Delivery Van Accidents
Considering the increase in shopping online for everything from clothing and pet supplies to groceries, it is no surprise that delivery van accidents are more common than ever before. Delivery vans and trucks may be loaded with dozens of packages, appliances, furniture, and other items that increase their weight. An accident involving one of these vehicles can result in injuries that are more serious or even life-threatening. Those who have suffered injuries in an accident with a delivery van may want to consider visiting with The Mark Casto Law Firm at 706-450-7071.
Types of Delivery Vans
There are countless types of delivery vans motorists see on Georgia roadways every day. Some of these include:
- Amazon vans
- FedEx trucks
- United Parcel Service (UPS) trucks
- Furniture delivery vans
- Pizza vans
- Repair vans
- Armored trucks
- Florist delivery vans
- Box trucks
- Home service vans (plumbing, electrical, etc.)
- Grubhub vans
Drivers of delivery vans are typically in a rush due to tight schedules. They may speed or drive erratically in order to get to their next destination. The business a delivery van driver works for may put pressure on the driver to make deliveries as quickly as possible.
Common Causes of Delivery Van Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) there have been 2,840 UPS crashes since November of 2019. There were 1,013 injuries reported in these accidents and 64 deaths. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
Speeding
Speeding is the most common factor in all vehicle accidents, including those involving delivery vans. Considering the weight of some of these vehicles when loaded, the risk of serious or fatal injuries increases.
Impaired Driving
Whether under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs, alcohol, or other substances, the risk of an accident increases when a delivery van driver is impaired.
Distracted Driving
There are so many distractions that may take a person’s attention away from the road. Eating, texting, talking on the phone, checking the GPS for a delivery destination, and other activities can distract a delivery van driver.
Driver Fatigue
Many delivery van drivers work for 12 hours or more in a shift. This is especially true around the holidays, and drivers often fail to get the sleep and rest necessary to perform their jobs. Fatigue may lead to nodding off or falling asleep behind the wheel.
Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance
Delivery vehicles must be properly maintained for several reasons, one of which is to avoid brake failure, tire blowouts, and mechanical or electrical problems that may cause or contribute to an accident. The company a driver is employed by is generally responsible for proper maintenance.
Inexperience or Inadequate Training
Companies often hire drivers who are inexperienced and unfamiliar with operating a delivery vehicle. In a rush to get new employees on the road, some businesses may not train new drivers properly so that they have the necessary skills to operate a delivery van safely.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics there were nearly 1.5 million people employed in the delivery/sales driver sector in 2020, which is projected to increase 12 percent by 2030. Those who are victims of a delivery van accident may want to consider reaching out to The Mark Casto Law Firm.
Steps to Take Following a Delivery Van Accident
Those who are involved in delivery van accidents should take certain steps to ensure fault is established and your rights protected should it become necessary to file a claim for injuries or property damage. These steps include:
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention right away if injured
- Call the police immediately and request a copy of the accident report
- Collect the names and contact information from all parties involved, including the delivery van driver and any witnesses to the accident
- When possible, take pictures of your vehicle, the delivery vehicle, and details surrounding the scene of the accident
- Contact the insurance provider and make them aware the accident involved a delivery van driver
- Do not discuss the accident with the delivery driver, the company they deliver for, or the company’s insurance provider
- If a settlement offer is made by the company or its insurer, review it thoroughly before accepting it as a settlement could forfeit your right to any future compensation
- Schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney right away
It is vital to take pictures and document the details of an accident involving a delivery van, as in many cases the memory of what happened becomes less clear. Be sure to keep medical records documenting your injuries, police reports, and other essential information.
Types of Injuries Associated with Delivery Van Accidents
Severe injuries can result in any accident. Delivery vans and trucks tend to be heavier than the average car, and when loaded can make them more difficult to bring to a stop. Whether the accident is a head-on collision, t-bone or front-end accident, or rear-end collision, injuries can be severe or even fatal in some cases. Delivery van accidents may result in injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Whiplash
- Lacerations and cuts
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Amputation injuries
- Paralysis
- Disfigurement
- Emotional injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Those who are injured in an accident in which a delivery van driver or the company they work for was negligent may be entitled to compensation of costs related to their injuries. These costs may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future income, and other costs depending on the circumstances. For example, a person may be permanently disabled and unable to work due to the injuries they suffered in an accident.
Consider Visiting with The Mark Casto Law Firm
Delivery van accidents happen every day across the country, and some of them result in injuries to other motorists who were not at fault in the accident. The costs associated with these types of accidents can be enormous. Whether through a settlement or personal injury claim, it is often possible to collect damages to cover these costs. Those with questions or who need legal guidance may want to consider scheduling a consultation with The Mark Casto Law Firm at 706-450-7071.