The surge in online shopping has created an insatiable demand for goods as Americans continue to enjoy the luxury of having things they need or want delivered to their doorstep.
A direct consequence of this modern-day convenience is the substantial increase in delivery trucks in our neighborhoods, streets, and freeways – not only in Los Angeles but also statewide in California.
Various companies, from Amazon and UPS to FedEx, USPS, and DHL, deliver millions of packages to households and businesses in California. At Vaziri Law, our Los Angeles delivery truck accident lawyer is prepared to fight for you.
As delivery trucks increase, it has also become more common to see accidents involving these trucks. Lack of sufficient training, distractions, and tight deadlines often contribute to delivery truck accidents.
If you have been involved in a California delivery truck accident, call the experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyers at the Vaziri Law Group.
Learn more about what to do after a trucking accident below. Then, contact our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Trucking accidents involving deliveries can happen for all types of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of delivery truck accidents:
Sudden stops
When a delivery truck driver makes a sudden stop, he or she might cause another vehicle to rear-end the truck. An example is when a truck driver looking for a delivery address comes to a sudden stop. In such cases, the delivery truck driver could be liable for causing the rear-end collision.
Sudden turns
Truck drivers who are constantly under pressure to deliver under tight schedules could make sudden turns that result in collisions at street intersections. Such movements could also cause serious injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
Backing up
Larger delivery trucks, in particular, could have large blind spots, resulting in collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists while backing up.
Parking brake
Some delivery truck accidents occur when a driver, in a rush to deliver the items, forgets to engage the parking brake before exiting the vehicle. The truck could roll back and cause significant damage to others on the roadway.
Improperly secured loads
If the goods are not properly secured or if the truck is overloaded, the driver may lose control of the truck. Items that fall off the truck pose a serious hazard for other drivers.
Learn more about truck driver safety tips for the road here.
What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a Los Angeles Delivery Truck Accident?
Being involved in a delivery truck accident in Los Angeles can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps after the incident can protect your rights and help you build a strong case if you need to file a claim. Whether you're dealing with injuries, property damage, or both, knowing what to do immediately following the accident is crucial.
Here's a simple guide to follow after a delivery truck accident:
Move to safety
If it's safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic and prevent further accidents.
Call the police
Contact them so they can come to the scene and create an accident report. This report will be crucial if you need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Exchange information
Swap contact and insurance information with the delivery truck driver and any other drivers involved. Be sure to get the truck driver's employer information as well.
Document the scene
Take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damages, and road conditions. These photos can provide important evidence for your claim.
Gather witnesses
If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information. They may be able to provide statements that support your version of the events.
Contact a lawyer
Before speaking to insurance companies, consult a Los Angeles delivery truck accident lawyer. A lawyer can guide you on how to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
We Can Help You File an Insurance Claim
After a delivery truck accident, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming and confusing. Our experienced team can handle all communications with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
We understand the tactics that insurance companies might use to minimize their payouts. Our goal is to make sure you receive the full compensation you deserve for any damages and injuries.
Filing an insurance claim involves several steps and requires detailed documentation. We will help you gather all necessary documents, such as medical records, repair bills, and income loss verification, to support your claim.
Our team will negotiate with the insurance companies to seek a fair settlement. We are prepared to fight for a better outcome if the insurance company's offer is too low.
We Can File a Personal Injury Lawsuit on Your Behalf
If the insurance claim does not cover all your losses or the delivery company's negligence was significant, we can file a personal injury lawsuit for you.
A lawsuit may allow you to recover additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages not typically covered by insurance. Our lawyers are skilled in litigating delivery truck accident cases and will work tirelessly to represent your interests.
We start by thoroughly investigating your case, gathering evidence, and consulting with experts to build a strong argument. We will handle all legal filings, court appearances, and negotiations with the opposing parties.
Our team will keep you informed at every step, ensuring you understand your legal options and the progress of your case. We are committed to achieving your best possible outcome through a personal injury lawsuit.
Recovering Damages
The injuries and damages that occur as a result of a collision between a delivery truck and passenger vehicle can be severe. Such a traumatic event could result in substantial physical, emotional, and financial hardship.
Here are some of the damages you may be able to receive after a delivery truck accident:
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Medical expenses
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Cost of future medical care
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Loss of income
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Loss of earning capacity
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Property damage and property loss
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Disabilities
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Permanent injuries
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Scarring and disfigurement
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of life's enjoyment
Our goal is to maximize your truck accident claim. We fight for truck accident victims every day, and we can fight for you as well.
California's Statute of Limitations
California has a statute of limitations under which you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident. The clock starts ticking on the day the delivery truck accident occurs. Not filing your truck accident lawsuit within this deadline can result in you not being able to pursue compensation for your accident-related losses.
Our legal team can help you secure the crash report and other crucial evidence necessary to strengthen and substantiate your case. We will also help you file the lawsuit within the deadline to ensure your rights are protected and your damages are accurately calculated.
Injuries After Delivery Truck Accident
Commercial truck accidents can lead to all types of injuries. An accident involving a delivery truck could result in major or even catastrophic injuries, including:
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Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries
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Spinal cord injuries that affect the back or neck, which could result in paralysis
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Serious bone breaks or fractures that could require extensive rehabilitation and ongoing treatment
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Burn injuries that could cause scarring and disfigurement
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Torso and limb injuries including amputations
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Internal organ injuries that could prove fatal
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Emotional and mental health issues from depression and anxiety to PTSD, which could require counseling or long-term therapy
The medical care you need in the aftermath of a delivery truck accident might also include emergency room care, hospital admissions, pain medications, medical equipment, and rehabilitative therapy. These are all damages and losses that should be included in your delivery truck accident case.
California Vehicle Code 17150
California Vehicle Code Section 17150 states: "Every owner of a motor vehicle is liable and responsible for death or injury to person or property resulting from a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the operation of the motor vehicle, in the business of the owner or otherwise, by any person using or operating the same with the permission, express or implied, of the owner."
This essentially means that an employer is responsible for the actions of their employees during the time of their employment. For example, if a person is employed as a delivery truck driver and causes a crash that results in injury to another person, the truck's owner and/or operator can be held liable, and can therefore be sued for compensation by the injured victims.
Liability
There are a number of parties who can be held potentially liable for a delivery truck accident:
The Delivery Truck Driver
If the driver of the delivery truck is an independent contractor as opposed to an employee of the delivery company, you may be able to sue the driver individually. The other driver's insurance company might offer you a settlement.
Your Los Angeles delivery truck accident attorney can help you pursue additional avenues of compensation. Truck driver fatigue, drunk driving, and distracted driving can play a role in truck rashes.
The Delivery Company
A delivery company can be held liable for the actions of its employees. If a driver who is employed with a trucking firm or corporation causes an accident because of his or her negligence or wrongdoing, the injured victim can bring claims against the company in addition to bringing claims against the at-fault truck driver.
In California, the employer is vicariously liable for employees' negligence and wrongdoing if those acts are committed within the scope of employment. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyer is ready to protect your rights.
A Third Party
In some delivery truck accidents, a third party, such as another driver, a roadway maintenance crewmember, a governmental entity, or a vehicle/product manufacturer, may be liable for the truck crash.
In such cases, the injured victims would sue the third party in addition to the delivery truck driver and/or the company. Let our experienced truck accident attorney fight for your rights.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident
If you were injured in a delivery truck accident, do not discuss your case with the trucking company (such as UPS, Amazon, or FedEx) or an investigator for the company's insurance company.
It would be in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will look out for you and protect your legal rights every step of the way. That is where our experienced truck accident lawyer can fight for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partly at fault for the delivery truck accident?
Due to California's comparative negligence law, even if you were partly at fault, you might still be eligible for compensation. We can help assess your situation and determine the possible impact on your compensation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a delivery truck accident in Los Angeles?
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is important to ensure you meet this deadline.
What types of compensation can I recover in a delivery truck accident lawsuit?
You may be entitled to recover costs for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant's conduct was particularly egregious.
Contact Our Los Angeles Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation
At the Vaziri Law Group, we will help maximize your chances of receiving maximum compensation for your losses after a delivery truck accident. We have a long and successful track record of representing severely injured victims and their families. We can pursue truck drivers and trucking companies, helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call us today to find out how we can help you.