Delivery Truck Accidents

In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that over 800,000 people drove a light truck or delivery service vehicle. Although delivery trucks are smaller than other commercial trucks — those big rigs, 18-wheelers — they can still weigh up to 26,000 pounds, causing severe injuries in an accident.

Delivery Trucks vs the Big Rigs

Delivery trucks tend to be light vehiclesdelivery truck, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. They primarily deliver or pick up merchandise or deliver packages.

The types of vehicles used include:

  • Box trucks
  • Large vans
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Customized vehicles

What delivery trucks have in common with their larger counterparts, those semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, is that they are generally on a tight delivery schedule. In addition, delivery truck drivers:

  • Are expected to drive in inclement weather and deliver loads within a set amount of time.
  • Deliver in busy city streets and in residential areas having more exposure to pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • Often park in the street or double-park, meaning they often stop and start very quickly.

Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents

As with larger commercial trucks, delivery trucks need more space to come to a halt than smaller passenger cars. Other causes of accidents include:

  • Speeding or dangerous driving due to deadlines
  • Driver fatigue due to lack of rest or breaks
  • Failure to adjust driving to bad weather conditions
  • Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can affect how a truck handles, making it difficult to steer or stop in an emergency
  • Delivery trucks suddenly stopping or backing up on busy streets or highways
  • Delivery trucks blocking lanes of traffic and/or preventing other drivers from being able to see around them

Delivery truck accidents frequently involve:

  • Delivery Truck Federal ExpressMail or package delivery trucks (i.e., Federal Express, UPS, postal delivery trucks)
  • Food delivery trucks
  • Furniture moving and delivery trucks
  • Flower delivery trucks
  • Tool delivery trucks

Liability in a Delivery Truck Accident

Typically, when an accident involves a delivery truck, the company that employs or contracts the driver is usually the one responsible. Many of these companies are large corporations, such as Federal Express, UPS and DHL.

The truck accident attorneys at Nash & Franciskato are not afraid to take on larger companies in order to get you the compensation you deserve. We research and investigate all the details of your accident. These companies may also be liable for things such as:

  • Improper hiring and supervision
  • Improper maintenance

Receive a Free Evaluation from Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys

Have you been seriously injured in a delivery truck accident? When you need to understand your legal options and the likelihood of obtaining compensation after a delivery truck accident, contact the Kansas City legal team at Nash & Franciskato for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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