The rise in popularity of online shopping has led to a substantial increase in the number of delivery vehicles on Michigan roadways. More delivery trucks and cars on the road means more people are involved in delivery vehicle accidents. Whether you were hurt in an accident involving an Amazon delivery truck, an unlabeled Sprinter van, or a UPS or FedEx truck, an accident with a delivery vehicle can be a traumatic and life-changing experience.

Seeking compensation after a car accident can be challenging. But claims involving delivery vehicles can be particularly complex. In these situations, understanding the insurance coverage available and how to make a claim is critical to obtaining the compensation you deserve.

The personal injury accident attorneys at Muth Law, P.C., have decades of experience representing people in Ann Arbor and throughout Michigan who were injured in motor vehicle accidents. We have the skill, resources, and expertise to obtain the results you need and a record of success to prove it.

If you were injured in a delivery vehicle accident in Michigan, contact Muth Law today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.

Common Injuries After a Delivery Truck Accident

Most delivery service vehicles weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles. The larger mass means people involved in delivery vehicle accidents are likely to suffer severe personal injuries.

Common injuries in accidents with delivery vehicles include:

• Head, neck, and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Nerve damage
• Damage to the spinal cord
• Paralysis
• Death

Causes of Delivery Vehicle Accidents

In the past, commercial delivery drivers were required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and were held to the same standards that apply to commercial truck drivers. But increased demand for delivery services has led many companies to skirt these requirements by placing delivery drivers in vehicles that do not need to be licensed for commercial use.

In addition, increased reliance on home delivery services means delivery vehicle drivers are under pressure to work longer hours and meet strict delivery deadlines. Unfortunately, these conditions have pushed some delivery vehicle drivers to engage in dangerous behaviors. But it is not always just the driver who is at fault.

Common causes of delivery vehicle accidents may include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Poor or nonexistent training
• Operating a delivery vehicle in areas the driver is not familiar with
• Tailgating
• Delivery vehicle overloading
• Improper vehicle maintenance

Who Is Liable for Injuries Suffered in a Delivery Service Vehicle Accident

Employers are generally responsible for the actions of their employees under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. When a delivery vehicle driver causes an accident, their employer can often be held liable for the employee’s actions.

Proving liability in a delivery vehicle accident can be challenging and may depend on factors such as whether the driver was operating within the course and scope of their employment at the time of the accident and whether the driver was truly an employee or was acting as an independent contractor.

To prove your claim and obtain the compensation you deserve, you will need to present evidence showing the delivery vehicle driver was negligent. Our experienced car accident injury lawyers can investigate the cause of the accident, gather the evidence necessary to prove the other driver was at fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve. When the accident involves a commercial vehicle like a delivery truck, we will investigate whether the delivery vehicle driver’s employer shares some of the responsibility for causing the crash.

What To Do After a Delivery Vehicle Accident

After an accident with a delivery vehicle, protecting your health and well-being should be your first concern. You can also take steps to preserve your right to seek compensation from the at-fault parties. The actions you take in the minutes, hours, and days after an accident with a delivery vehicle can significantly affect the outcome of your personal injury claim.

After a car accident, you should:

• Check yourself and your passengers for life-threatening injuries.
• If anyone suffered serious injuries, contact 9-1-1.
• Call the police and make a report.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
• Document the scene by taking photographs of your car and the delivery vehicle as well as the surrounding areas.
• Seek medical attention for your injuries, even if you think they were minor.
• Contact the personal injury lawyers at Muth Law.

Contact the Delivery Vehicle Accident Lawyers at Muth Law Today

The personal injury lawyers at Muth Law know that a car accident can be a traumatic event. We also understand the complexities of obtaining compensation when your injuries were caused in an accident with a delivery vehicle. We have represented people who were hurt in car accidents for over 40 years, and we will work to obtain the compensation you and your family deserve.

To put our expertise to work for you, call 734-481-8800 or contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.