The surge in online shopping has led to more delivery vehicles on Florida roads than ever before. With companies like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon rushing to meet delivery deadlines, accidents involving delivery trucks have become increasingly common. These collisions often result in significant and even life-threatening injuries due to the size and weight disparity between delivery trucks and passenger vehicles.
If you are involved in a delivery truck accident, knowing the proper steps to take immediately afterward can significantly improve your ability to recover compensation. This guide outlines crucial actions to protect your rights and strengthen your potential delivery truck accident lawsuit.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Delivery Truck Collision
The moments following a collision with a delivery vehicle are critical. Here’s what you should do:
- Prioritize your safety – If possible, move to a safe location and check for injuries.
- Call 911 – Florida law requires reporting accidents that result in injuries or property damage.
- Seek medical attention – You might feel fine, but some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately.
- Document everything – Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information – Collect the delivery driver’s name, contact details, license number, and insurance information.
- Identify witnesses – Gather contact information from anyone who saw the accident occur.
- Limit conversations about fault – Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer – Consult with an attorney who has experience handling delivery truck crashes before speaking with insurance companies.
State law requires you to report an accident to the police either at the scene or at the nearest police station within 10 days if police weren’t called to the scene. Additionally, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery drivers often face intense pressure to complete routes quickly, which can lead to dangerous driving behaviors. Some frequent causes of delivery truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue – Exhausted drivers make poor decisions on the road.
- Unrealistic delivery schedules – Time pressure can sometimes lead to speeding and reckless driving.
- Inadequate training – Companies sometimes hire inexperienced drivers without proper training.
- Distracted driving – Checking delivery apps or GPS while driving creates hazards.
- Improper vehicle maintenance – Poorly maintained delivery vehicles can lead to mechanical failures that result in catastrophic accidents.
- Overloaded vehicles – Improperly secured or excessive cargo can affect a vehicle’s handling.
By understanding these common causes, you and your attorney can better identify potential liability factors in your case.
Who Is Liable in a Delivery Truck Accident?
Determining liability in delivery truck accidents can often be more complex than in typical auto accidents. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
- The delivery driver – If the driver violated traffic laws or drove negligently, they may bear direct responsibility for the crash.
- The delivery company – Under the legal principle of “respondeat superior,” employers typically hold responsibility for their employees’ actions while on duty. Companies like FedEx or UPS might be liable for their drivers’ negligence.
- Third-party contractors – Many delivery companies hire independent contractors rather than employees, which can complicate the determination of liability.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers – If a mechanical failure contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might share liability.
- Maintenance providers – Companies responsible for maintaining delivery vehicles could be liable if poor maintenance caused the crash.
- Loading companies – If improper loading contributed to the accident, the party responsible for loading the truck might share fault.
An experienced truck accident lawyer for delivery crashes will investigate all potentially liable parties. While these types of cases can be more challenging to manage, they can often allow injured individuals to maximize their compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Delivery Truck Accident Lawsuit?
If you sustain injuries in a delivery truck accident, you may qualify for various forms of compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against the delivery company or other liable parties. A skilled attorney can help you recover:
- Medical expenses – Costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs
- Lost income – Compensation for wages lost while recovering, as well as diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Property damage – Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and personal property damaged in the crash
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from your injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Recovery for your diminished ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
In cases involving fatalities, family members may pursue a wrongful death delivery truck lawsuit to recover additional damages, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Filing a Claim After a Truck Accident
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for your initial medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP coverage is limited to $10,000 and only covers 80 percent of medical costs and 60 percent of lost wages.
For serious injuries exceeding PIP limits, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault party. This is where employer liability for delivery truck accidents and third-party liability in delivery crashes become crucial considerations.
The compensation for truck accident injuries depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of injuries – More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation.
- Clarity of liability – Strong evidence of the other party’s fault strengthens your claim.
- Insurance coverage for delivery truck accidents – Commercial policies often have higher limits than personal auto insurance.
- Quality of legal representation – A skilled attorney can significantly affect delivery truck accident settlement amounts.
How Jurewitz Law Group Can Help
At Jurewitz Law Group, we have extensive experience handling cases involving delivery vehicles. Our team will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to determine fault in a delivery truck crash
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Calculate the full extent of your current and future losses
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Build a compelling case for maximum compensation
- Take your case to trial if necessary to secure a fair recovery
If you’ve suffered injuries in a collision with a delivery truck, contact our experienced Tampa truck accident attorneys today at (619) 233-5020 or reach out online for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing from your injuries.
