Brandon Delivery Truck Accident Attorneys
Delivery trucks are an ever more common sight, especially in these pandemic days when we all like to avoid going out. Online shopping continues to grow rapidly , meaning that we will continue to see more and more Amazon, FedEx, and UPS trucks in our neighborhoods. But having more of these trucks around means it’s more likely that they will be involved in accidents. So, what does it mean when a commercial delivery truck is involved in an accident?
Common Crash Causes
Delivery truck accidents happen for the same reasons that any motor vehicle accidents happen. Nonetheless, they also happen for reasons unique to the nature and operation of a delivery truck. Some of these are:
- Frequent and Sudden Stops – often, a driver will suddenly stop, either looking for or having found an address. This stop may cause a rear-end collision.
- Illegal Parking – delivery drivers often park illegally, expecting to be away from the vehicle for just seconds making their delivery. This parking can cause other drivers to maneuver around them, going into the path of oncoming traffic.
- Backing Up – even though these trucks now use an audible backup signal, their blind spot still makes it easy to hit a pedestrian while backing up.
- Not Using the Parking Brake – as with illegal parking, this tendency relies on the idea that the driver will return immediately, leaving the vehicle prone to rolling away.
Next Steps in a Delivery Truck Accident
If you’ve been in an accident with a delivery truck in Florida, you’re facing a complex settlement or litigation situation. With this type of accident, the potential defendants can include the driver, the driver’s employer (which can be a large corporation like Amazon, UPS, or FedEx), the company that made the truck, and the company that maintains it.
Even though Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state , the involvement of these multiple parties significantly increases the complexity of your case. You will want to be careful about what you do and say after the accident. You should also think about retaining a lawyer sooner rather than later.
You should also take these steps immediately after the accident.
- File an accident report with the police. This step is mandatory if the accident:
- Resulted in injuries or death
- Caused more than $500 in damages
- Caused traffic blockages
- Involved alcohol or drugs
- Collect your evidence and information. Take photos of the scene, of any property damage, or your injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with any other drivers. Obtain contact information from any potential witnesses.
- Get prompt medical treatment and follow the doctor’s instructions.
- Contact an attorney at your earliest convenience. An attorney can help you figure out who might be liable and advise you. An initial consultation and case evaluation are usually at no cost, and most accident attorneys will not charge a fee unless they bring your case to a successful conclusion for you.
- Don’t talk to anyone – other than your attorney – about your case. Don’t make recorded statements with an insurance company, don’t apologize, and stay off of social media about your accident.
Contact a Brandon Delivery Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been in an accident involving a commercial delivery vehicle like UPS, Amazon, or FedEx, you should consider consulting with an attorney experienced in dealing with truck accidents from Carman, Bevington & Finegan PA. These accidents require experience and knowledge in dealing with the complex liability potential in commercial truck cases, as well as the sheer physics involved in being hit by a truck that greatly outweighs your vehicle. Contact us for a free consultation today.