Posted on Friday, December 21st, 2018 at 4:31 am
Shopping online has taken some of the stress out of the holidays for many people. Some individuals never go to a store during the holidays because they do all their holiday shopping online. Because of an increase in online shopping, you may have noticed an increase in the number of delivery trucks on the road, especially in residential neighborhoods. While most of these large trucks do not pose a threat, the increase in the number of delivery trucks during the holidays could increase your risk of being involved in a traffic accident with a delivery truck.
Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery truck accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons for delivery truck accidents during the holidays include:
- Increase in the number of packages being delivered
- Drivers who are rushed to complete deliveries
- Inexperienced drivers
- Drivers who are unfamiliar with additional routes
- Drivers who are tired from putting in extra hours
Because delivery trucks are larger than most passenger vehicles, the chance of serious injury is usually higher in these accidents than in accidents involving passenger vehicles only. Higher rates of speed also increase the chance of a severe injury in a delivery truck accident. It is important to see a doctor immediately after a crash involving a delivery truck. You need to ensure that you receive medical care for your injuries, but you also want to document your injuries for an accident claim.
Who is Responsible for Delivery Truck Accidents?
Accidents involving delivery trucks are similar to accidents involving other commercial vehicles. The truck driver may be responsible for causing the crash. However, the delivery company or other parties may also be liable for damages caused by a delivery truck accident. It is important to conduct a thorough accident investigation to determine the cause of the crash and identify the parties liable for damages.
Some of the reasons that a delivery company may be liable for damages caused by a delivery truck accident include:
- Hiring inexperienced drivers
- Failing to train drivers on new routes
- Neglecting to perform adequate background checks for drivers
- Failing to maintain company vehicles
- Not allowing sufficient time for deliveries
- Requiring drivers to work too many hours
- Sudden and frequent stops
If a delivery company is liable for damages in a truck accident, you have a better chance of recovering compensation for your damages. Therefore, you need to consult with a Sacramento truck accident attorney to discuss the steps you need to take to hold a delivery company responsible for an accident involving one of its trucks.
How to Avoid Delivery Truck Accidents During the Holidays
You may not be able to control what the delivery truck driver does when he is behind the wheel. However, you can take steps to decrease your chance of being injured in a delivery truck accident.
- Give delivery trucks plenty of room. Large trucks and other big vehicles cannot maneuver as quickly or in the same ways that a smaller vehicle can maneuver. Slow down and allow additional space between your vehicle and the delivery truck in case it stops suddenly.
- Assume that the delivery truck will make frequent stops, so do not follow too closely and remain alert when following a delivery truck.
- Do not drive in the truck’s blind spot. Delivery trucks have large blind spots similar to other commercial trucks.
If you are involved in an accident with a delivery truck, including FedEx or UPS, contact a Sacramento truck accident attorney for a free case review.
Contact a Sacramento Truck Accident Attorney for Help
Accident claims involving delivery trucks can be complicated. We can help. Our Sacramento truck accident attorneys handle all aspects of your claim so that you can relax and focus on healing from your injuries.
For a free consultation, contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.
