Delivery Trucks and Auto Accidents
Amazon and e-commerce has changed the way we shop. It’s also increased the volume of packages being sent through the mail. More packages means more delivery vehicles, and more vehicles means a higher risk of truck accidents. If you’ve been struck by a mail delivery vehicle, Longview, TX attorneys Randy Akin and Greg Burton can help.
Let’s take a moment to consider some of the causes of delivery truck crashes and who should be held accountable in the event of a collision.
What Causes Delivery Truck Collisions?
There are a few common cause of delivery truck crashes that are particularly notable:
- Major Blind Spots - Large vehicles tend to have major blind spots around them, particularly to the back and the sides. This makes collisions with other vehicles more likely.
- The Stress of the Job - Given how many packages must be delivered each day and the pressures of getting expedited mail to their destination on time, the pressures of the job could lead to speeding and reckless driving.
- Driver Fatigue - In addition to the time crunch, some delivery drivers may be affected by fatigue. The combination of long hours behind the wheel and dropping off packages can cause drivers to become exhausted, perhaps even sleepy. This is a dangerous combination when driving a large vehicle.
- Problems with the Vehicle - The job doesn’t just take a toll on the drivers. The delivery vehicles themselves should be regularly serviced and maintained to ensure they are safe to be on the road.
Other Factors That Contribute to Delivery Truck Crashes
Some additional causes of delivery truck crashes that our Longview law office would like to highlight include:
- Bad Road Conditions - Debris on the road, malfunctioning traffic signals, and tight turns can make all kinds of collisions more likely. Given how top-heavy mail delivery vehicles are, bad road conditions could increase the risk of rollover accidents.
- Poor Weather - While rain, snow, sleet, and hail won’t stop many mail carriers from making their rounds, the elements and inclement weather can make it dangerous to drive a mail delivery truck.
Numbers on Delivery Truck Fleets and Accidents
On a cursory search, there is no comprehensive list or set of statistics on collisions involving delivery vehicles in the United States. If one every becomes available, we will share it on this blog. That said, there are numbers about two mail carriers that should put the potential for collisions into perspective.
An article published in Automotive Fleet revealed that United Parcel Service (UPS) had 119,000 vehicles in their fleet during 2017. During 2017, UPS as a whole averaged 8.95 vehicle crashes for every 100,000 hours of driving.
Statistics from the United States Postal Service (USPS) showed that there were 232,372 USPS delivery vehicles in their fleet in 2018. These vehicles traveled 231,843 different delivery routes throughout America.
Is the Delivery Truck Driver or Their Company Liable for a Crash?
Determining liability in a collision requires careful consideration of the evidence.
If the driver was reckless or did not observe the rules of the road, it’s likely that the driver is the negligent party in the crash. The delivery company may be held accountable if they forced drivers to work longer hours than necessary, failed to have their vehicles tuned up, or hired a driver with a history of collisions and moving violations.
The team at our Longview law firm will go over your case in great detail and make sure the negligent party is held accountable.
Speak with Our Injury Accident Lawyers
For more information about your legal options following a serious collision with a delivery vehicle, be sure to contact our team of skilled auto accident lawyers. You can reach our law firm by phone by calling (903) 297-8929.