In an Accident with a Delivery Truck? Here’s What You Should Know

You are not imagining things. Thanks to rising demand for online goods and companies like Amazon outsourcing many of their delivery services, there are more delivery trucks and vehicles on the road than ever. That means Amazon truck accidents and accidents with other delivery vehicles are increasingly common.

Corporations such as Amazon often try to avoid liability by passing it onto a third party, such as the delivery driver. An experienced delivery truck accident attorney can advocate for you and help ensure that the proper parties are held responsible.

How is an accident involving a delivery truck different from a typical vehicle crash?

Vehicle collisions involving a delivery truck can be far more disruptive to your life than a typical car accident. Delivery trucks are larger and heavier than most cars, which can mean a more powerful impact in a vehicle collision, causing greater property damage and more severe injuries.

Beyond the immediate physical effects of an accident with a delivery truck, you may also find yourself in a nightmare of insurance claims. This increased difficulty often comes from the number of different parties who may be involved with the delivery service and untangling liability between them.

Determining liability for a delivery truck accident

When a crash occurs between individuals driving their own vehicles, liability is pretty straightforward to determine. Typically, the at-fault driver and their insurer will cover the costs of damages and medical care, unless the collision occurred in a no-fault state such as New York. In a no-fault accident, each driver’s insurance covers their own damages.

However, delivery trucks are often driven by the staff or contractors of larger companies, rather than the owner of the truck. This may mean that more than one party holds legal and financial responsibility. Such parties may include the following:

• The driver of the delivery truck involved in the accident
• The company the driver is delivering for such as Amazon, UPS, FedEx, etc.
• A third-party contractor or maintenance provider

Having multiple parties can complicate liability. With the right legal counsel, however, multiple responsible parties can mean greater compensation for the other driver involved because insurance limits are higher.

Large companies such as Amazon will often try to pass off liability onto third parties, such as the driver or a third-party contractor, through their delivery services agreements. They may try to claim no responsibility or that the vehicle was “not an Amazon truck,” even though it was carrying Amazon goods. An experienced delivery truck accident attorney can help navigate the legal details and advocate for your rights so that you receive fair compensation.

What to do after an accident with a delivery truck

After an accident with a delivery truck, you should take the same steps as after any other type of vehicle collision. You should always prioritize your safety and wellbeing, as well as those of your passengers and others involved in the crash. Then, you can focus on making sure you have the information and support you need for physical and financial recovery.

Seek medical attention

Call 911 and report the incident. Emergency services will send paramedics and police to the scene of the collision to ensure the safety of those involved.

Even if you have no visible signs of injury or immediate pain, it’s essential that you are examined by a medical professional. A traumatic event like a car accident can cause your body to flood with adrenaline, which often temporarily masks pain. You may have internal injuries that you’re not aware of. A medical professional can detect signs of such injuries and make sure you’re treated right away.

Receiving a medical evaluation is not just good for your overall wellbeing. Having a medical record after your accident also can serve as valuable evidence in insurance negotiations or if your case must go to trial.

RELATED: 3 Signs of Brain Injury After a Car Accident

Get a police report

The police will write up a formal report documenting the incident, from the vehicles and drivers involved to the inciting cause and statements from witnesses on the scene. This report is generally public record, so you’ll be able to access it and receive a copy for your case. The police report will be vital in pursuing legal or insurance claims.

Collect evidence at the scene of the accident

The police report is an important piece of evidence, but it’s not the only documentation you’ll want to have on hand. If you’re able, try to record the following before you leave the scene of the accident:

• The delivery truck driver’s name, driver’s license number, and employer
• The truck’s license plate number
• The truck driver’s insurance information
• Photos of the accident, including any vehicle damage and injuries sustained as well as the surrounding scene
• The names and contact information of the witnesses at the scene

Don’t negotiate with other parties on your own

The delivery truck driver’s employing or contracting corporation may have their insurance representatives reach out quickly to try and convince you to accept a settlement. Such settlement offerings are often far lower than what you may actually be entitled to. Corporations are generally looking out for their own best interests, but a skilled truck accident attorney can advocate for your own best interest and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why seek legal representation after an accident with a delivery truck?

Our delivery truck accident lawyers have access to additional resources and experts who can fully assess the accident, its causes, and long-term effects. These include:

• Accident reconstruction specialists who can help examine exactly how the accident occurred and determine who was at fault
• Medical specialists who can assess all injuries, how they affect quality of life, and the levels of treatment and long-term care that you or anyone else in the accident with you may require
• Economic experts who can assess the amount that recovery from the accident will cost over time

A delivery truck accident attorney can also examine other evidence to determine who is at fault and hold them liable. Such documentation can include:

• Contracts between companies and third-party drivers or contractors
• Vehicle tracking or GPS data
• Delivery logs of the driver to verify the events of the accident
• Insurance policies, including corporate insurance and umbrella policies

Combined with the evidence collected at the scene, our attorneys can compile a strong case and advocate for your rights.

RELATED: Who Is to Blame for a Truck Accident in New York?

Contact Feroleto Law

If you or a loved one have experienced a vehicle accident involving a delivery truck in Buffalo or in New York State, our attorneys can help you receive fair compensation. Call our office at (716) 854-0700 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. Our consultations are completely confidential and complimentary.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.

Sources:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2024/january/pandemic-related-increase-in-consumer-restaurant-spending-using-mobile-apps-continued-through-2022