It’s nice to live in the day and age of getting practically anything you want right to your door. Whether you’re ordering a gift for a friend, a new outfit, household items you need, or anything else, delivery truck drivers are there to get you what you need.
Despite how great it is to be able to rely on delivery drivers to get your things to you, accidents happen. These larger trucks aren’t ones you’d want to get into an accident with, but if you happen to, you have options. Learning how to sue FedEx for negligence or another company, or are just interested in your legal options, we’ve got you covered.
Delivery Truck Accident Statistics
Trucks and other commercial vehicles are involved in thousands of accidents annually in the United States. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were more than 4,000 commercial truck accidents across the country.
When it comes to delivery truck accidents, they’re far fewer than 4,000, but they do fall within that category, according to FMCSA. There are a few hundred delivery truck accidents every year that result in mild to severe injuries. They rarely cause death, but that isn’t to say that it can’t happen as it does with other larger commercial trucks.
What Causes Delivery Truck Accidents?
Delivery truck drivers have to follow additional driving regulations compared to standard drivers, so what causes a delivery truck driver to get into an accident? It can vary from accident to accident, but these are the leading causes of delivery truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue
- Driver impairment
- Distracted driving (being on the phone, not looking ahead, etc.)
- Mechanical issues
- Speeding
- Following another vehicle too closely
Most delivery truck accidents are due to driver fatigue and not paying attention. Most of these accidents aren’t alcohol or drug-induced, but it’s important to note that they can happen.
Common Injuries Delivery Truck Accidents Cause
Just because you get into an accident with a delivery truck doesn’t mean it always results in injuries. That being said, injuries do happen with these accidents. These are the most common delivery truck accident injuries:
- Bruises/soreness
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
In more severe accidents, death can happen. The good thing is that death from a delivery truck accident is rare compared to other large vehicles.
Your Legal Options
You have legal options if you’re involved in a delivery truck accident. Hiring a lawyer is the first thing you should consider doing so they can help you navigate whatever route you plan on taking.
You can file a traditional car accident claim and seek compensation from the driver and their insurance company for your damages. Filing a claim with your insurance is a standard option, but you can take it further if you choose to.
Depending on the reason for the accident, you can file a claim with the delivery truck company. Your attorney will review the accident and all the evidence so that they can take the appropriate action with the company.
You can sue the company for negligence in many cases. Whether it’s negligence in hiring unqualified people or negligence in not maintaining their vehicles, your lawyer can help you with this claim.
Final Thoughts
Getting into an accident with a delivery truck isn’t on anyone’s to-do list. Hopefully, it never happens to you, but if it does, you have legal options you can consider. No matter what route you take legally, a qualified truck accident lawyer can help you navigate your claim.
A lawyer can help you file your personal injury claim, a car accident claim, or even help you sue the company for negligence if that’s what you want to do. Even if you’re unsure what you want to do, they can help you better understand your legal options and proceed from there.
