ compensation claim on your own. But let’s be real: having a lawyer can make things much easier, especially if your injury has:
- Put you off the road.
- Caused lasting pain.
- Landed you in a standoff with an insurance company.
Here’s what we do for delivery drivers in your shoes at The Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom:
- Explain your rights and options in plain language
- File your claim and help you avoid delays
- Collect the right records: medical evaluations, accident reports, delivery logs, witness statements
- Handle the insurance company for you—especially if they try to reduce or deny your benefits
- Represent you if your claim gets denied or challenged
Injuries on the job don’t just cause pain—they can cut off your income and throw your entire routine out of sync. Our job is to handle the legal side so you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet.
How Could I Get Hurt as a Delivery Driver in Sacramento?
Being a delivery driver in Sacramento comes with its own set of risks. Whether you’re dropping off packages, driving food across town, or handling curbside deliveries, you’re constantly on the move—and that can take a toll. If your injury happened while you were working, there’s a good chance you’re going to be able to file for workers’ comp, but what actually happened to you–and how–also matters. Here’s how you could get hurt as a delivery driver:
- Car accidents – You’re more likely to be in a car crash just because you’re on the road so often. Even minor collisions can lead to back injuries, concussions, or long-term neck pain.
- Slips, trips, and falls – Delivering to homes, warehouses, or businesses means walking across driveways, stairwells, and wet floors. One bad step can lead to sprains, fractures, or worse.
- Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) – Constant lifting, bending, or carrying boxes can add up. Over time, that strain can lead to shoulder, wrist, or knee problems that don’t go away on their own.
- Dog bites – If you deliver to residential areas, aggressive pets are a real risk. Dog attacks on delivery drivers aren’t uncommon—and they’re definitely covered.
- Heat exhaustion or overexertion – Sacramento summers can be brutal, especially when you’re working through the afternoon in and out of a hot vehicle. If you suffer heatstroke, dehydration, or collapse from physical strain, it’s still considered a work injury.
Don’t assume you have to “tough it out” or that it’s not serious enough. If your injury happened while doing your job, even if it was something that built up over time, workers’ comp benefits are there to help you. But there’s an important distinction when it comes to delivery drivers.
Can I File for Workers’ Comp If I’m a Delivery Driver and I Get Injured on the Job?
Simply, yes–delivery drivers in Sacramento can file for workers’ compensation if they’re injured while working. Whether you’re delivering packages, food, or other goods, you’re likely covered under California’s workers’ comp laws. But there are a few important things to know about how eligibility works:
- You’re likely covered even if you’re labeled an “independent contractor” – California law (specifically AB5) redefined many gig workers as employees for workers’ comp purposes—especially if you’re working for companies like:
- DoorDash
- Uber Eats
- Grubhub
- Amazon
You qualify as long as the injury happened while doing your job. That includes driving, making a delivery, loading/unloading your vehicle, or even walking up to someone’s door.
- You don’t have to prove fault – Workers’ comp is a no-fault system. If the injury happened during your shift or delivery duties, you’re likely eligible.
- Your employer (or the company you deliver for) can’t retaliate for filing a claim – California law protects workers from being fired or punished for reporting a workplace injury.
- Watch out for misclassification –. Even if the company says you’re not an employee, you might still be able to get benefits. It often takes a legal review to know for sure.
If your injury happened while you were on the job—even between deliveries or heading back from a route—you may have a valid claim. Don’t let a job title or app classification stop you from getting the medical care and money you need.
What Benefits Will I Be Able to Get Through Workers’ Comp?
You never want to get hurt on the job–especially as a delivery driver where you work for yourself and use your own vehicle. Thankfully, every employer in California–even ones not based here–are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This means that as a delivery driver, you can file a claim and start getting benefits. While that sounds simple, it usually means:
- Letting your employer know about your injury and asking for a claim form—called a DWC-1.
- Filling it out and returning it quickly, since California law gives you just 30 days to report the injury.
- After the form is submitted, the insurance company will start reviewing your claim.
- They’ll look at how and where the injury happened, gather your medical records, and may talk to any witnesses.
- You’ll likely be sent to a doctor approved by the state–called a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME)—who will examine you and recommend treatment.
Based on all this, the insurance company will decide what benefits you qualify for. If you agree with the decision, you’ll start receiving benefits that include:
- Medical treatment – Doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions—whatever’s necessary for recovery.
- Temporary disability payments – These help replace lost wages if you can’t work while you heal.
- Permanent disability payments – If you can’t return to the same kind of work, you may be eligible for longer-term support.
- Job retraining benefits – If delivery work is off the table, you might be able to train for a new line of work.
Keep in mind: most temporary disability benefits in California are limited to 104 weeks. That’s why it’s important to make sure your benefits are set up properly from the start—and why having a lawyer can help if anything gets denied or delayed.
Injured Delivery Drivers in Sacramento Can Get Workers’ Comp Help From The Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom
Getting hurt while delivering in Sacramento can disrupt more than just your day—it can throw off your entire livelihood. Whether it’s a back injury from lifting packages or a crash on the freeway, you shouldn’t have to figure it all out on your own.
At The Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom, we’re here to walk you through every step of your claim—from paperwork to doctor visits to standing up to the insurance company. If you’ve been hurt doing delivery work, we can talk you through your options and help you move forward—starting with a free consultation.