Who is Liable for a Delivery Truck Accident?

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, delivery trucks have been on the roads in greater numbers than ever before. An increasing number of people are turning to companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Target to deliver everything from everyday necessities to groceries. While these delivery services are certainly useful and convenient for consumers, the resulting surge in commercial trucks and delivery vehicles on the road has contributed to traffic and car accidents in cities across the United States. In this article, we discuss some of the potential causes of delivery trucks accidents, as well as who can be held liable for a crash. 

What Factors Contribute to Delivery Truck Crashes?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA), the leading factor contributing to commercial truck accidents across the board is “driver decision making.” In the FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study, the agency noted that other potential causes of delivery truck accidents include: 

• Drowsy, distracted, or intoxicated drivers

• Sudden medical emergencies resulting in physical impairment

• Time pressure or work-related deadlines

• Road congestion 

• Roadside construction

• Dangerous or reckless driving

• Failure to observe the rules of the road

• Failure to observe stop signs or traffic signals

• Driving on the wrong side of the road

• Poor weather

• Dangerous roadway conditions

Why Are Delivery Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

Delivery trucks and cargo vans weigh much more than standard passenger vehicles, particularly when they are full of packages or cargo. A typical United States Postal Service (USPS) delivery van can weigh as much as 16,000 pounds, whereas the average civilian sedan weighs approximately 3,300 pounds. In a collision with a delivery truck, the sheer force exerted in the crash can cause serious injuries. Even when a crash occurs at low speeds, it is possible for the victims to suffer lifelong harm. According to Stone Rose Law, some of the most common delivery truck accidents include:

• Burns

• Neck, back, or head injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Broken or fractured bones

• Spinal cord injuries

• Whiplash

• Disfiguring wounds

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Delivery Truck Collision?

Every delivery truck accident is unique and there is no single party that is automatically responsible for such an incident. The actions of the driver(s) involved in the collision, underlying crash factors, and environmental factors can all play a role in determining who bears most of the liability for the situation. If you are involved in a collision, you should always speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer that understands the localarea’s laws and regulations. You can read more information here about how truck accident lawyers can help you secure the compensation you deserve. 

The Delivery Company

If a delivery driver is on the clock and they get into an accident in a company-owned vehicle, it is likely that their employer isresponsible for the crash and damages caused. In some cases, it can be challenging to prove that the company is liable for the crash. Some businesses, such as Amazon, do not generally employ their own delivery drivers. Instead, they either have another delivery company carry out orders or classify their employees as independent contractors. This can make it difficult to hold the delivery company responsible for the actions of the people delivering their parcels. 

The Delivery Truck Driver

Delivery truck drivers are often under pressure to meet strictdeadlines and work long hours. To meet their work obligations, drivers may act in a manner that is unsafe for road conditions. Speeding, driving recklessly, and failure to obey the rules of the road are some of the behaviors that commonly result in a delivery truck accident. If you believe that your crash was caused or influenced by a negligent delivery truck driver, an injury attorney may be able to help you hold them accountable for the collision.

Another Driver

Not all accidents are caused by the actions of the delivery truck driver. Careless or dangerous driving by other motorists on the road can also result in a serious collision. For example, a driver may make an erratic lane change in front of a truck that results in a rear-end collision. In such a case, it is likely that the negligent motorist will bear at least some liability for the crash and any injuries sustained.

Speak to an Attorney Following Your Crash

After a delivery truck accident, the last thing you want to do is attempt to figure out who was responsible for causing the crash. When you hire an experienced truck accident attorney, you will be able to focus on recovering and caring for your loved ones while your lawyer handles the day-to-day management of your case.