As delivery services continue to grow, particularly with giants like Amazon, UPS, and food delivery apps, the likelihood of getting involved in a delivery vehicle accident also increases. Whether it's a collision with a van, truck, or even an e-scooter, these accidents can result in serious injuries and complicated claims.
Injured in a Delivery Vehicle Accident? Contact McGee Lerer Ogrin at (310) 231-9717 for a free consultation today. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve!
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a delivery vehicle in Los Angeles, McGee Lerer Ogrin is here to help. We have extensive experience in handling unique accident claims, including those involving delivery trucks and vans. Our team can assist you with claims involving:
Amazon delivery trucks
UPS and FedEx vehicles
Grocery delivery services like Instacart
Food delivery services like Uber Eats
Common Injuries in Delivery Truck Accidents
Accidents involving delivery trucks, vans, or other large vehicles can result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of the delivery vehicles. These vehicles are typically larger and heavier than regular cars, which means they can cause more significant damage in a crash. Some common injuries in delivery truck accidents include:
Broken Bones: The force of the impact from a delivery truck can cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone.
Head Trauma: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common in serious delivery truck accidents. This can range from a mild concussion to more severe injuries that cause permanent brain damage or long-term complications.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a delivery truck accident can cause spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis or long-term disability. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries include sprains, strains, and contusions. While these might seem less serious initially, they can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term medical issues.
Internal Injuries: In severe accidents, organs may be damaged due to the force of the collision, resulting in life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention.
The sheer size and weight of delivery vehicles make these accidents much more dangerous than typical car accidents, which is why the injuries tend to be more severe.
The Role of Dashcams and Surveillance Footage in Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Dashcams and surveillance footage can be incredibly helpful in proving fault in delivery vehicle accidents. Many delivery trucks are equipped with dashcams that record the road, providing crucial evidence. Here's why this footage is valuable:
Dashcam Footage: Many delivery companies use dashcams to monitor their drivers. If the accident was captured on the dashcam, the footage can show exactly how the crash occurred, helping to establish fault.
Traffic Cameras: Traffic cameras located at intersections or along the road can also capture the accident. These cameras can provide an impartial view of the accident and show important details, such as the speed of the vehicles involved or traffic light signals.
Security Footage from Nearby Businesses: If the accident occurred near a business, their security cameras might have recorded the event. This can provide additional evidence to support your claim.
Having access to this footage can be instrumental in proving that the delivery driver was at fault, which strengthens your case and helps secure the compensation you deserve.
Handling Insurance Claims with Delivery Companies
Filing an insurance claim after an accident with a delivery vehicle can be complex. Delivery companies often have their own insurance policies, and navigating these claims requires an understanding of how these companies operate. Here’s what you should know:
Dealing with Insurance Companies: Delivery companies like Amazon, UPS, or FedEx have dedicated insurance policies for accidents involving their vehicles. However, these companies often try to minimize payouts to reduce their costs. An attorney can help ensure you are not taken advantage of.
Claim Delays: Delivery companies may delay the claims process, making it more difficult to get the compensation you need quickly. They may also attempt to shift the blame or offer settlements that are too low to cover your medical bills and other expenses.
Legal Assistance: A skilled lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive a fair settlement. They know how to deal with insurance adjusters and the legal complexities involved in these types of claims.
Navigating the insurance claim process with delivery companies can be challenging, but with the right legal representation, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you're entitled to.
Who Is Responsible for a Delivery Truck Accident?
When it comes to delivery truck accidents, proving who is at fault can be tricky. Since many delivery drivers are employees of a company, both the driver and the employer may share responsibility.
Respondent Superior: Under this legal concept, the employer can be held responsible for the actions of their employee if the accident happened while the employee was performing their job duties.
Gathering Evidence: To strengthen your case, it’s important to gather:
Eyewitness accounts
Photos from the accident scene
First responder reports
The driver’s information and employer details
Having detailed evidence helps ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.
What Should You Do If a Delivery Driver Hits Your Car?
If you’re involved in an accident with a delivery vehicle, there are additional steps you should take to make sure the process goes smoothly.
Take Photos and Call Authorities: Document the scene just like you would in any accident.
Get the Driver’s Information: Be sure to note the company the driver works for (e.g., Amazon, UPS) and gather important details like the vehicle’s license plate and identification number.
Note the Location: Keep track of where the accident occurred, as it may help the company identify the driver, especially if they leave the scene.
What Happens If a Delivery Driver Damages Your Property?
If a delivery driver causes property damage (e.g., hitting a mailbox or parked car), you should contact the company involved to get reimbursed for repairs.
Minor Damage: For minor damages, companies may ask you to fill out a damage report and submit it to customer service.
Major Damage: For larger damages, such as substantial damage to your vehicle, you may face more resistance and may need legal assistance to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Trust Experienced Attorneys to Handle Your Claim
McGee Lerer Ogrin are ready to help with your delivery vehicle accident claim. Whether it’s an injury or property damage, our team will investigate your claim, calculate your damages, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Plus, with our contingency fee agreements, you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I file a claim if I was hit by a delivery driver while they were on the job? Yes, you can file a claim against the delivery driver’s employer under the principle of respondent superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees while they’re performing their job duties.
What if the delivery driver wasn’t insured? If the delivery driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to file a claim through the company they work for. Additionally, your own insurance policy, such as uninsured motorist coverage, may help cover your expenses.
How long do I have to file a claim after a delivery vehicle accident? In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s always best to consult with an attorney sooner rather than later to ensure evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Will I be responsible for my medical bills while my case is pending? If you’ve been injured, your medical bills can be covered as part of the compensation you seek. You may need to work with your attorney to arrange for temporary solutions like medical liens or insurance coverage while the case is ongoing.
What happens if the delivery vehicle was a company-owned van? If the delivery vehicle is company-owned, the company itself can be held liable for the accident. The employer is responsible for the actions of the driver as long as they were performing their job duties at the time of the accident.
Can I claim damages for emotional distress after a delivery vehicle accident? Yes, if you’ve suffered emotional distress due to the accident, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering. Your attorney can help assess the full impact of the accident on your mental and emotional well-being.
Do I need to go to court for a delivery vehicle accident claim? Not necessarily. Many claims are settled outside of court through negotiation with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend taking the case to court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
