Can Delivery Companies Be Held Liable for a Driver’s Negligence

Filing an Injury Claim Against a Delivery Company in California

The streets and highways around Ventura are busy with tourists, residents—and delivery vehicles, such as Amazon, UPS, and others. While we commonly see these trucks moving through the area, we may not consider the legal issues—can the delivery company be held liable if the truck driver causes an accident? Every case has unique facts and evidence, and in many cases, the company itself can be held liable, even when a delivery driver is responsible.

It is a sad fact that the states with the highest number of deaths from truck crashes include California. The state had 436 deaths in a recent year, as reported by the National Safety Council.

How to File an Injury Claim Against a Delivery Company?

Filing a claim against a delivery company is not quite as simple as it may be with another passenger vehicle driver. The process should be managed by a Ventura personal injury lawyer who is familiar with these claims and lawsuits and who will pour all the firm’s resources into fighting for justice and full compensation. Supporting evidence will be required to support a claim or lawsuit when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit in civil court, including the following:

Medical Reports

Provide documentation of injuries sustained, treatment received, and the severity of the impact, helping to establish the physical consequences of the crash.

Police Reports

Offer an official account of the accident, often including the officer’s observations, citations issued, and preliminary assessments of fault.

Video Footage

Dash cams, traffic cameras, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, or even cellphone videos can capture the collision and show driver behavior before impact.

Vehicle Damage

The location and extent of damage to the vehicles can help reconstruct how the accident occurred and support claims of fault.

Roadway Evidence

Skid marks, scattered debris, oil spills, and other physical traces at the scene can point to speeding, sudden braking, or improper maneuvers.

Eyewitness Testimony

Neutral third-party accounts can corroborate what happened, especially if they observed the delivery driver behaving recklessly or violating traffic laws.

Driver Logs and Delivery Records

Delivery companies often track driver schedules, GPS data, and package logs—these records can reveal if the driver was fatigued, rushing, or off-route.

Cell Phone Records

Cell phone records may reveal that a delivery driver was texting, on a call, or otherwise using a device before the crash.

Drug and Alcohol Test Results

The driver may be tested for drug or alcohol intoxication, and the results can serve as compelling evidence of negligent driving behavior.

How Much is a Case Worth Against a Delivery Company?

All injury claims must be valued individually. The compensation pursued could be of very high value when the injuries are serious, catastrophic, or fatal. The types of evidence used to value a claim will include the following:

Medical Records and Bills

These show the extent of injuries, treatment received, long-term prognosis, and total cost of medical care—current and future.

Proof of Lost Wages

Pay stubs, employer letters, or tax documents demonstrate income lost due to time away from work.

Expert Medical Opinions

Specialists may provide insight into the severity of injuries, expected recovery time, or permanent impairments that affect earning capacity or quality of life.

Pain and Suffering Documentation

Journals, personal statements, or therapist notes to help put a value on non-economic damages like emotional distress, chronic pain, or loss of enjoyment of life.

Photos and Videos of Injuries

Visual evidence of physical injuries can make a strong impression and support claims of severity, especially for scarring or disfigurement.

Life Care Plans

For serious injuries, these projections outline future medical needs, home modifications, personal care, and long-term financial impact.

Accident Reports and Scene Evidence

While these help establish fault, they also provide context for the forces involved, which can support claims about the seriousness of the injuries.

Types of Serious Injuries in Delivery Truck Accidents in Ventura

Some types of injuries sustained in accidents with delivery trucks are extremely serious or are so severe that they prove fatal. They include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Caused by blunt force impact or violent jolts; A TBI can lead to a concussion or severe brain damage, often with long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine may result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic, ongoing pain, and changes in mobility and sensation.
• Broken Bones: High-impact crashes often cause fractures that may require surgery and physical therapy or leave the victim with lasting impairments.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent at the scene.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other musculoskeletal injuries can cause debilitating pain and long-term limitations.
• Amputations: In severe crashes, limbs may be traumatically severed or require surgical amputation due to crush injuries or infection risk.
• Severe Burns: Fires, chemical spills, or contact with hot vehicle parts can lead to severe burns, requiring skin grafts and a series of very painful surgeries, leaving permanent scars or affecting mobility.
• Facial Injuries, Disfigurement: Broken facial bones, eye injuries, or scarring can result in permanent changes to appearance and function, often requiring reconstructive surgery.
• Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are common after serious accidents, especially those involving catastrophic injuries.

How Long do I Have to File a Claim?

Under California law, the Statute of Limitations allows for two years from the accident in which to file a lawsuit. Many cases involve an insurance claim rather than a lawsuit as the first action.

Any governmental entity operating a delivery vehicle will require a filing within a much shorter period. You can protect your right to the compensation you deserve by ensuring a delivery truck accident lawyer manages your case to ensure all filings are completed within the time restrictions imposed by law.

Call Skinner Law Group today at 310-356-0074 for personalized legal assistance in delivery truck accident cases—you can expect to be treated with the utmost compassion, support, and professional counsel.