The substantial increase in the popularity of online shopping has led to more delivery trucks on our roadways. Many drivers in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and other parts of California can see USPS, UPS, FedEx, and Amazon delivery trucks every single day.
Delivery services put thousands of delivery trucks on California’s roadways to deliver packages to customers. Even though delivery trucks are not as massive as 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers, they still pose many hazards for drivers of smaller vehicles.
If you have been involved in a delivery truck accident, consider speaking with a knowledgeable attorney to determine if you are eligible to pursue compensation for the losses and damages you incurred in the crash. Consult with our lawyers at Titan Law Firm to discuss your unique case.
Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delivery truck drivers held nearly 1.494 million jobs in 2020. Many of these drivers face the pressure of having to make deliveries as quickly as possible. The stress associated with meeting tight deadlines makes delivery truck drivers more likely to violate traffic laws.
Driver error is responsible for the vast majority of delivery truck accidents. Common causes of these accidents in California are:
| Using a cell phone while driving | Speeding |
| Failure to yield the right of way | Running red lights |
| Failure to use turn signals when turning or changing lanes | Fatigued driving |
| Making unlawful stops | Violating other traffic rules |
If a driver fails to use reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle, the driver can be held responsible for any resulting injuries and damages they cause.
The Dangers of Delivery Trucks
There are several dangers that are unique to delivery trucks and their drivers:
- Lack of training or qualifications. Unfortunately, delivery companies may hire drivers who are not qualified enough to work for them. The trucking industry is facing a shortage of drivers, which is why some companies may be more likely to hire drivers who lack the necessary training or qualifications to operate delivery trucks.
- Pressure. Delivery companies may pressure their drivers to make as many deliveries as possible to keep their customers satisfied. However, for most drivers, making as many deliveries as possible means violating traffic laws.
- Fatigue and exhaustion. Another danger associated with delivery trucks is that drivers who deliver dozens of packages per day are more likely to experience fatigue and exhaustion, which puts them at greater risk of being involved in an accident. A driver pushed past their limits is more likely to cause a preventable collision. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatigued driving can impair driving similar to being under the influence of alcohol.
- Mechanical failures. Many delivery trucks traveling on California’s roadways do not meet safety standards. Because delivery companies use their trucks to make as many deliveries as possible and maximize their profits, they often sacrifice routine inspections and maintenance. As a result, delivery trucks are more likely to experience mechanical failure, which can lead to a devastating crash.
The aftermath of an accident involving a delivery truck can be both costly and overwhelming. You might want to consult with a skilled lawyer to investigate your particular accident and determine who can be held liable for your injuries and losses.
Injuries in Delivery Truck Accidents
While any collision can result in severe injuries, victims of delivery truck accidents are more likely to sustain debilitating injuries due to the sheer size of trucks that deliver packages. Some of the most common injuries suffered by victims of these accidents include:
| Head trauma, including traumatic brain injuries | Whiplash |
| Concussions | Spinal cord injuries |
| Paralysis | Back and beck injuries |
| Bone fractures | Lacerations and cuts |
| Severe burns | Nerve damage |
| Sprains and strains |
Regardless of the injury resulting from the crash, the injured party may be entitled to financial compensation by suing the negligent party. Consider speaking with a delivery truck accident lawyer to explore your options for compensation.
Liability in Delivery Truck Accidents
After a motor vehicle accident involving a delivery truck, it may not be immediately clear who is at fault for causing the collision. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The driver of the delivery truck. If the driver of the delivery truck violated traffic laws or was otherwise negligent, he or she can be held responsible for the crash.
- The delivery company. The company that employs the delivery truck driver may be held liable for the actions of its trucker. However, it is not uncommon for delivery companies to argue that they cannot be held liable because the driver is an independent contractor, not an employee.
- The other driver. Accidents involving delivery trucks are not always the fault of the delivery truck driver. Other drivers may also be held liable if they fail to use reasonable care when operating their vehicles.
- The company responsible for vehicle maintenance. If mechanical failure caused a delivery truck accident, the company responsible for inspecting and maintaining the faulty vehicle might be liable for the collision.
- A government agency. If the accident was the result of a negligently maintained road, the government agency responsible for road maintenance in the area where the collision occurred could be held liable.
Consider contacting a knowledgeable lawyer to properly assess the details of your case and determine liability.
How Long Do You Have to Sue for Your Delivery Truck Accident in California?
California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 gives injured parties two years from the date of sustaining an injury to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. However, it is vital to act immediately to start gathering and preserving evidence, talking to witnesses and taking other steps to build a strong case.Keep in mind that the at-fault party’s insurance companies may attempt to delay the claims process by not answering your phone calls or simply refusing to settle your claim for a fair amount.
Contact a Beverly Hills Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love suffered harm in a delivery truck accident, you should act immediately to preserve evidence and secure the financial compensation to which you are entitled. Our attorneys at Titan Law Firm are prepared to help you hold negligent parties, including the delivery company, accountable for your crash.
We have decades of experience and vast resources to advocate for your rights and assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve. With offices in Beverly Hills, our lawyers also serve clients in the greater Los Angeles area and throughout California.
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION
Millions of Dollars Recovered for Our Clients
