Delivery Truck Collision Injuries

Most people assume that delivery truck accidents only involve 18-wheelers. However, smaller delivery trucks can also endanger drivers. Delivery drivers face constant pressure to meet delivery deadlines and are often driving long distances for extended periods. As a result, there have been many cases of delivery drivers colliding with parked cars, running other vehicles off the road, or causing head-on collisions. Other motorists can also cause accidents involving delivery trucks while attempting to merge, running a red light, or rear-ending another vehicle. The weight of delivery vehicles’ cargo is added force against other cars in an accident, causing severe injuries for the other driver and passengers involved.

Typical injuries resulting from collisions with delivery trucks include:

• Neck and back injuries
• Fractured or broken bones
• Burns
• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injuries

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Delivery Vehicle Accident?

With hundreds of thousands of delivery vehicles operating seven days a week, delivery companies are at significant risk of contributing to traffic accidents. In most cases, the collision derives from someone’s negligence. The parties that may be liable for a delivery truck accident include:

The Truck Driver. Suppose the driver is an independent contractor and not an employee of the company. In that case, you can file a claim against the individual driver. The delivery driver’s insurance company may offer you a settlement. However, you can file a lawsuit to fight for fair compensation if you’re not satisfied with their offer.

The Delivery Company. Nonetheless, if a delivery driver was on duty at the time of the accident, UPS, USPS, Amazon, or FedEx may also be responsible for damages. For the delivery company to be accountable for injuries caused by one of its drivers, you’ll need to prove that:

• The company employed and trained the driver;
• The driver was on duty and working at the time of the crash; and,
• The driver was performing routine work activities.

A Third Party. In some cases, a third person or party such as the vehicle manufacturer may be responsible for a delivery vehicle collision. In this case, the injured person can sue the third party, the delivery truck driver or the company.

Do’s and Don’ts After an Accident with USPS, UPS, Amazon, or FedEx Delivery Vehicle

Most delivery companies carry liability insurance to cover their drivers and vehicles. To begin filing a claim, contact the company’s customer service department. From there, you’ll be directed to the correct department to file a claim or given instructions on how to file an injury claim. Before you make the call, it’s essential to know how to protect your rights. Truck accident victims should carefully consider the following tips:

• Do not give recorded statements. While speaking with an agent, they may ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident, your injuries, and how it happened. However, it is not necessary to provide them with this information. Doing so can potentially hurt your claim.
• Do not sign any documents or accept a settlement. The company or its insurance company may attempt to offer you compensation for medical bills or ask you to sign documents after you file a claim. However, if you don’t know what your case is worth, you should consult with an experienced car accident attorney.
• Contact an experienced attorney for help. Unlike regular car accidents, crashes that involve commercial vehicles from a major corporation can quickly become overwhelming. If you feel confused or pressured to make decisions about your potential claim, it is essential that you at least take the time to speak with an attorney who has helped people in similar situations.

Talk with a Connecticut Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer for a Free Legal Consultation

Dealing with insurance agents can be overwhelming and filing a claim against the delivery driver is never a guarantee of compensation. Instead of fighting the delivery or insurance company alone, contact a truck accident attorney for a free legal consultation to discuss your options.

The lawyers at Carter Mario will take care of all aspects of the claims process, including performing an investigation, gathering evidence, interviewing any witnesses, talking to the police, filing the insurance claim, and fighting for fair and full compensation for your damages and injuries.

Before you accept a settlement from UPS, USPS, Amazon, or Fed-Ex for an accident involving one of their delivery vehicles, contact Carter Mario for a free consultation. Contact our team of experienced personal injury attorneys today by calling (203) 876-2711 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.