Unfortunately, there are over 6 million car accidents each year in the United States. Sometimes, accidents involve a delivery truck driver that works for UPS, FedEx, or Amazon.
In cases like this, it’s always best to get in touch with a delivery truck accident lawyer. Not everybody understands the details of this scenario, though. Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about filing a delivery truck accident claim.
The Initial Steps After a Delivery Truck Accident
The primary step, like with any accident, is to make sure all the people involved are safe and sound. Only after you know everyone is alright do you need to assess the damage done to cars or property.
It’s best for both sides to get in contact with the relevant authorities. This includes the police and ambulance services. It’s crucial to protect your individual rights.
Always take photos of the scene. You should also exchange all relevant contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the crash.
Safety Concerns and Emergency Response Measures
Safety is the primary concern in any kind of accident. This is especially true when one involves a delivery truck.
Both parties should take all necessary steps to assess the damage and provide an effective emergency response. Otherwise, further complications could occur.
Law Enforcement and Accident Documentation
Any accident involving a delivery truck should be reported to the police and all necessary parties.
This way, any third-party involvement (such as insurance companies) can get involved in the investigation process. Additionally, both parties should ensure that they have detailed documentation of the incident.
Photographs and witness testimonies will help support their case. Otherwise, it can be difficult to prove who is at fault in the event of a dispute.
Commercial Trucking Regulations and Compliance with the Law
In some cases, a delivery truck driver may be held liable for the damages caused by an accident. Therefore, it’s important to understand the regulations surrounding commercial vehicle operations.
This will help ensure that they are being followed by all parties involved. For example, truck drivers may be held accountable for not following federal or state laws, such as having the requisite number of hours between shifts.
Determining Fault in Delivery Truck Accidents
Determining fault is one of the most important aspects to consider.
It can often be difficult to determine who is at fault for the damage caused by an accident. However, certain factors may help both parties in terms of assigning responsibility and helping them achieve a successful resolution.
This could include looking at the speed of both vehicles, the weather conditions at the time of the accident, etc.
Insurance and Liability Considerations
When dealing with a delivery truck accident, make sure the driver has adequate insurance coverage. This is crucial for cases where there is significant damage or injury caused by the accident.
Additionally, both parties should consider consulting with a knowledgeable attorney who can provide advice. This will help overcome any potential legal liabilities that may arise from the incident.
Handling Company Reputation and Customer Relations
Consider how the incident will affect the business’s reputation.
It’s essential to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect the company’s interests and customer relationships. This could include providing compensation for damages or offering additional services.
It could also involve offering discounts in order to compensate for the inconvenience caused.
Settlements, Lawsuits, and Alternative Dispute Resolution
It’s not uncommon for delivery truck accidents to lead to settlements and lawsuits. Depending on the severity of the incident, both parties may be able to reach an agreement out of court.
However, if the case goes to trial, then it’s important for both sides to get legal representation in order to ensure that their rights are protected. Additionally, alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration can also be used in order to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Talking to your lawyer can help you determine the best course of action.
Safety Improvements and Protocol Changes
Once an accident has been settled and all necessary parties have been satisfied, it’s important to consider how the incident can be used as an opportunity for safety improvements.
This could include changes in delivery protocols or safety measures. It’s also a good idea to train delivery truck drivers on defensive driving techniques that can help reduce the risk of accidents in the future.
How Do I Find the Best Delivery Truck Accident Attorney?
Always look for someone who is experienced in this field of law. Checking reviews and asking for references from other attorneys can help ensure that you find the right professional. You also want to make sure that your attorney can provide adequate legal advice.
They should be ready to communicate clearly and effectively throughout the process. It’s also worth considering how experienced they are with your company.
For example, a UPS driver will want to get in touch with a UPS truck accident lawyer. A UPS truck accident attorney will have the tools and resources to provide the best possible service. The same can be said about an Amazon truck accident lawyer, FedEx truck accident attorney, etc.
Doing so will allow you to avoid obstacles you may have encountered. Make sure you keep this in mind when moving forward.
The good news is that finding a specialized attorney is relatively straightforward. They will often market themselves as an UPS, FedEx or Amazon truck accident attorney for example.
Working With a Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Is Crucial
Dealing with an accident is never easy. Working with a delivery truck accident attorney can make the process much less stressful. An experienced lawyer will be able to review your case and put your mind at ease.
At Titan Law Firm, our attorneys are well-versed in all personal injury matters including delivery truck accidents due to the negligence of the driver. If you need more information or would like to get in touch with one of our lawyers, please contact us here.