Many companies – private and public – provide delivery services, so it can be confusing to know what to do after an accident involving a delivery vehicle. The dedicated legal team at Salango Law, PLLC, can explain your legal rights and options during a free consultation. We can walk you through your legal options and provide legal representation through every phase of your personal injury claim.
What Types of Vehicles Are Involved in Delivery Accidents?
Many companies may offer delivery services, including:
- United States Postal Service (USPS)
- UPS and FedEx
- Amazon
- Pizza companies
- Flower trucks and vans
- Grocery stores
- Furniture companies
- Moving vehicles
What can make these cases even more complicated is that even if a driver is working for a company, they may not be an employee of the company. For example, many Amazon Flex workers use their personal vehicles and work as independent contractors to deliver packages for the company.
Common Causes of Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Delivery vehicle accidents may happen for many reasons, including:
- Speeding: Delivery drivers may be subject to strict delivery deadlines, which can cause them to speed or drive faster than is reasonable given the conditions.
- Aggressive driving: Delivery drivers might drive aggressively, trying to make deliveries as fast as possible, leading them to make unsafe passes, lane changes, or failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Distracted driving: Drivers might be distracted by messages from their employers, apps that notify them of deliveries, and dispatch radios. They can also be focused on GPS directions, which can take their attention away from the roadway.
- Inexperienced drivers: Delivery drivers may be newly licensed or unfamiliar with the area. They may make critical driver errors that result in collisions.
- Inadequate training: Companies may fail to provide sufficient training to drivers, leaving them ill-equipped to handle the demands of the job.
- Cargo shifts: Packages can fall during transport, resulting in uneven weight distribution in the delivery truck or distractions to the driver.
- Mechanical issues: Delivery vehicles tend to rack up a lot of miles, which can lead to mechanical issues constantly arising. Delivery companies may be liable when mechanical problems cause accidents.
Who Is Legally Responsible for a Delivery Vehicle Accident?
Determining who is legally responsible for delivery vehicle accidents depends on the circumstances involved in the case. Potential parties may include:
- Drivers who operate the vehicle negligently or work as independent contractors
- Trucking companies that hire drivers, such as UPS or FedEx
- Employers, including delivery service partners
- Mechanics who fail to properly maintain a fleet
- Governmental agencies, such as the USPS
- Manufacturing companies that create defective products
An experienced truck accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation and identify all at-fault parties.
How Much Is My Accident Case Worth?
Every personal injury case is different. Factors that can affect your case value may include:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- Whether your injuries caused permanent disabilities or impairments
- How do your injuries affect your ability to work
- Who is responsible for the crash, and what is their insurance coverage
- Whether you are found partly at fault for the accident
An experienced delivery accident lawyer can carefully evaluate your case to determine its potential value.
Call for a Free Consultation Today
The legal team at Salango Law, PLLC, is ready to investigate your case and pursue maximum compensation from the parties responsible for your injuries. Call (304) 342-0512 to get started with your free case review.