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Who Can I Sue if I Get Into an Accident With a Delivery Truck?
As America learned during the COVID-19 crisis, delivery trucks are a key part of the supply chain. Every day, trucks of every size, from small cargo vehicles to eighteen-wheel “big rigs,” transport goods across the United States. They keep us stocked with everything from urgently needed medical supplies to school clothes to junk food to satisfy midnight cravings. The larger a vehicle is, the more damage it will cause if it gets into an accident, and delivery trucks tend to be huge vehicles. That also means the more delivery trucks on the road, the higher the likelihood one will get into an accident.
As of 2021, California roadways had 15.9 million private and commercial trucks. This number represents about 10% of all trucks in America and the highest number in a single state. In 2022, there were 436 deaths in California as a result of accidents involving large trucks, second only to Texas.
While most people know what to do in the event of a car accident, most people will never get into a wreck with a delivery truck. This means many people do not know what to do in the aftermath. That includes whether to seek compensation from the driver, the company, or potentially both. That is why if you or a loved one is involved in an accident with a delivery truck, it’s essential to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. They’ll know who can and should be held responsible.
Who Is Responsible for Delivery Truck Accidents in California?
Part of filing a lawsuit in California involves determining liability. Liability means who is legally and financially responsible for something, such as an accident. Part of determining liability will include establishing what caused the accident. There are a variety of factors that could lead to an accident involving a delivery truck. Some of these factors may include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Distracted Driving
- Impaired/Drunken Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Sleep-Deprived Driving
- A Poorly Maintained Vehicle
- Bad Weather Conditions
- Poor or No Training
- Excessive or Improperly Secured Cargo
In some instances, a combination of factors may lead to an accident. For example, a sleep-deprived driver could be making a delivery in a rainstorm, resulting in a crash. Figuring out who is liable for an accident requires first determining the cause of the crash. Once the cause has been ascertained, it can be established who is liable. Sometimes, it may be possible to lay blame on only one entity.
For example, a driver may have been well trained and operating an adequately maintained vehicle but be under the influence or driving recklessly. In this scenario, the driver would likely hold sole responsibility. In another instance, the driver may have been driving responsibly but made to drive excess cargo. Here, liability may rest solely with the company.
Other times, responsibility may be split between parties. A company may have pressured an undertrained driver to make a delivery in a narrow time frame. This driver may have driven recklessly or used performance-enhancing substances to try and meet the deadline. In the event of a crash, both the company and the driver may share liability. This is why, if you were involved in a collision with a delivery truck, it’s essential to consult an experienced personal injury attorney.
How Can I Determine Responsibility for a Delivery Truck Accident in California?
Determining responsibility for a delivery truck accident can be difficult. This is because of the variety of factors involved, including vehicle maintenance, the driver’s training and expertise, road conditions at the time of the accident, and more. This is why collecting as much information as possible is vital if you or a loved one have been in a wreck with a delivery truck. In the event of a wreck, your first objective is to seek medical treatment for yourself and anyone else who may have been injured. Once you have sought treatment for your injuries, you need to collect as much evidence as possible.
The more information an attorney has available, the better they can determine who is liable for a wreck involving a delivery truck. Police reports, security camera footage, bystanders’ cell phone footage, dash cam footage, and eyewitness testimony are only a few of the kinds of evidence that may prove crucial.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may need to seek compensation from multiple parties. For example, if it can be determined that both the driver and the company engaged in behavior that could have contributed to a wreck, you may need to take legal action against both. This is why, if you or a loved one have been injured in a wreck with a delivery truck, you must contact an experienced personal injury attorney. They will be able to review your case’s facts and help determine the best route to seek compensation.
What Should I Do if a Loved One or I Am Injured in a Wreck with a Delivery Truck?
Car accidents can be frightening. They can be incredibly upsetting when a delivery vehicle is involved. Injuries sustained in accidents with delivery trucks are often more severe and take longer to heal. That means extra recovery time during which you won’t be able to work, socialize, or live as you’re used to. Everyone who’s been in a wreck with a delivery vehicle deserves some form of compensation. That’s why if you or a loved one were in an accident with a delivery truck, you should contact Troy Skinner at Skinner Law Corp.
Troy Skinner grew up in a family of lawyers. Having grown up around aunts, uncles, and cousins who were all attorneys, Troy Skinner eats, breathes, and sleeps the law. He sees protecting those who have been hurt in some way as his personal and professional calling. Troy Skinner puts all of himself into each of his cases, giving his clients 100% and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
A wreck with a delivery truck can be intimidating. Some companies and drivers may use this intimidation to avoid paying you what you’re owed. Don’t let an upsetting situation scare you into not seeking what you’re owed. If you or a loved one were injured in a wreck with a delivery truck, don’t hesitate to contact Troy Skinner of Skinner Law Corp at 310-356-0074 . He’ll fight, so you don’t have to.
