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Washington, DC Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer

A delivery truck accident can be severe and there may be multiple parties responsible for the accident. By hiring a Washington, DC delivery truck accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long, you can concentrate on your recovery as we go after those responsible for the accident. With decades of experience in trucking accident cases, we know what is needed to get you compensation for your injuries. Contact Regan Zambri Long today to schedule a free consultation.

 

 

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Why Is a Delivery Truck Accident Different Than a Car Accident?

A delivery truck accident is different than a car accident because of the size and weight of the vehicle and the number of parties who may be held at fault.

 

A typical delivery truck loaded with cargo can weigh between 16,000 and 24,000 pounds, which is approximately 20 times heavier than an average passenger vehicle. Because of the heavy load, traveling at an average speed requires twice as much distance to stop as a car.

 

Unfortunately, delivery truck drivers are usually on a tight delivery schedule. To meet the deadline, they often speed, which increases the risk of a crash since it takes longer for the driver to react in the case of an emergency.

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Many companies contract delivery trucking companies to deliver their goods to consumers. These delivery truck drivers are often inexperienced and do not receive proper training from the trucking company, which can increase the chances of accidents. In a case like this, the trucking company may be held responsible for the accident, as well as the driver and the company that hired the trucking company.

Regan Zambri Long is a nationally recognized firm with leading truck accident lawyers who will fiercely defend your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation and let an expert delivery truck accident lawyer guide you through the claims process.

 

What Causes Delivery Truck Accidents in DC?

Washington DC delivery truck accident lawyer

The most common causes of delivery van accidents in Washington, DC are:

 

  • Distracted driving: Distracted driving can be anything from switching radio stations to checking the GPS for directions. However, the driver’s cell phone is the biggest culprit of distracted driving. If a delivery truck driver looks down, even momentarily, it can cause a catastrophic accident in the DC streets.
  • Driver fatigue: A delivery van driver is expected to drive for long periods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention likens driving drowsy to driving drunk. According to the CDC, being awake for at least 18 hours is the same as having a blood alcohol content of 0.05%. Being awake for at least 24 hours is the same as having a blood alcohol content of 0.10%, which is higher than the legal limit. Driving while fatigued slows reaction times and can cause the driver to fall asleep at the wheel, causing an accident and significant destruction to other drivers on the road.
  • Delivery truck maintenance: Trucking companies are under strict federal guidelines to maintain their vehicles regularly. However, many companies forego scheduled maintenance and send out delivery vans without being thoroughly inspected to cut costs.
  • Improper cargo loading: If the cargo weight is not balanced correctly in the truck, it can make it more difficult to maneuver throughout the narrow DC streets or even cause the delivery van or truck to roll over.
  • Alcohol/Drug impairment: The trucking company must do a full background check on their drivers before sending them out. This includes past traffic violations and past employment records in commercial driving. Driving while intoxicated is incredibly dangerous for all drivers, but when a delivery truck driver, who is operating a vehicle at least twice the size of a regular car, drives while intoxicated, it makes them inherently more dangerous to other drivers on the road.
  • Poor employee training: Commercial truck drivers need a commercial vehicle license. However, not all cargo vans need a special permit to operate. It is up to the company to properly train their drivers before sending them on solo trips to ensure they can handle the size and weight of the truck or van while making deliveries.

Who Is at Fault for the Delivery Van Accident?

Major shipping companies like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon have specific liability considerations due to their extensive delivery networks, corporate policies, and employee training standards. Each carrier has different insurance coverage limits and corporate structures that can significantly impact your case strategy and potential compensation:

 

  • The Delivery Truck Driver: The delivery van or truck driver will be the first person to be held accountable. Many delivery truck accidents are often the result of driver error.
  • The Trucking Company: Whoever hires the driver is responsible for their conduct on the road. Your lawyers will investigate the company to see if proper background checks were done for the driver and dive into past employment and any traffic indiscretions. Remember, the company must also ensure their delivery trucks are well-maintained before sending them on the road. If a faulty part in the truck caused your delivery truck accident, our delivery van accident lawyers will ensure you receive compensation from the company for failing to maintain their delivery trucks.
  • Truck Manufacturer: There are times when a mistake was made in manufacturing the delivery truck that made it faulty. If your accident resulted from a defect in the truck, the manufacturer may be liable for your accident.
  • Cargo Loaders: Delivery trucks, especially when carrying the heavy weight of food, clothing, or other cargo, must be loaded properly. Improperly loaded cargo can cause the trailer of a truck to tip, delay brake times, and wreak havoc on the residents of DC. If your delivery truck accident was caused by improperly loaded cargo, your Regan Zambri Long van delivery accident attorney will pursue damages against them.

What Are Common Delivery Truck Accident Injuries?

Christopher Regan

Common delivery truck accident injuries can range from soft tissue injuries to catastrophic injuries such as brain damage and paralysis. The most common types of delivery truck accident injuries include:

 

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A traumatic brain injury is when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. It can take years for a full recovery if recovery is possible at all. Victims of traumatic brain injuries can suffer a range of symptoms, from headaches all the way to coma.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Motor vehicle accidents account for 38% of spinal cord injuries every year, many of them leading to paralysis.
  • Broken bones/fractures: Severe breaks or fractures may need surgical intervention, forcing the victim to miss several days or weeks of work.
  • Internal organ damage/bleeding: Blunt force trauma can cause several organs and arteries to rupture and lead to liver lacerations and kidney damage.
  • Burns: Victims of delivery van accidents can suffer burns from their airbag deployment and any debris from the delivery van.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder: Not all injuries are visible. Being involved in an accident is scary and traumatic, leaving an emotional toll on the victim for years. Post-traumatic stress disorder victims suffer nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of despair.

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What Damages Can I Recover From a Delivery Truck Accident?

The consequences of being involved in a delivery van accident can send the victim and their family into extreme financial distress. Your DC delivery van accident attorney will work to recover the following damages:

 

  • Medical bills: This includes present and future medical bills. If your injuries are permanent or will leave you needing ongoing medical care, your attorney will consider that and pursue compensation that will cover all future medical expenses, as well as immediate medical expenses.
  • Lost wages: This includes present and future wages. The injuries sustained by a delivery van accident victim can range from mild bruising to a traumatic brain injury. You may miss work in the days following the accident because of medical treatment. However, if your injuries are severe, you may experience ongoing medical struggles, which will cause you to miss even more work.
  • Property damage: Your lawyer will pursue damages to cover the cost of repairing your car or buying a new car.
  • Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional stress you are dealing with because of the truck accident. Compensation for pain and suffering would include emotional distress, chronic pain, loss of consortium, and any limitations on activity.

What is Contributory Negligence? Will It Affect My Claim?

Contributory negligence is a law Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland follow that restricts the injury victim from pursuing compensation if the accident was in any way their fault. Your DC delivery van accident attorneys will use the police report, medical records, and photos and footage from the accident to prove the accident was in no way your fault to secure maximum compensation.

What Should I Do After Getting in an Accident With a Delivery Van?

Below are the steps you should take if you or your loved one is involved in an accident with a delivery van in Washington, DC. These steps will not only ensure your safety but they will also help you in a future claim against the driver and the company:

 

  • Pull over to the side of the road or a safe place in the road if possible.
  • Call 911. If the other driver tries to talk you out of calling the police, do not listen. The responding officers can start a police report of the accident (which will help you in the claims process) and coordinate the necessary medical care for any injuries sustained.
  • If all your medical needs are addressed, start documenting the accident scene. Take pictures and videos of your vehicle and of the delivery van. If any personal items in your car were harmed during the accident, document that as well. Take pictures and videos of any injuries you and your passenger sustain.
  • Speak to all witnesses on the scene. Document what they saw and get their names and contact information.
    Exchange contact and insurance information with the delivery van driver. If the driver refuses to give you the information, don’t worry, you can collect that from the police report later.
  • Contact Regan Zambri Long. The claims process can get complicated very quickly, and a Regan Zambri Long lawyer is your best chance of securing the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Contact a Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Our Washington, DC delivery truck accident lawyers offer free consultations to all prospective clients. They will spend time with you to learn about your case and decide who is liable for your injuries. Your delivery truck accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate and hold the parties accountable for your injuries.

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Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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