What To Do After An Accident With A Delivery Truck

Delivery Truck

Online shopping is fast, convenient, and sometimes cheaper than actually going to the brick-and-mortar shops. The flip side of ever-increasing on-line orders is that there are more delivery trucks on the road. Delivery deadlines, the rush to finish the job, and lengthy working hours on the road frequently result in serious accidents. Collisions involving delivery trucks carrying heavy items can significantly damage passenger vehicles, making the situation even more concerning than previously considered.

According to the latest statistics, truck accidents in 2023 alone accounted for 170,716 crashes, resulting in 86,842 injuries and 5,078 tragic fatalities.

Since a company is responsible for hiring freight trucks, the litigation and claim process is more complicated than a standard car crash. The process involves communicating with the organization that has hired the delivery driver, several insurance providers, and in some cases, contractors as well. Taking the correct steps without delay can help you protect your rights, obtain fair compensation for any injury and/or damage, and make a difficult situation easier to manage.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Delivery Truck Accident

Here’s what to do immediately following an accident involving a delivery truck:

  • Check yourself – Inspect yourself and other passengers for injuries. Try moving your limbs and make note of any serious pain. Attempt to move away from oncoming traffic and call 9-1-1 quickly.
  • Gather data – Exchange information with the truck driver, such as their name, contact information, license number, insurance information, delivery company name, and contact information, as they may share liability.
  • Document everything – Take images and videos of damage inflicted. Document the road conditions and any injuries that are immediately visible. The evidence gathered could potentially make or break a case, so it’s essential to be thorough.
  • Speak with witnesses – If you are able, collect contact information and statements from anybody who witnessed the accident. If you are unable to do this, make sure to obtain a copy of the official police report.
  • Be careful with your statement – Be cautious about what you say when questioned about the accident. In the moment and with the rush of adrenaline, the finer details may not be as you perceive. While it’s natural to be concerned, avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as the admission of fault.

Gathering Essential Information and Evidence

Delivery truck accidents require you to dig deep due to multiple layers of liability. A skilled trucking accident attorney can help you gather and analyze:

  • The truck driver’s driving records, training certifications, and employment history
  • Delivery schedules or logs to check if unrealistic deadlines played a role in the accident
  • Maintenance records of the truck to identify any mechanical issues or negligence
  • Surveillance footage, if available, from nearby traffic cameras or businesses

Seeking Medical Attention and Documenting Injuries

Some physical injuries, such as concussion, whiplash, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms until hours or even days later. Every visit to the hospital, medical treatment and bills, and future course of action to treat lasting emotional and physical symptoms should all be recorded. Have proof of all involved as this is imperative in properly calculating compensation.

The expertise of semi-truck accident lawyers or a delivery truck accident attorney can guide you through the process and ensure that your medical records are used effectively in your claim.

Navigating Insurance Claims and Legal Considerations

Insurance companies commonly protect their own interests, not yours. They can offer a quick settlement that undervalues your claim, ask misleading or intimidating questions to confuse you, admit partial fault, or purposefully misinterpret policy terms to deny your claim.

An important aspect to note is that in Florida if you are found partially at fault, the compensation that you are due can be affected. This also allows insurance parties to attempt to shift the blame of the cause of the accident and avoid paying altogether. Usually, many claims are settled out of court via negotiation, but some may require litigation if the insurer refuses to offer a fair amount, liability is heavily contested, or the delivery company is attempting to avoid responsibility.

Litigation can often seem like a daunting task to undertake. When searching for a “truck accident lawyer near me,” note that Lipinski Law is an experienced Florida litigation group of attorneys. With years of experience in navigating the complex legal system and accident laws, we have successfully assisted our clients in receiving justice, as well as the best possible settlement.

If you or someone you know was involved in a delivery truck accident and needs the best accident lawyer, contact Lipinski Law. Our expert and concerned team of attorneys offer a free, private consultation to review your situation, and will do everything within our power to achieve justice for all victims of truck accidents.

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