The majority of Americans now prefer the convenience of doing their shopping online. Package delivery services, such as FedEx, Amazon, and UPS, deploy thousands of delivery trucks across the US every day, and there is an increasing demand, and increasing stress, for delivery truck drivers.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we have devoted our careers to helping individuals who have been injured by negligence. Our personal injury attorneys have experience handling various types of truck accident cases. We know what is needed to build a solid case for our clients and help them secure the compensation they deserve.
Schedule a free case review with a trusted member of our legal team today. Contact us at 1-866-909-6894, where someone is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is a Delivery Truck?
Many people and businesses throughout New Jersey rely on delivery services, which may depend in part on a specialized type of commercial vehicle itself. A delivery truck designed to transport goods or services. They are equipped with a large, enclosed cargo space where packages and other supplies can be stored.
Delivery trucks can vary greatly in style, length, and weight. A 12-foot box truck weighs around 10,000 pounds empty, whereas a semi-truck or empty trailer may weigh around 35,000 pounds empty and up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded.
The following are common types of delivery trucks:
- Large vans
- Box trucks
- Cutaway van chassis
- Flatbed trailers
- Semi and trailer
- Customized vehicles
Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Most delivery truck accidents are a result of driver error. Delivery drivers usually have to complete a route that requires them to travel across the city and make dozens of stops throughout the day. They are often on a tight schedule and driving in unfamiliar areas, which increases the risk of an accident.
Common causes of delivery truck accidents include:
- Sudden stops: A delivery driver may stop suddenly when he locates the address he was in search of, causing the unsuspecting motorist behind him to rear-end the truck.
- Reversing: In an effort to save time, delivery drivers tend to reverse when they pass an address instead of turning around. This risky practice can cause them to back into an unseen pedestrian, bicyclist, or vehicle.
- Distracted driving: Delivery drivers are mainly focused on navigating their routes, finding the next address, and dropping off their packages as efficiently as possible. They may be so concentrated on the GPS and the address of their current delivery that they fail to notice vehicles and pedestrians in their pathway.
- Reckless driving: Drivers who are in a hurry to meet their delivery quotas may speed, weave in and out of traffic, tailgate, fail to yield, and engage in other reckless driving behaviors.
- Lack of training: Driving a delivery truck is different from operating a standard passenger car; it takes extensive training and experience. Unfortunately, in order to keep up with delivery demands, companies may hire drivers without performing background checks or taking the time to properly train them.
- Poor truck maintenance: Delivery companies and their employees have an obligation to regularly inspect and maintain all their trucks. Failure to do so can result in tire blowouts, brake failure, or other issues that cause the driver to lose control of the truck.
- Improper cargo loading: If a delivery truck is improperly loaded, there is a greater chance of a rollover accident occurring. In addition, if a truck is overweight, a tire blowout and accident could result.
Identifying the Liable Party
When an accident occurs involving a delivery truck driver, it is not always easy to identify the party liable for damages. There could be complex legal issues involved, and it may take some investigation to determine who caused the accident.
One or more of the following parties may be liable for the delivery truck accident:
- Delivery truck driver: If the driver is an independent contractor and not an employee of the trucking company, you could file a claim against that person.
- Delivery company: Trucking companies are responsible for the actions of their working employees. If the accident was caused by a driver employed by a trucking company while he or she was on the job, then the company could be held accountable.
- Government agency: If the accident involves a vehicle from the United States Postal Service, your claim could be filed against a government agency. These types of claims are complex and have different statutes of limitations.
- Another third party: In some situations, another driver, a maintenance crew, a parts manufacturer, or another third party may be responsible for the accident.
Accidents Involving Amazon, FedEx, and UPS Trucks
If you are injured in an accident with an Amazon, FedEx, UPS, or another delivery service driver, you will likely receive a call from their company insurers. Most of these companies carry liability insurance policies with a $1 million limit or more. However, their goal is to get you to settle for as low of an amount as possible.
When the insurance company asks you for details about your delivery truck accident, the adjuster may try to convince you to give a recorded statement. However, it is recommended that you do not give statements to any insurance agents before first consulting with an attorney.
The insurer may try to trick you into saying something that can be construed as an admission of fault or used to decrease the value of your claim. When you have a trusted legal representative on your side, though, he or she can handle all communications and negotiations with the insurers on your behalf.
Compensation Available to Victims of Delivery Truck Accidents
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we care about our clients and understand the stress and financial hardship that a serious injury can bring. We know that winning a personal injury claim or a lawsuit is often the only chance that delivery truck accident victims have to afford medical care and cover their living expenses while they heal.
All of the above may seem intimidating, but coming to talk to our legal team can ease your mind. We fight for maximum compensation for our clients and do not shy away from complex litigation.
Depending on the extent of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
Contact a Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If a delivery truck driver’s negligence has left you injured, you need the professional legal counsel of a dedicated personal injury attorney. The experienced truck accident attorneys at our law firm are here to help. Your full physical and financial recovery is far too important to leave to chance or the discretion of the insurance companies involved.
We care about our clients and are dedicated to ensuring they receive the legal guidance and financial compensation they deserve. In addition, we offer all our clients our No Fee Guarantee®, our promise that you do not owe us anything unless your case is successful and you are awarded a settlement.
Contact us 24/7 at 866-909-6894 or complete our online form to schedule a free case evaluation. Our personal injury lawyers have decades of experience fighting for New Jersey truck accident victims.