The popularity of online shopping has led to an increase in delivery trucks on Arizona’s roadways. Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other companies deliver thousands of packages throughout the state every day. Unfortunately, as the number of delivery trucks on the road increases, so does the frequency of delivery truck accidents.
If you were injured in a delivery truck accident, you may be unsure how to recover compensation for your losses. The experienced legal team at Phillips Law Group has successfully handled many delivery truck accident cases. Our personal injury lawyers can answer any questions you have, explain your legal rights, and help you determine whether you have a valid claim for compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a risk-free, no-obligation legal consultation to discuss your claim. Our law firm works on a contingency basis – in other words, we charge no fees unless you are compensated.
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Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
These days, many consumers prefer the convenience of online shopping over going into a physical store. The surge in online shopping has led to an increase in the number of delivery trucks on the road. As a result, accidents involving delivery trucks have inevitably become more common – some, in part, due to the following reasons:
Lack of training and supervision
Delivery trucks are much larger than a standard passenger vehicle and must be driven by someone with special training and experience. A delivery company may be short-staffed, especially around the holiday season, and quickly hire a person without verifying his or her driving record or completing a thorough background check. They might even have employees making deliveries on their own before they are fully certified and trained.
The delivery company has a responsibility to supervise its employees. This involves ensuring they follow state and federal guidelines, take adequate breaks, and keep a maintenance log. Delivery companies should monitor their employees for signs of drowsiness, impaired driving, and other issues that could affect their ability to drive safely.
Distracted driving
Delivery trucks are more difficult to handle due to their size and weight, and drivers need to pay extra attention to the road while behind the wheel. A delivery driver could easily get distracted in an unfamiliar area while trying to follow the GPS to see where to deliver.
Other forms of distracted driving could include:
- Eating and drinking
- Sending text messages
- Adjusting the stereo
- Talking on the phone
Reversing and parking
Even with years of experience and training, a driver may still make a mistake that causes an accident. Delivery trucks, like other large vehicles, have large blind spots. When backing out of a driveway, if they do not properly check their mirrors, truck drivers may hit cars or pedestrians behind them.
Another error some drivers make is forgetting to engage the parking brake before exiting the delivery truck. The vehicle then rolls backward, colliding with people and property in its path. These types of accidents are entirely preventable and can have catastrophic consequences.
Mechanical failure and improperly secured loads
Cargo that is not properly loaded or secured in a delivery truck could shift during transport and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. In addition, improperly loaded goods could fall out and hit other vehicles, motorcyclists, or pedestrians.
Unfortunately, in an effort to save time and money, some trucking companies do not perform regular inspections and maintenance on their vehicles. This can result in a tire blowout, issues with the brakes or steering, or other mechanical issues.
Sudden stops and turns
Drivers have demanding jobs and may be expected to make their deliveries on a strict timeline. Since every second counts, a driver may make sudden stops and turns while on their route. For example, delivery truck drivers often stop suddenly and without warning to look for an address – or drivers may make a sudden turn if they realize they are passing their delivery point.
This abrupt change in speed or direction could be hazardous to motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, or other bystanders nearby.
If you or someone you love have been involved in a delivery truck accident, call the attorneys at Phillips Law Group today to discuss your case.
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