Injured In A Delaware Delivery Vehicle Accident? We Can Help.
Delivery truck crashes are not like typical car accidents. The sheer size and volume of these vehicles on our roads present a higher risk of severe or even fatal injuries. When one of these large delivery trucks collides with a passenger car, the result is often catastrophic.
Our lawyers at Pratcher Krayer LLC are Delaware natives with deep roots in our community. We know firsthand the physical and emotional toll an accident like this can take on a victim and their family. Our experience in insurance defense means we understand the strategies these companies use to minimize their liability and payout. We are here to level the playing field, and we will not hesitate to go to trial to fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
Understanding Liability In A Delivery Vehicle Accident
When you are hurt in a Delaware delivery vehicle accident, your claim may not just be against a single driver. It can involve:
- The company that employs them
- The company that owns the truck
- Multiple insurance companies
Figuring out liability can become even more complicated when large companies or contractors own or operate the vehicle involved. This includes household names such as FedEx, Amazon, UPS and even USPS. Many of these companies also use independent contractors or third-party logistics firms to handle their deliveries, which can complicate the question of who is responsible for your injuries.
Investigating The Cause Of The Delivery Truck Accident
The primary causes of delivery truck crashes often relate to the nature and pressures of the industry, which result in:
- Tight delivery schedules: Drivers are often pushed to work long hours without sufficient rest, leading to fatigue and a higher risk of a crash
- Driver fatigue: Exhausted drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them dangerous on the road
- Parking in unsafe locations: Delivery drivers may double-park or stop in dangerous spots to make a quick delivery, blocking traffic and causing an accident
- Large blind spots: The size of delivery vehicles creates huge blind spots, making it easy for drivers to miss smaller cars or motorcycles
- Package volume: An unsecured or excessive number of packages can shift inside the vehicle, distracting the driver or obstructing their view
Accidents can be unpredictable, but many of them are preventable. The issues above are often the result of negligence on the part of the delivery company, the driver or both.
Determining liability or fault in a Delaware delivery vehicle accident requires a thorough investigation. As your car accident attorneys, we will look at all the facts. This includes the police report, driver logs, vehicle maintenance records and company safety policies. We also work with accident reconstruction professionals to determine what happened and who is to blame.
Your Steps After A Delivery Vehicle Accident
The first step to take after any accident is to prioritize your and other people’s safety. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. Move your vehicle to a safe location out of the way of traffic if you can.
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or a concussion, may not show any symptoms for a few hours or even days after the accident. An evaluation from a health care professional can also create an official record of your injuries, which is critical in a personal injury claim.
Once it is safe and possible for you to do so, make sure to:
- Exchange information and call the police: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details and license plate number. Try not to leave the scene without waiting for a police officer to arrive and create an accident report.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks and traffic signs. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Notify your insurer and use PIP benefits: Notify your own insurance company of the accident. Delaware law requires drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which can help cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault.
- Be careful of what you say: Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company, especially without legal guidance or an attorney present. They may turn your statements into evidence that could hurt your claim.
Taking the correct steps immediately after a Delaware delivery vehicle accident is crucial. What you do in the first hours and days can have a huge impact on your ability to recover compensation.
If you are thinking about taking legal action, do not wait for too long before consulting a lawyer. In Delaware, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. Going past this deadline can lead to you losing your right to seek compensation entirely.
Get Trusted Legal Representation For Your Delivery Accident Claim
When you are facing a large delivery company and its legal team, the power imbalance can be overwhelming. Know that you do not have to face this alone. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys have a strong track record when it comes to advocating for the rights of those injured in these accidents. Call us today at 302-566-1796 for a free consultation. You can also reach out through our online form.