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Help for Delivery Truck Crash Victims
If you had to add up all the online orders you make in a year, how many do you think get delivered to your doorstep? The number crunchers at Pitney Bowes, a global shipping and mailing company, contend that around 21.7 billion parcels are delivered in the U.S. annually. That breaks down to 687 parcels generated every second, with 165 parcels being delivered to each household each year.
Every package is delivered by some kind of delivery truck. With all those packages, the pressure grows on the delivery truck drivers to empty their vehicles and meet their tight deadlines. That added pressure can sometimes lead to drivers speeding, making reckless driving maneuvers, and becoming distracted as they constantly check their GPS for the next drop-off address. All of that behavior can increase the risk of them getting into an accident.
If you have been involved in a collision with any kind of parcel-carrying vehicle, you will want to consider an Alexandria delivery truck accident lawyer involved in your claim. The team at Curcio Law often helps with these types of crashes, starting with a claim and following through to a lawsuit if that is the best option to secure the compensation that you are due.
We want to help you understand your right to make a financial recovery, so if you’ve been hurt in one of these wrecks, be sure to contact us to learn more about the next best steps you should take.
How Collisions Involving Delivery Trucks and Cars Compare
When an accident occurs between two cars, you need to establish who the at-fault party is. In many instances, that can be easy to determine.
However, an accident with a delivery truck brings up added layers of complexity that fall under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. That is Latin for “let the master answer.” Essentially, in this case, that means that the employer is responsible for their employee’s actions.
Does that mean you can sue Amazon when someone driving a delivery truck with their branding rear-ends you? What if it is a United States Postal Service truck? Does that mean you have to sue the federal government? There are limitations.
You might not be able to sue the company or government entity if the delivery driver was directly negligent. On the other hand, if there was negligent supervision or poor hiring practices, then you could potentially have a claim against the company.
Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents in Alexandria
With the increasing number of deliveries, you are likely to encounter some type of delivery driver every time you get in your car. It won’t just be on the highway but all the surrounding side streets that are part of your daily commute.
There are many reasons why delivery truck drivers get into accidents. Understanding which of the following common causes is vital to support your claim:
Driver Fatigue
Staying alert when driving is crucial to avoid getting into accidents. A delivery driver makes constant stops and is hopping off and on their truck. That keeps them active, but it can also compound their fatigue levels. According to information collected by the National Safety Council, drowsy driving was the reason for 328,000 accidents annually. It only takes one second of nodding off to trigger a collision.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is an issue that every driver has to be aware of when they are on the road. A major distraction for many motorists is using their cell phones. That is why so many states have enacted hands-free driving laws.
The Virginia hand-free law went into effect in 2021. However, delivery drivers might not be distracted by making texts as much as they are focused on GPS directions for their next delivery and getting new drop-off instructions. They will constantly contact their dispatchers, who send updates and instructions. Any new “ping” holds the potential for a distraction.
Faulty Equipment
The average delivery truck logs several hundred miles each week, which increases the wear on tires, brakes, transmissions, and other vital mechanics. Those delivery trucks need to be consistently inspected and maintained.
If faulty equipment is the cause of your accident and there is a record of it not being repaired, that can extend the liability of the accident to the company that owns the truck and pays for the maintenance.
Inadequate Training
You have probably seen delivery drivers train other drivers on their routes. There is a lot to learn about the proper placement of packages on doorsteps and how to navigate oversized delivery trucks down narrow streets. If a new driver is dispatched on a route before they are ready, it could lead to an accident. That is another way the company sending the package can be held responsible for the accident.
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Typical Injuries Wrecks With Parcel-Carrying Trucks Cause
Delivery truck accidents can result in various injuries. Those injuries range from minor outpatient treatments to severe injuries requiring surgery. Which of these injuries apply to your delivery truck accident?
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Lacerations and contusions
Whether you’ve suffered one of the serious injuries above or some other type, consider reaching out to speak with an Alexandria delivery truck accident lawyer in our office to learn more about financial recovery options for your losses.
What To Expect After Your Delivery Truck Accident
Although any type of delivery truck accident will cause upheaval in your life, what you have to deal with depends on the accident’s severity. Here’s what you can expect after your collision:
Medical treatment
You might be treated at the scene of the accident and released. You could also be taken to an emergency room. There are also many injuries that present with delayed symptoms and require a follow-up to your doctor or urgent care. Any type of injury will need tests, diagnosis, and treatment. In extreme cases, you might have to undergo surgery. All of this will happen within the first few days after your accident.
Car Repairs or Replacement
Your car might also be damaged and need repairs. They can involve getting a few estimates (if you can still drive the car). It could also involve an insurance adjuster who will survey the damage as part of your initial claim. If the car is totaled, you will need to find the car’s value at the time of the accident. That will become the most you can get to replace the car.
Insurance Claims
You’ll want to notify your insurance company to begin the claims process. They will gather the initial information about the accident, your first round of medical bills, and the repair costs. Things can get complicated with your claim if there is a dispute about who is at fault for the accident.
Your insurance company might direct you to the at-fault party to file your claim. If that insurance carrier disputes who is at fault, it can delay the process.
Taking Time Off Work
While you recover from your injuries or deal with car repairs, you might need to take time off from work. That can mean lost wages that will impact your family.
Emotional Recovery
There is also the emotional impact of the aftermath of a delivery truck accident to contend with. This is different for every victim, but it can trigger anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That might require seeking the support of mental health professionals.
Legal Consultation
While you’re dealing with all of the above issues, the losses you incurred are front and center. That can add to your stress, and it is why you need to consult with an experienced Alexandria delivery truck lawyer.
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Types of Evidence Your Alexandria Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Gathers
The responsibility to prove your case rests on your shoulders when you claim someone else’s actions harmed you.
When you retain the services of an experienced firm like Curcio Law, we will deploy our staff to collect the right evidence to support your version of events. Some of that evidence is different than a typical car accident. Some evidence you can expect our Alexandria delivery truck accident attorneys to help you gather includes:
Vehicle Maintenance Records and Onboard Data
Every delivery vehicle has a wide range of records associated with it. That includes maintenance records, inspection documentation, and even engine data from an onboard “black box.” All of those items can provide supportive information that could point to contributing factors in the accident.
Parcel Handler Driving History
The delivery driver will have an individual driving record associated with both their commercial and regular driver’s licenses. That driver’s history can include information about traffic citations, company infractions, disciplinary issues, and health concerns.
Delivery Company Policies
What are the delivery company’s hiring and screening practices? Are there unreasonable pressures to deliver? Are there punitive damages if they don’t make their daily quotas? These are the kinds of pressures that can contribute to reckless driving.
Cargo Packing and Carrying Practice Information
There are cargo securement procedures that the driver needs to follow when in transit. There are also cargo loading requirements that have to be adhered to by the crew that loads the truck. Failure to follow those rules can lead to cargo shifting and that can contribute to an accident.
The goal of gathering all of this relevant information is to support your delivery truck accident claim and ensure that you get the maximum compensation you may be due.
Why You Should Retain the Services of Curcio Law if a Crash With a Parcel Delivery Vehicle Injured You
The team at Curcio Law understands what the victims of delivery truck accidents are going through. We know how important it is to provide guidance and information to help you make the right decisions about how to pursue a remedy for your damages.
If the Alexandria delivery truck accident lawyer you meet with feels that your case has merit and you retain our services, we will provide the needed support through every step of the claim process. We might be able to find a resolution through a settlement with the insurance company that represents the driver and the company they work for.
However, if a settlement can’t be reached, we will be fully prepared to move the matter to a civil court. That is where we will present the evidence to support your claim.
It is crucial to get the first round of questions answered after your delivery truck accident. Call to schedule a consultation today.
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