I Got Hit by a Delivery Truck: Who Is Liable and Can I Sue?
If you were in a crash with a large truck, the damage to your vehicle and the injuries sustained could be substantial. Severe damage and trauma from a crash don’t always involve an 18-wheeler. Sometimes these collisions happen because of a delivery vehicle.
For those who were hit by an Amazon, USPS, UPS, DHL, or FedEx truck, you can count on Reed & Terry, L.L.P. for help. Let’s look at these crashes in the greater Houston area and what your legal options are.
Dangers from So Many Delivery Vehicles
We’ve posted about why Houston has so many crashes and accidents before, but it’s worth restating that more vehicles on the road mean a greater chance of collisions. Amazon, the US Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx made deliveries almost every day of the week throughout the year. During the holidays, the risks of a crash are even higher.
Potential Causes of Collisions
The causes of delivery truck accidents are similar to the causes of car crashes in and around Houston. These include:
- Reckless Driving - Speeding, a failure to signal, weaving in and out of lanes, and an unwillingness to yield the right of way can all lead to crashes.
- Failure to Check Blind Spots - Delivery vehicles have large blind spots given their size. Delivery truck drivers must exercise caution when changing lanes or making turns.
- Driver Fatigue - Long hours and rushed delivery deadlines can lead to exhaustion. Driver fatigue increases the chances of mistakes behind the wheel.
- Vehicle Defects - Defective tires, malfunctioning brakes, and flawed steering systems are just a few vehicle design or maintenance issues that could result in a collision.
- Poor Road Conditions - Potholes, debris in the road, broken traffic signals, and other road issues could make for dangerous driving conditions.
- Bad Weather - If there’s rain, snow, ice, or fog on the road, that impacts traction and visibility. This just increases the chances of an auto accident.
Who Is Liable for the Crash?
The liable party for a crash is the party who is responsible for the collision occurring. This could mean an inattentive delivery driver, a drunk driver, an automaker who made faulty tires, or a local municipality that did not maintain their roadways.
Can I File a Lawsuit Against the Liable Party?
Whatever the case may be, you can hold the liable party accountable for their actions by filing a lawsuit against them.
Can Injured Delivery Drivers File a Lawsuit?
Potentially, yes. If you are a delivery truck driver and another driver or motorist was predominantly responsible for the crash, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
This can vary based on your company policy and the parcel service you work for. However, it’s worth discussing potential legal action with an attorney if the crash and your injuries were severe.
How Our Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Reed & Terry offers several advantages over other law firms serving the Houston area. Two of the most important allow clients to save money on their legal representation needs.
- Speak with a Lawyer Free of Charge - Your first consultation is free. There is no obligation and no gimmicks. Share your story with our legal team and learn what steps you can take next.
- You Don’t Pay Us Unless We Win - At Reed & Terry, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay a retainer. In fact, you don’t pay us any attorney fees unless we can settle your case or win in court – if we can’t succeed, you don’t pay us at all.
Request a Free Legal Consultation
To request a free consultation, contact our law firm serving the Houston area. We have law offices in Sugar Land, Richmond, Katy, and Victoria.