Delivery trucks crisscross the roads of Prince George’s County daily, fulfilling tight schedules and transporting goods. Unfortunately, the pressure on drivers to meet deadlines often leads to rushed decisions, distracted driving, or reckless maneuvers, resulting in serious crashes. Victims of these accidents frequently face significant injuries, medical expenses, and disrupted lives. A Prince George’s County delivery truck accident lawyer can help determine liability and secure the compensation you need to recover.
At Foran & Foran, P.A., we focus on the details of delivery truck crashes, whether caused by driver error, unsafe loading, or poorly maintained vehicles. Our legal team will help you understand your options and fight for justice. Contact us today to begin the process of reclaiming your life after a delivery truck accident.
What Is a Delivery Truck?Delivery trucks come in many forms and sizes, which are crucial in transporting goods to businesses and homes. These vehicles fall into the medium- and heavy-duty categories defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as trucks weighing over 10,000 lbs. Examples of delivery trucks include box trucks, step vans, parcel delivery vehicles like those used by UPS and FedEx, and refrigerated trucks transporting perishable items. Additionally, many drivers now use personal vehicles to fulfill deliveries for companies such as Amazon, DoorDash, or Instacart. The variety of delivery vehicles on the road increases the potential for accidents, each presenting unique challenges and risks for drivers and other road users.
Understanding the differences among delivery trucks helps identify the factors that contribute to crashes and determine liability. Whether the accident involves a corporate-owned vehicle or a personal car used for deliveries, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Are Delivery Truck Accidents Common?Delivery truck accidents are a growing concern, particularly as demand for e-commerce and delivery services increases. NHTSA data shows 5,936 fatalities in crashes involving medium- and heavy-duty trucks in 2022, a slight increase from 2021. While fatalities overall declined in early 2024, crashes involving delivery trucks remain a serious issue due to the unique pressures drivers face. Tight schedules, long shifts, and frequent stops increase the risk of collisions, particularly in urban areas like Prince George’s County, where roads are often congested.
Most delivery truck accidents involve errors such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield. Additionally, poorly maintained vehicles and unsafe loading practices often contribute to these crashes. Victims in delivery truck accidents may include drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or other motorists. If you’ve been injured in such a crash, contacting a Prince George’s County delivery truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and seek compensation.
Common Issues in Delivery Truck AccidentsDelivery truck accidents often involve unique challenges that require careful investigation. A significant issue arises when drivers use personal vehicles for deliveries. Many companies rely on independent contractors who use their own cars to fulfill orders. The company may argue that the driver was not an employee, shifting responsibility away from themselves. However, if the company failed to conduct proper background checks or enforce safety standards, they could still share liability for the crash.
Additionally, delivery truck accidents frequently involve improperly secured cargo. Unbalanced or shifting loads can make vehicles unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers or rear-end collisions. Poor vehicle maintenance also poses significant risks. For example, brakes or tires on delivery trucks are often under extreme stress due to frequent stops, and failure to maintain them can lead to catastrophic crashes. Understanding these issues helps victims build strong cases against negligent parties.
What to Do After a Delivery Truck AccidentTaking immediate steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case if you're involved in a delivery truck accident. First, seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not appear until hours or days later. Document the scene by taking photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses, as their accounts can support your claim. Report the crash to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report.
Contacting a Prince George’s County delivery truck accident lawyer is critical after a crash. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine who is responsible. Legal representation helps ensure that insurance companies or delivery corporations do not undervalue your claim or deny you the compensation you need.
Were You Hurt in a Delivery Truck Accident?Delivery trucks play a vital role in transporting goods, but their drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to serious accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a delivery truck collision, the Prince George’s County truck accident attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. can help. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to identify all liable parties, whether it’s the driver, the delivery company, or both. With our contingency fee structure and free consultations, you can seek justice without financial risk. Call 301-441-2022 or contact us through our secure online form to discuss your case.