Delivery trucks are an essential part of modern commerce, ensuring packages and goods arrive at your doorstep on time. But with the rise of delivery services like FedEx, Amazon, and DHL, the risk of accidents involving these vehicles has also increased. If you’ve been injured in a delivery truck accident in New Jersey, understanding your legal options is crucial.
Get legal help from the highly trusted Grossman Law. We are a New Jersey personal injury law firm that has won deca-millions for clients in van or truck accident cases. We’ll provide you with a consultation free of charge, and won’t charge lawyer fees until we win for you. Get your free consultation. Call us today at (877) 996-5529.
What Are Delivery Truck Accidents?
Delivery truck accidents are collisions involving vehicles that transport goods for companies like FedEx, Amazon, or other delivery services. Such delivery vehicles range from cargo vans and box trucks, to 18-wheeler semi trucks. These trucks are often larger than passenger vehicles, making them unique in terms of handling and liability issues.
With the increasing demand for fast deliveries, drivers may face tight schedules, leading to unsafe practices like speeding or distracted driving. These accidents can result in significant damage to vehicles and severe personal injuries.
Injuries Resulting from Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death.
These injuries can lead to extensive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering. Fortunately, New Jersey law allows accident victims to claim compensation if someone else’s negligence caused their losses.
What Damages Can You Pursue?
Victims of delivery truck accidents may be able to recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of quality of life.
In cases involving wrongful death, families may also pursue funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Who Is Liable in a Delivery Truck Accident?
Liability in delivery truck accidents can be complex. Potentially liable parties include:
- The driver: If negligence such as speeding or distracted driving caused the accident, the driver may be held directly liable.
- The delivery company: Companies like Amazon or FedEx may be held responsible if they failed to train drivers properly or enforce safe driving practices. Alternatively, the delivery company may be found “vicariously liable” if their employee caused the crash while working.
- Independent contractors: Some delivery drivers work as contractors rather than employees, complicating liability issues.
- Vehicle manufacturers: If a mechanical defect contributed to the collision, the manufacturer of the defective item may also have to pay.
An experienced attorney can investigate your case to identify all liable parties and build a strong legal claim.
Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery truck accidents can occur for several reasons:
- Driver fatigue: Delivery drivers often work long hours under pressure to meet deadlines, which can impair their alertness and reaction time.
- Distracted driving: Using GPS devices or mobile phones while driving is common among delivery drivers and can lead to collisions.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Delivery companies may neglect regular maintenance, causing vehicle issues like brake failures or tire blowouts.
- Inclement weather: Rain, snow, or fog can make it harder for drivers to control their vehicles.
- Speeding: Tight schedules may encourage drivers to exceed speed limits, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
- Ignoring traffic signals: Rushing drivers might run red lights or stop signs, leading to serious accidents.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Unsecured or unbalanced loads can shift during transit, making the truck difficult to control.
- Overloaded cargo: Exceeding legal weight limits puts extra strain on brakes and tires, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Negligent hiring or retention of drivers: Employers who fail to screen drivers properly or retain those with poor driving records contribute to road hazards.
- Inadequate driver training: Insufficient training on vehicle operation and safety procedures can lead to preventable crashes.
- Driving under the influence: The use of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, posing a severe risk to road safety.
Truck accident investigation is highly challenging due to the unique factors involved, but understanding the cause of the accident is critical in determining liability and pursuing compensation. At Grossman Law, we know how to effectively investigate a truck crash, including what evidence to look for and how to obtain it. We have been in this practice for over 27 years, and we’re eager to put our experience to work for you.
Types of Evidence in a Delivery Truck Accident Claim
If legal action is necessary against a delivery truck driver, the delivery company, or other responsible parties, various forms of evidence can be used to strengthen your claim. Your attorney will thoroughly examine the details of your case and identify the necessary evidence to support your claims for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Potential evidence may include:
- Accident reports: Official police or incident reports documenting the crash
- Photographs: Images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries
- Video surveillance footage: Security or dashcam recordings capturing the collision
- Witness testimonies: Statements from individuals who saw the accident happen
- Medical records: Documentation of injuries sustained due to the crash
- Medical bills: Proof of treatment costs and ongoing healthcare expenses
- Driving records: The driver’s history, including past traffic violations or accidents
- Employment records: Information about the driver’s training, qualifications, and work history
- Tax records: Financial documents supporting lost wage claims
- Cell phone records: Evidence of phone use at the time of the crash, which may indicate distracted driving
- Vehicle repair histories: Maintenance records showing whether the truck was properly serviced.
Additional evidence may also be presented, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
Steps to Take After a Delivery Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a delivery truck:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Document the scene by taking photos and collecting witness information.
- Report the accident to local authorities.
- Contact an experienced delivery truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Taking these steps will strengthen your case and improve your chances of securing compensation.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Collision
Insurance companies often prioritize their profits over fair settlements for victims. They may use tactics to minimize your claim or deny their liability altogether.
To help protect your rights, consult a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Avoid making statements to insurers or signing documents without your attorney’s guidance.
If an insurance adjuster calls you and asks to record the conversation, politely decline and refer them to your attorney. It’s best to have an attorney handle communications with insurers to ensure you’re not taken advantage of during this critical time.
How a New Jersey Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
An experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance after an accident:
- Investigating the accident: Gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If negotiations fail, your lawyer can pursue legal action on your behalf.
With nearly three decades of experience in New Jersey law, we at the Grossman Law firm know how to strategically pursue compensation while protecting your rights throughout the process.
Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Case?
Grossman Law has nearly 30 years of experience representing victims of vehicle accidents across New Jersey. We understand the unique challenges posed by delivery truck accidents and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
Here’s why clients trust us:
- Personalized attention: You’ll work directly with our legal team.
- Proven results: We’ve recovered deca-millions in settlements for our clients.
- Contingency fee basis: You don’t pay unless we win your case.
If You’ve Been Injured in a Delivery Truck Accident in New Jersey Schedule a Free Consultation Today
A delivery truck accident can leave you facing medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term challenges. You don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. Our experienced New Jersey delivery truck accident lawyers are here to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Grossman Law, we offer personalized legal representation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.Call us today at (877) 996-5529 for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.