Motor vehicle crashes with delivery trucks, such as UPS, FedEx, USPS and Amazon, can have devastating and lasting effects on your life. Because of the size and weight of delivery vehicles, crashes are very serious. With more people turning to online shopping throughout the year, these trucks are beginning to populate U.S. roads more than ever. Drivers and the companies that employ them have a serious duty to use their best judgment and follow guidelines to prevent crashes with both motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. When this duty is breached, injured parties have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. It is important that you speak with an attorney to discuss your injuries and legal options if you’ve been involved in a delivery truck crash.
What is a Home Delivery Truck?
Smaller than semi-trucks or dump trucks, delivery trucks are still behemoth vehicles compared to the standard passenger vehicle on the road. In fact, the standard home delivery trucks can weigh up to 26,000 pounds. Because of their significant size, FedEx, UPS, USPS and Amazon trucks have a duty to drive with care. Negligent drivers of these massive vehicles and the companies that employ them can be held liable for any damage and injuries they cause in a crash.
The type of vehicles used to make deliveries may vary. Some of the vehicles these companies use include:
- Box trucks
- Large vans
- Flatbed trucks
- Customized vehicles
- Cutaway van chassis
If you were involved in a crash with a delivery truck, contact The Carlson Law Firm. A qualified delivery truck accident lawyer from our firm can provide you excellence guidance on the next step in your case.
UPS Accidents
United Parcel Service (UPS) is the largest shipping carrier in North America. UPS has more than 108,000 vehicles in its fleet. Since 2016, there have been 2,180 crashes involved UPS delivery trucks in the United States alone. Hundreds of people have suffered serious injuries as a result of these crashes and 54 people have died.
When UPS is responsible for injuries because they are employing negligent drivers, it is important that you understand you have options. Contact a qualified delivery truck accident lawyer to discuss your next step.
FedEx Accidents
FedEx is the second large package delivery company in North America—second to on UPS. The company moves about 18 billion tons of goods every year, with a value of over $19.2 trillion. Because of the size of its fleet and the number of goods it moves, there are bound to be numerous accidents involving delivery trucks in FedEx’s fleet. In fact, since 2016, FedEx vehicles have been involved in 1,889 total accidents and left 606 people suffering injuries. In addition, 48 people have died as a result of FedEx accidents.
If you were involved in a FedEx accident, a knowledgeable delivery truck accident attorney may be able to answer any questions you may have. Further, an attorney can help you prove negligence. Because it is such a large company, FedEx vehicles are loaded with the latest technology such as a black box device which gives vital information about a vehicle during a crash. This information includes:
- How fast the driver was going.
- When and if the driver applied brakes.
- The vehicle’s mechanical system.
- And more information that accident reconstructionists can use to recreate a scene.
USPS Accidents
The United States Postal Service delivers more than 493 million pieces of mail each day. To get this much mail out, they employ almost 500,000 people. USPS has more than 210,000 postal vehicles. Because of the frequency at which USPS delivers mail and the size of their fleet, it is not uncommon to see accidents with USPS on American roads.
While it is necessary that the mail gets to its destination on time, it is equally important for mail carriers to follow the law. Our firm will pursue justice for you while you recover. Contact The Carlson Law Firm to speak with a compassionate delivery truck accident lawyer today.
Amazon Accidents
Amazon is integrated into most people’s lives. From its free two-day shipping for Prime members to now offering subscriptions on products you buy frequently from the e-commerce giant, the company continues to expand its services including offering several delivery options. The company offers several means of delivery including:
- Delivery Service Partners. Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner program is a new idea. The concept appeals to anyone interested in owning and operating their own small business. As part of the program, individuals can staff operate their own fleet of delivery trucks in a partnership with Amazon.
- Amazon Flex. For individuals who want to deliver packages for Amazon using their own vehicle and smartphone
- Middle Mile Providers. Fleet owners with a DOT# or MC# can haul loads for Amazon.
Unfortunately, there have been several reports of the Amazon delivery drivers causing crashes that have led to injuries or death because of erratic driving behaviors. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries as a result of an Amazon delivery provider, contact The Carlson Law Firm to speak with a knowledgeable Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer today.
Amazon Delivery Truck Accidents in Waco
Amazon’s growth and popular convenience has led to a visible increase in the presence of delivery trucks. Central Texas neighborhoods have seen an increase in the number of Amazon delivery trucks since Waco, Texas, became a hub for the billion-dollar corporation. Our Waco Car Accident Lawyers have seen an uptick in the number of Amazon delivery truck accidents they’ve had to litigate. We successfully tried a case in a McLennan County court that led to an award amount in excessive of $1 million.
What are common causes for delivery truck crashes?
Thanks, in part, to Amazon’s two-day shipping, consumers now expect lightning fast delivery options. As a result, the demand for delivery trucks and delivery truck drivers is ever increasing. Because of the boom in delivery driver positions available more of these trucks are on the road. Further, more of these trucks are being driven by less experienced drivers.
Because these trucks typically weight more than 10,001 pounds, drivers have to adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) guidelines.
Common causes for FedEx, UPS and Amazon truck crashes include the following:
Fatigue
Most FedEx, UPS and Amazon truck drivers making home deliveries are considered short-haul drivers. However, they must still be FMCSA hours of service compliant but aren’t required to log their hours. Even with more trucks on the roads, there is still a shortage of delivery drivers. This shortage has led to companies demanding more of their drivers. Some drivers may be working overtime to help make deliveries by certain deadlines.
Improper or inadequate training
In many cases, drivers are simply required to have a valid driver’s license in the state they live in, a good driving record and go through just a few weeks of training.
Poor vehicle maintenance
Maintaining a properly working vehicle saves lives. FedEx, UPS and Amazon all have a responsibility to see that their delivery trucks are in top condition before hitting the road. However, because of costs, some companies may skip this. FMSCA sets maintenance standards that companies must adhere to. These standards include:
- Exhaust and fuel systems
- Lights and reflectors
- Tires, wheels and rims
- Windshields and wipers
- Suspension
- Couplings from cabs to any trailers
- Brakes
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that large trucks with out-of-service violations for any type of defect were more than four times as likely to be in a crash as trucks without those violations. In addition, the crash risks for these trucks were 10 times as high when compared to vehicles without the violation. Further, trucks cited for brake violations were 50 percent more likely to crash. Tires and lighting system violations also increase crash risks.
Speeding and Risky Maneuvers
Companies may put demands on drivers to meet delivery goals. However, this is not always achievable because of weather conditions, traffic backup or other unforeseen events. When this occurs, drivers may try to make up time by speeding or overtaking other vehicles. These risky maneuvers can lead to diminished time to react from not just the delivery truck driver, but other motorists on the road. In turn, this can lead to grisly or fatal crashes.
Distracted Drivers
While many of these companies don’t allow electronics or other distractions in company vehicles, drivers don’t always follow these rules. Some drivers may use their cell phones or play music through Bluetooth speakers that they’ve brought on board. Taking their eyes off the road just for a second can lead to seriously deadly situations.
Improper Loading or Overloading
Cargo must be evenly distributed on both sides of the truck. When this does not occur, simple maneuvers such as lane changes or turns become deadly. Cargo that is unevenly distributed puts a delivery truck at risk for rollovers.
In addition, an overloaded delivery truck can lead to mechanical issues on board because of the added weight. These mechanical failures may lead to a loss of control. Further, the additional weight can make it difficult for the brakes to properly stop the vehicle. Delivery truck weight is set by the FMCSA.
Unsecured cargo can also lead to crashes. The cargo could easily topple at some point during the trip creating a loud and unexpected noise that could surprise the driver. In addition, unsecured cargo can affect the weight distribution in the delivery truck. Depending on the type of truck, cargo could also fly off the vehicle and into the road—creating dangerous situations for other drivers.
Alcohol and drug use
Controlled substances impair a drivers abilities. Even the most skilled drivers lose motor function and decision making skills as a result of alcohol or drug use. Some drivers may feel like it is OK to use these substances while on a break, while others may do so while driving. Either way, these reckless actions can lead to a car crash.
It is important for you to recognize that the law will hold negligent delivery drivers responsible for their actions. But even when this occurs, you still have to prove that the driver’s negligence is responsible for your injuries. A qualified delivery truck accident lawyer can help you do just that. Contact The Carlson Law Firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Delivery Truck Accident Injuries
Each accident is unique and not all injuries are the same. The extent and severity of your injuries depend largely on the severity of your crash with a FedEx, UPS and Amazon truck. Injuries stemming from these accidents break down into two major categories:
- Impact injuries: typically caused by a person’s body hitting some part of the interior of the car.
- Penetrating injuries: typically cuts or scrapes caused by shattering glass or lose objects flying inside the car on impact.
While injuries such as bruising or cuts may resolve within a matter of days, significant injuries may take time to heal. No matter the level of your injuries, contacting a qualified Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer will make sure your rights are protected.
The most common injuries stemming from delivery truck crashes include:
- Head and brain injuries. A blow, or piercing, of the skull or brain. Examples, concussions or other traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, skull fractures, or lacerations.
- Neck, back or spine injuries. Whiplash is the most common injury suffered in car accidents. Injuries can include herniated discs, spinal cord damage, sprains or strains.
- Chest injuries. The force of an impact does serious harm on the human body. Injuries can include broken ribs, sternum, and injuries to internal organs.
- Burn injuries. fires are a serious concern after a car accident. Burns can be severe or even fatal.
- Soft tissue injuries. Muscles, tendon and ligaments can be stretched or torn in an accident. This type of pain can be long-lasting. Includes deep cuts or wounds to the abdomen from a penetrating trauma to the trunk or lower checks.
- Broken bones injuries. The extreme pain of broken bones may require surgery. These injuries can take a very long time.
Who is liable for delivery vehicle crashes?
When an employee is acting as an agent for the company, the company is, generally, responsible for the actions of their employees. In essence, when a company vehicle is involved in an accident, the driver and the company may be liable for damages. Employers may be liable for:
- Negligent supervision
- Negligent hiring practices
- Failing to verify proper licensing/certification
- Improperly training drivers
- Poor vehicle maintenance
If you were involved in a crash with a FedEx, UPS or Amazon delivery truck, contact The Carlson Law Firm. A delivery truck accident lawyer is ready to discuss your case.
The Carlson Law Firm Can Help
Injuries sustained from a FedEx, UPS or Amazon delivery can be significant. In many cases, these companies employ attorneys and insurance agents who immediately go to work trying to prove their employee was not at fault. They will try to place the blame on you. This is why you need an attorney on your side. We can help you navigate the complex legal system and take the strain off of you while you are trying to heal. As a victim of negligence, it is important that you ensure that you have a qualified Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer on your side.
A qualified car crash lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm will begin the process of pursuing your claim as soon as you contact us. We will begin investigating the FedEx, UPS or Amazon delivery drivers negligence by collecting evidence, documentation and any other information we feel necessary. Our team will also ensure that you are receiving proper medical care and treatment for any injuries you’ve sustained.
Our firm has more than 40 years of experience taking on major corporations. We also have the in-house resources necessary to pursue your legal claim. With The Carlson Law Firm, you’ll have an entire team on your side.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
