Accidents Involving Delivery Trucks in NYC
According to New York City’s Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), nearly 90% of the city’s goods are moved into and around the city by delivery trucks and other vehicles. There are thousands of delivery trucks, vans, and even commercial cargo bicycles in New York City.
Because of the sheer number of delivery vehicles, there are also many delivery truck crashes. Unfortunately, those accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Why Are Crashes with Delivery Trucks so Dangerous?
Crashes with Amazon trucks, FedEx trucks, restaurant delivery trucks, food delivery vehicles, and others can be dangerous for many factors, including:
- Inexperienced delivery drivers
- Size of delivery vehicles compared to passenger cars
- Massive blind spots on delivery vehicles
- Delivery vehicles speeding
- Distracted delivery drivers
- Fatigued delivery drivers
- Improperly secured loads
- Vehicle maintenance issues
- Sudden and frequent stops by delivery drivers
Who is Liable for Delivery Truck Accidents?
Determining liability in a delivery truck accident can be complex as there may be multiple parties responsible. While the truck driver is often the initial focus, other entities could share liability.
The company employing the delivery driver can also be held responsible under the principle of vicarious liability. This means the employer is liable for the actions of its employee while they are acting within the scope of their employment.
While less common, other parties could share liability depending on the circumstances:
- Truck Maintenance Company: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure due to poor maintenance, the maintenance company could be held responsible.
- Truck Manufacturer: In some cases, a design flaw in the truck could contribute to the accident, making the manufacturer liable.
- Cargo Loader: If improperly secured cargo caused the accident, the company responsible for loading the truck might share liability.
Accidents with Delivery Service Partners
Companies like Amazon will do anything possible to avoid liability. That includes claiming they have no legal responsibility for accidents caused by their delivery drivers. The company can claim it isn’t liable because the drivers are employed by “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs) of Amazon.
However, because Amazon and other companies exert significant control over these “independent contractors,” it’s most likely that these large organizations would be held vicariously liable for the driver’s actions if you take them to court. That’s why it’s important to work closely with an experienced legal team like Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. to hold them accountable.
Injuries Caused by Delivery Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. Here are some common types of delivery truck accident injuries:
- Head Injuries: These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with long-term consequences.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired motor function.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal fractures are common.
- Bone Fractures: Broken bones can occur in any part of the body, but legs, arms, and ribs are frequent.
- Internal Injuries: These can involve damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen.
- Burn Injuries: Fires or explosions involving truck accidents can cause severe burns.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscle strains, sprains, and lacerations are common.
- Psychological Injuries: Trauma from accidents can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Compensation Available in Delivery Truck Accidents
If you are involved in a crash with food supplier trucks, restaurant supplier vehicles, and other delivery trucks, you can get compensation for your damages.
- Economic Damages: These are monetary losses you experience due to medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are not directly linked with expenses and are more difficult to quantify. These losses represent a large portion of recovery. They include pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, disability, and loss of consortium.
What to Do After a Delivery Truck Crash
Accidents involving delivery trucks can be serious. You should protect yourself by taking the following steps after a crash:
- Call 911 and request an ambulance for anyone who has been injured.
- Get medical treatment and follow up with all medical advice.
- Document the scene with pictures and videos.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the delivery driver.
- Get witnesses’ contact information and ask them for brief statements that you can record.
- Notify your insurer of the delivery accident.
- Call a NYC truck accident lawyer who can help maximize your compensation.
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