If you were in an accident with a delivery truck, you might see the driver as the only possible liable party. But the truth is that liability can be complex, especially in these types of accidents.
It’s not only the truck driver who could be liable but also the delivery truck company, the vehicle manufacturer, and the entity responsible for maintaining the roads. The personal injury lawyers at Laborde Earles can determine who is liable in a delivery truck accident.
How Common Are Delivery Truck Accidents?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of fatalities in delivery truck accidents rose to new highs between 2015 to 2019, with 334 drivers losing their lives. It’s a sobering reminder that the road can be dangerous and that practicing safe driving is a must, especially as the number of delivery trucks continues to increase.
During the same period, there were 60 accidents alone involving Amazon delivery contractors, resulting in 10 fatalities. The promise of speedy delivery puts great pressure on trucking companies and drivers, making road safety a secondary priority that places other drivers at risk of injury or death.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, please accept our sincere condolences. Our compassionate Lafayette wrongful death lawyers will help protect your loved one’s memory by holding the at-fault party accountable.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientWhat Are the Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents?
With so many delivery trucks on the road today and so many deliveries to make, not to mention the increasing demand for delivery, the increase in accidents was predictable. But speeding is not the only cause of delivery truck accidents.
Other common causes of delivery truck accidents include:
- Inexperience and lack of training
- Mechanical failure
- Bad weather
- Intoxication and drug use
- Distractions such as mobile phone use
- Exhaustion
- Unsafe driving
- Lack of road and road equipment maintenance
Any of the above can cause an accident, which is why determining liability can be tricky. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer from our team will investigate the incident to discover the facts.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWho Are the Liable Parties in Delivery Truck Accidents?
Just because someone is driving a delivery truck, it doesn’t mean they are responsible for the accident. One of the first things law enforcement, insurance providers, and lawyers want to know is what was the cause of the accident and who is liable.
You understandably want compensation for your injuries and financial losses. You also want accountability and justice. Finding out the cause of the accident and who is liable for paying compensation is part of the process.
There are several potentially liable parties in a delivery truck accident, including:
- Drivers: Your first thought is naturally that the delivery driver is responsible for the accident. They must follow all traffic laws and take care to keep other drivers safe on the road. If they fail to obey traffic laws, drink alcohol on the job, or text while driving, delivery drivers can be held liable.
- Companies: There are many delivery companies. Whether they specialize in delivering food or packages, it’s a growing industry. That means more delivery trucks on the road and more potential accidents. Companies are responsible for properly training their drivers and grading their performance on the job. They also must maintain their vehicles. Failing these responsibilities could make a company liable for an accident.
- Manufacturers: It’s possible that the driver and the company they work for aren’t liable because of a defective vehicle or part. Manufacturers have a responsibility to produce vehicles and parts that work. If a delivery truck accident is the result of a defective part that the manufacturer knew about or negligently installed, they could be held liable for damages.
- Government entities: Perhaps none of the above are liable for the accident at all. Road maintenance is crucial to prevent accidents. A delivery truck could hit a pothole or couldn’t see the road because of broken street lights. If an entity such as a government agency fails to repair or maintain the road, it could be held liable for the accident. Most states cap the damages accident victims can recover from a government entity.
An investigation should determine who is liable for the accident, but it can be a challenging process that takes time to unfold. There will be a lot of finger-pointing because none of these parties want to be responsible for paying compensation.
A personal injury lawyer in Lafayette can help determine liability and recover the compensation you deserve.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientCan Amazon Be Held Liable for a Delivery Truck Accident?
As one of the largest companies in the world and one that is only continuing to grow, it’s safe to say that there will be more delivery trucks on the road every year to meet the rising demand for convenience that home delivery offers. Of course, we’re talking about Amazon. But can a major company like Amazon be held liable for your injuries and financial losses due to an accident?
If the driver of the delivery truck is an Amazon employee, you may be entitled to compensation from Amazon. In particular, you could receive compensation from the Amazon Flex Program, which provides liability insurance up to $1 million and collision coverage up to $50,000.
However, Amazon also employs many subcontractors to deliver their products to homes across the country. In fact, more than half of Amazon Prime deliveries were made by subcontractors in 2019. If a subcontractor is liable for the delivery truck accident, you may not be able to recover damages from Amazon but would likely be able to hold the subcontractor liable instead.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientLearn More About Liable Parties in Delivery Truck Accidents Today
Whether it’s a company like Amazon or the driver or the manufacturer of a part, the bottom line is that one of them is liable for the accident, making them liable for your injuries and financial losses. You have the right to recover damages, and a personal injury lawyer from Laborde Earles is ready to talk to you about your case.
To learn more about liable parties in delivery truck accidents or to schedule a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
