Delivery Truck Accidents
Whether they occur on highways or on city streets, serious truck accidents can lead to catastrophic and fatal injuries. Sugar Land, TX attorneys Travis B. Terry and Jackson R. Reed have helped numerous clients with these kinds of collision lawsuits.
Most people think of big rigs when they think of truck accidents, yet there are other more common large vehicles that can cause serious crashes. We’re speaking of delivery trucks. With the rise of Amazon and e-commerce, these vehicles are even busier today than they were a decade ago. More vehicles means more accidents, which is where we can help.
Are There Statistics on Delivery Truck Crashes?
There are no comprehensive statistics on delivery truck collisions at the moment. However, there are a few important figures to consider that will put the potential dangers of these vehicles into perspective.
Numbers from the United States Postal Service (USPS) reveal that there were 232,372 USPS delivery vehicles in their fleet in 2018. While miles traveled information was not available, the USPS did note that these delivery vehicles traveled 231,843 different routes throughout America.
In an article published in the trade magazine Automotive Fleet, United Parcel Service (UPS) was said to have 119,000 vehicles in their fleet in 2017. During 2017, UPS averaged 8.95 vehicle collisions for every 100,000 hours of driving.
Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Some of the most common causes of delivery truck collisions that our Sugar Land attorneys have noted include:
- Vehicle Blind Spots - Delivery trucks have major blind spots that make them particularly dangerous to other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. These blind spots are typically located to the sides and behind the delivery vehicle.
- Driver Fatigue - Delivery truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, which can leave them feeling exhausted. Driver fatigue means slower reflexes and diminished decision-making abilities, which increases the risk of crashes.
- Issues with the Vehicle - Every delivery vehicle in a company’s fleet must be serviced regularly to ensure safety. Any issues with brakes, steering systems, and tires needs to be inspected or the vehicle may not be safe for the road.
- The Stress of Delivery Jobs - Making deliveries on time can be stressful, especially if unrealistic demands are placed on drivers. This stress to complete a day’s worth of deliveries could translate into poor decisions on the road that put people at risk.
Other Factors That Contribute to Truck Crashes
In addition to the above, there are two important factors that can make crashes even more likely:
- Bad Weather - Rain, snow, sleet, and hail may not stop deliveries from happening, but they can make a delivery driver’s route far more hazardous. The same is true of strong winds and fog.
- Poor Road Conditions - Potholes, broken traffic signals, and other issues with road conditions and road maintenance can make driving conditions even more hazardous than usual for delivery drivers.
Holding Negligent Parties Liable for Collisions
If a delivery truck driver was irresponsible behind the wheel, they should be held liable for injuries you sustained and any damage to your vehicle and other property. Similarly, if a trucking company’s negligence in hiring, fleet maintenance, or business practices resulted in an accident, they should be held liable for the crash.
The attorneys at our Sugar Land law firm will consider all of the evidence and build a strong case. This will help with negotiating insurance settlements and, if needed, in presenting your case in court.
Learn More About Truck Accident Cases
For more information about your legal options following a delivery truck crash, be sure to contact a skilled auto accident lawyer. The team at Reed & Terry, LLP can be reached by phone at (281) 201-0988.