Delivery trucks are a common sight on roads and highways throughout Texas – including in and around El Paso. The reason why is simple: we do more online shopping than ever before, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. These UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and other trucks are necessary to deliver our packages – but having so many commercial vehicles on the road increases the likelihood of being in an accident with a delivery truck.
Because of the size difference between an average passenger vehicle and a large delivery truck, these types of accidents are known for causing serious injuries. If you have been hurt in a crash with a FedEx truck, a UPS truck, or another type of delivery vehicle, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, their employer, and/or their insurance companies. Through this type of claim, you can seek financial compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Based in El Paso, Forbes & Forbes represents injury victims throughout Texas who have been hurt in all types of motor vehicle accidents, including delivery truck collisions. Our El Paso personal injury attorneys are fierce advocates for our clients, working hard to help them get maximum compensation for their injuries. Reach out today to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our legal team.
Why Delivery Truck Accidents Are on the Rise in El Paso
Online shopping is more popular than ever before. Even before the pandemic, millions of Americans preferred to order what they want with a few clicks instead of going to the store. It is little wonder, then, that delivery trucks have become so ubiquitous in our neighborhoods.
The data backs up what we can observe for ourselves. Per the United States Department of Labor, e-commerce is fueling high demand for delivery truck drivers. While many companies – like FedEx, UPS, and DHL – hire full-time employees to make deliveries for them, others like LaserShip utilize independent contractors to deliver goods to customers.
There are a lot of advantages to being able to shop online and get almost anything we want delivered right to our homes and businesses. But there are some disadvantages as well, including the potential for more accidents with an increased number of delivery trucks on the road with us as we drive, walk, bike, and otherwise go about our lives.
In 2021 alone, there were 38,149 accidents in Texas involving commercial motor vehicles. Here in El Paso County, there were 1,103 accidents involving commercial trucks. Of those, 15 crashes were fatal – and 115 caused serious or minor injuries. Statewide, there were 168 fatal accidents, 667 serious injury crashes, and 6,218 minor or possible injury accidents involving large trucks in 2021.
There are a number of reasons why delivery truck accidents seem to be on the rise in Texas. The primary factor behind this increase may simply be that there are more trucks than ever before on the road. But beyond that, many of these trucks are being driven by less experienced delivery drivers who may not even hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). As a result, they may not have the same level of skill as other delivery truck drivers – and they are not subject to the same strict regulations.
In addition, delivery truck drivers typically drive local routes throughout their day. They aren’t heading out on long haul drives – they are driving through local roads into neighborhoods, backing up, parking, and pulling out almost constantly. They often rely on GPS systems to find a delivery address, which can take their attention away from the road. Many delivery truck drivers are under pressure to deliver a certain number of packages a day, which can lead to more accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver error is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. Common causes of delivery truck collisions include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (including texting while driving or using GPS)
- Improper truck maintenance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Careless driving
While these issues can affect any driver, when the accident involves a larger box truck, it can cause catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and even death. That is why it is so important to hire an experienced El Paso delivery truck accident attorney to help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
What Should I Do If I Am in an El Paso Delivery Truck Accident?
After any type of motor vehicle collision, there are certain things that you should – and should not – do. The first and most important thing that you should do after a delivery truck crash is to seek medical care. Not only will this help you get a diagnosis and treatment, but it will also create a link between your injuries and the accident.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, you may not be able to do much. However, if possible, you should take photos and videos of the scene and your injuries. You should also get all relevant information from the delivery truck driver, such as their name, contact information, the name of their employer, and any insurance information.
At this time, you should not give a statement or talk to a representative from the delivery company. Similarly, you should not talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster. Their job is to minimize the amount that they have to pay you – not to make sure that you get top dollar for your injuries.
Instead, you should make an appointment for a free consultation with an El Paso delivery truck accident attorney. At this consultation, your lawyer will listen to your story and offer you advice on your options for pursuing a claim. If you decide to hire the law firm, they will take over communications with the insurance company for you – and get to work building a strong claim for damages.
Studies show that people who are represented by legal counsel recover an average of 40% more than people who represent themselves. Most personal injury law firms handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless they recover money for you through a settlement or a verdict at trial. For delivery truck accident victims, this means that you can afford to hire a lawyer – even if you don’t have the cash on hand to pay an hourly fee.
Throughout the process, your El Paso delivery truck accident lawyer will fight for your right to fair compensation for your losses. If necessary, they will file a lawsuit and take your case to court to ask a jury to return a verdict in your favor.
Hurt in a Delivery Truck Accident? We Can Help.
Any accident can be scary – but when you’re hit by a massive delivery truck, it can be incredibly traumatic. In the aftermath, you may be overwhelmed at the thought of taking on a major delivery company like Amazon, UPS, DHL, or FedEx. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone.
Forbes & Forbes represents accident victims throughout the El Paso region who have been hurt in all types of crashes. With decades of combined experience in Texas personal injury law, we work hard to help our clients obtain maximum compensation for their losses. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with an El Paso delivery truck accident lawyer, give our law office a call at 915-533-5441 or fill out our online contact form.
Question #1:
Who Is Responsible for a Delivery Truck Accident in Texas?
Answer #1:
If you are in an accident with an employee of a delivery company while they are working, then the situation is relatively straightforward: you can file a claim against the company’s commercial insurance policy. However, some companies use independent contractors as delivery drivers. In this situation, you may still be able to file a claim with the company, depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
These cases tend to be more complicated, and require a thorough understanding of insurance issues and Texas personal injury law. Call Forbes & Forbes today to talk to an El Paso delivery truck accident attorney about your case.
Question #2:
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Delivery Truck Accident Claim?
Answer #2:
You are not required to hire a lawyer for any type of accident case. However, in most cases, it is a good idea to have legal representation so that you get the best possible outcome for your case.
The insurance company is not on your side here. In fact, they will typically do everything possible to minimize the amount that they have to pay on your claim. If you want to get top dollar for your case, call Forbes & Forbes today to schedule a free initial consultation with an El Paso delivery truck accident lawyer.