California Delivery Truck Accident Lawyers
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Experienced California Delivery Truck Accident Lawyers Helping Clients Understand Their Rights
The surge in online shopping has led to an increase in delivery trucks on California’s roadways. Unfortunately, the sheer volume of these large vehicles on the road translates to a higher chance of collisions. If you were injured in one, you may benefit from discussing your situation with our California delivery truck accident lawyers. Our team can review the facts, explain your options, and provide guidance on the legal process. To learn more, you can reach Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
FedEx, UPS, USPS, Amazon delivery, and other shipping companies deliver thousands of packages throughout the state every day. Despite professional training and driving classes, delivery drivers make mistakes. They have to operate the truck, look for the right drop-off point, and adhere to strict deadlines. They are under a lot of pressure to keep up with the high demand for deliveries. These elements add up to a higher risk of delivery truck accidents.
Our delivery truck accident lawyers in California can review the circumstances of the crash, identify potentially responsible parties, and assist with the claims process. These cases may involve large corporations and their insurance carriers, which often present legal challenges. Our team can help address these challenges and pursue accountability under the law.
How Our Delivery Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Getting into an accident with a delivery truck can turn your world upside down. Medical bills pile up fast, and injuries can make returning to work a challenge. These situations are stressful enough, but dealing with the legal aspects of your accident can feel like another hurdle entirely.
Our delivery truck accident lawyers in California can handle all the legal legwork while you focus on getting better. Here’s how we can help:
- Our legal team, consisting of truck and car accident lawyers, can gather evidence, including police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident scene photos.
- Our attorneys may obtain records related to the truck driver and trucking company, including training records, work schedules, truck maintenance logs, and cell phone usage, to assess liability.
- We can recommend a medical professional to evaluate and document the extent of your injuries.
- Our team can communicate and negotiate with insurance companies to seek compensation, depending on the facts and evidence of your case.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys can represent you in court proceedings.
Common Types Of Delivery Truck Accidents
Our delivery truck accident lawyers handle various types of traffic accidents in California, including:
- Rear-End Collisions — Trucks require more stopping distance than cars due to their immense weight. A truck following too closely can easily cause a rear-end accident, potentially injuring occupants of either vehicle.
- Underride Accidents — This scenario occurs when a small vehicle collides with the back or side of a trailer, ending up wedged underneath. These incidents often result from rear-end or T-bone collisions.
- Sideswipe Crashes — These happen when a truck and another vehicle brush at the sides while traveling in the same direction. Sideswipe accidents are particularly dangerous when there’s a huge discrepancy between the sizes of the two vehicles involved, like a truck and a regular passenger car or even a motorcycle.
- Rollover Accidents — A truck’s high center of gravity makes it more susceptible to rollovers. Sharp turns, uneven pavement, or driver error can all trigger a rollover, spilling cargo and endangering the surrounding vehicles.
- Wide-Turn Accidents — Trucks need more space to make turns, especially when they have a trailer. When the drivers misjudge their maneuvers, their vehicles could strike objects or vehicles, such as traffic lights, signs, or even other cars.
- Blind Spot Accidents — Trucks have large blind spots or “no-zones,” where other vehicles are invisible to the truck driver. When drivers don’t properly check for other motorists or use turn signals, accidents can occur.
Whether you were driving a delivery truck or another vehicle, our California delivery truck accident lawyers can review the details of the crash, evaluate available evidence, and identify potentially responsible parties.
$3,120,000.00
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Causes Of Delivery Truck Accidents
There are many reasons why delivery truck accidents happen. Here are some of the most common causes:
Driver Fatigue
Delivery truck drivers face demanding schedules that often require them to be on the road for extended periods of time. This can lead to fatigue, which significantly hinders their ability to stay focused. Fatigue impairs drivers’ ability to process visual cues, react swiftly to changing situations, and make sound judgments.
An alert driver can typically react to a hazard in about a second. When a driver is tired, that reaction time can decrease significantly, leaving little room for error, especially at highway speeds.
Distracted Driving
Delivery drivers often juggle various tasks that can take their attention away from the road, such as:
- Calling or texting on the phone.
- Using the GPS.
- Interacting with dispatchers.
- Eating or drinking while driving.
Distracted driving can slow down a driver’s reaction time in critical situations. Distractions can also cloud judgment and lead to poor driving decisions, like following too closely or making unsafe lane changes.
In distracted driving cases, our California delivery truck accident lawyers may review evidence to help establish whether the driver acted negligently. They can gather proof such as the truck’s dashcam footage, CCTV records, the driver’s phone logs, and eyewitness statements.
Speeding
Delivery drivers need to adhere to strict deadlines. This pressure is potentially dangerous, as they may try to deliver their goods according to unrealistic schedules and make up for the lost time by speeding through traffic. Speeding is also often associated with other reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and running red lights or stop signs.
Trucks are necessary for economic growth. However, their size and constant presence (especially speeding trucks) on the roads of California can also pose a safety risk to road users and pedestrians. If you were injured in an accident, our California delivery truck accident attorneys can examine the facts to assess liability.
Improper Loading Or Unsecured Cargo
If the cargo’s weight is not evenly distributed, it can cause the truck to become unbalanced and tip over. This imbalance can make the vehicle difficult to control, especially when making turns and sudden stops. Additionally, improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, leading to sudden changes in weight distribution and potentially losing control of the vehicle.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Delivery trucks require more frequent maintenance than regular vehicles. All the weight they carry and the distance they travel every day can lead to accelerated wear and tear. Improper maintenance can lead to faulty brakes, defective tires, or neglected mechanical problems, which could cause accidents.
Drivers should do pre-trip inspections and report issues to the maintenance team to allow for timely repairs and prevent small issues from snowballing into bigger problems. Delivery companies also have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure their fleet is in safe working order. They must implement manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules, invest in qualified mechanics, and provide training to drivers on pre-trip inspections.
When they fail to fulfill their legal obligations, they display negligence. Our delivery truck accident lawyers can review the facts and evidence to assess which parties may be legally responsible.
Lack Of Training
Without proper training, delivery drivers might not be prepared enough to handle the challenges of operating a large vehicle. At a minimum, drivers must be familiar with the specific features and requirements of the delivery truck, as well as the risks and hazards associated with driving it. They must know how to safely maneuver it under various road conditions, weather events, and emergency situations. Without these skills and knowledge, they are at a higher risk of causing traffic accidents.
A lack of training can be a major factor in delivery truck accidents. Identifying whether it contributed to the crash is important in determining negligence and fault. Our California delivery truck accident attorneys can review the circumstances and evidence to assess what led to the crash.
Typical Injuries After Delivery Truck Accidents
The following are some of the common injuries in a delivery truck accident:
- Broken Bones — Fractures are one of the most common injuries in truck accidents. Any fracture in the body, including the skull, legs, arms, and ribs, is painful and can lead to potential challenges for the victim. Depending on the severity of the break, healing times can vary greatly, affecting your ability to work and live independently.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — The force of a collision can cause TBIs, ranging from mild concussions to life-threatening hematomas (bleeding within the skull). Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and confusion can arise immediately or even days after the accident.
- Facial Trauma — Facial injuries, dental injuries, and disfiguration can occur due to direct impact or shattered glass. Victims may require reconstructive surgery and therapy to move on from their injuries.
- Neck & Back Injuries — The sudden impact of a crash can whip your neck and back violently, leading to strains, sprains, or even herniated discs. The pain and stiffness associated with neck and back injuries can significantly limit mobility for daily activities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis, affecting the victim’s mobility and quality of life. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
- Chest Injuries — The impact of a crash can cause injuries to the chest wall and ribs or even puncture the lungs. These injuries are potentially life-threatening for the victim and require chest tubes or other interventions to save their life.
- Internal Injuries — The symptoms of internal injuries often take time to manifest, but they are detrimental. Damage to internal organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys can lead to serious internal bleeding and require immediate medical attention before it’s too late.
- Soft Tissue Injuries — Sprains, strains, and contusions (or bruises) may not seem life-threatening, but they can cause significant pain and discomfort. They can also impact mobility and flexibility for weeks or even months.
- Burns — Delivery trucks carry significant amounts of fuel. If a collision causes a hole in the tank, leaking fuel can ignite from sparks or the hot engine, causing a fire or explosion that engulfs the truck and the surrounding vehicles.
- Amputations — Delivery trucks exert a crushing force that can cause severe limb injuries, sometimes leading to amputation. These life-altering injuries require extensive rehabilitation and prosthetics.
Our California lawyers for delivery truck accident cases can recommend healthcare providers and suggest specialists who may evaluate your injuries. Our team can also review potential avenues to help you access appropriate medical care during your recovery.
Who Is Liable For Delivery Truck Crashes?
Delivery truck accidents may seem inevitable with the volume of these vehicles on the road, but in reality, nearly all collisions with delivery trucks are preventable. They often result from negligence by the driver, the delivery company, or a third party.
With hundreds of thousands of trucks operating seven days a week, many parties could cause or contribute to road accidents daily. Here are some of the potentially liable parties:
- The Delivery Truck Driver — If the driver is an independent contractor and not an employee of the company, you may be able to bring a claim against the individual driver. In such cases, the driver’s insurance coverage may apply.
- The Delivery Company — There is a liability statute that makes a company responsible for the actions of its employees. If an employed driver commits a negligent or wrongful act within the scope of employment, injured parties can bring claims against the delivery company itself. State laws determine the “scope of employment” in an accident.
- A Third Party — In some scenarios, a third party, such as another driver, roadway maintenance crew, or vehicle manufacturer, may be responsible for a delivery truck crash.
Our California delivery truck accident lawyers can review the circumstances of the crash, explain how liability may apply under the law, and guide you through the claims process.
Establishing Negligence In A Delivery Truck Accident
Negligence is the failure to take the precautions a reasonable person would in a given situation, resulting in harm to others. To prove negligence in your personal injury case, our California delivery vehicle accident lawyers can demonstrate these elements:
- Duty of Care — The delivery company and drivers have a legal obligation to act with caution and prevent any safety incidents that might injure others.
- Breach — The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care.
- Cause — The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the accident.
- Damages — You suffered verifiable losses as a direct result of the accident.
To pursue a delivery truck accident claim, it is necessary to show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the accident and resulting harm.
This process, while straightforward in theory, requires a deep understanding of the law, strong investigative skills, and a strategic approach. Our delivery truck accident lawyers in California can review the evidence to identify potential negligence and assess liability under the law.
About FedEx/UPS Claims
If you are involved in an accident with a FedEx or UPS truck, you may need to deal with these companies’ insurers. FedEx carries business automobile liability insurance with a $5 million combined single limit, and UPS has auto liability insurance with a $1 million limit.
You might receive a phone call from a large insurance company as soon as the day of the accident. An insurance claims adjuster will ask you for details about what happened and may even try to get you to give a recorded statement. As attorneys, we recommend that truck accident victims avoid giving statements to insurers until they have consulted a delivery truck accident lawyer.
Types Of Damages You Can Recover From A Delivery Truck Accident
- Medical expenses, including ambulance rides, emergency room visits, medications, ongoing physical therapy, and the costs of long-term care.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
- Property damage, including repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings.
- Out-of-pocket expenses for any additional costs you incur, such as transportation to medical appointments, childcare while you recover, or modifications to your home to accommodate your injuries.
- Pain and suffering, which cover the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Disfigurement and permanent scarring.
Types Of Truck Accident Cases Our Lawyers Handle
Delivery truck accidents can affect drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These incidents vary depending on the type of truck involved, the driver’s role, and the company overseeing operations. Here are some of the different types of cases we handle:
Amazon Truck Accidents
Amazon has expanded its delivery operations through programs like Amazon Flex, where independent contractors use their own vehicles for package deliveries. While this system increases efficiency, it also introduces complexities in determining liability after accidents.
If an Amazon Flex driver is at fault, their personal auto insurance generally applies first. California requires minimum coverage of:
- $30,000 for injury or death of one person.
- $60,000 for injury or death of two or more people.
- $15,000 for property damage.
Amazon also provides commercial auto insurance that can apply under certain conditions, such as when the accident occurs during active deliveries. This coverage may include liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and contingent collision coverage.
Cargo Truck Accidents
Cargo trucks, vehicles specifically designed for transporting goods, materials, and other cargo, play a crucial role in logistics. Some companies use them for their own business operations, including deliveries and hauls. Others have a fleet and offer their services to anyone in need of freight transportation.
Typically, the term “cargo truck” is associated with vehicles that have fixed beds instead of detachable trailers. These are often shorter vehicles, ranging from 20 to 30 feet. Some examples are commercial vehicles for shipping, moving vans, box vans, and freight trucks. However, it’s important to note that “cargo truck” is not a technical term in the industry and can be used to refer to any large commercial truck, including 18-wheelers.
In instances where a cargo truck driver’s negligence leads to a collision, these commercial vehicle accidents can result in injuries or property damage. Delivery truck accident lawyers may assess whether the driver, their employer, or both could be legally responsible for damages.
A cargo truck driver goes over the speed limit and crashes in an effort to meet their employer’s strict delivery deadline. The company could be held liable because the driver was acting within the scope of their employment, and the negligent act was committed in an attempt to fulfill job duties.
Still, that doesn’t mean that the driver is absolved of negligence. They might still be partially liable for compensating the victim.
DHL Truck Accidents
DHL operates an extensive delivery network throughout California, using a variety of vehicles to transport packages and freight. Accidents involving DHL trucks can occur for many reasons, including driver error, traffic conditions, or mechanical issues.
In these cases, liability may involve the driver, the company, or other parties connected to the incident. Delivery truck accident lawyers can review the circumstances and available evidence to help identify who may be responsible and how a personal injury claim could address any resulting damages.
FedEx Truck Accidents
FedEx operates a large fleet of delivery vehicles across California and the United States. Accidents involving FedEx trucks can occur due to driver error, traffic conditions, or operational factors. Liability in these cases may involve the driver, the company, or other parties depending on the circumstances. Our delivery truck accident lawyers can review the details of the accident and help identify potential avenues for a personal injury claim.
Food Truck Accidents
Food trucks, known for their exceptional snacks and minimal wait times, are a popular fixture in local California communities. However, these mobile eateries are typically larger and heavier than most vehicles. In a traffic collision, they can cause quite a lot of damage.
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident involving a food truck, multiple parties may have contributed to the damages. Identifying all potentially responsible parties is important when pursuing compensation for your losses. Delivery truck accident lawyers with experience in traffic collision cases in California can review the circumstances and assess which parties may be potentially liable.
UPS Truck Accidents
The United Parcel Service (UPS) is a globally recognized shipping and logistics company. The company operates around the clock to ensure the timely shipment and delivery of packages. Given the extensive time UPS truck drivers spend on the road compared to regular drivers, they are inherently at a higher risk of being involved in accidents. In fact, according to the FMCSA, UPS had been involved in 2,392 collisions from August 31, 2023, to August 31, 2025. Of these, 72 cases were fatal, 825 caused injuries, and 1,495 required a tow truck.
California has one of the highest numbers of UPS Stores in the country. For instance, San Diego is home to many of these locations, which means delivery trucks are frequently on the roads. With that increased traffic, the risk of accidents may also rise. When incidents occur, our San Diego delivery truck accident attorneys are here to advocate for victims and help them navigate the legal process.
USPS Truck Accidents
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the federal government. As established by the Constitution, its mission is to provide mail service to every address in the country.
Unlike private delivery companies like FedEx or UPS, USPS is a government agency under a different legal umbrella. This can make pursuing liability claims after an accident more complicated. Special rules and procedures may apply. Sovereign immunity, the legal protection that shields the government from certain lawsuits, might also be a factor.
If you’re injured in a USPS delivery truck accident, consulting with California attorneys experienced in personal injury and government liability cases is ideal. They can review the circumstances of your case and advise on potential options for pursuing a claim.
Insurance Coverage For Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery companies are required to carry substantial insurance, including liability coverage for injuries and property damage caused by their drivers. Federal regulations state that commercial trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds must carry liability insurance with the following minimum limits:
- $750,000 liability insurance if transporting general freight.
- $1,000,000 liability insurance if transporting oil.
- $5,000,000 liability insurance if transporting hazardous materials.
Smaller vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds and transporting general freight must also carry liability insurance with a minimum limit of $300,000.
Working with California delivery truck accident lawyers can be useful when navigating insurance claims. They can review potential sources of compensation and analyze insurance policies, including coverage limits and exclusions, to help you understand what may be available in your case.
Truck Crashes In California
In 2023, California recorded the second-highest number of truck accident fatalities (392) among all states in the U.S.
Where do most truck accidents occur? There is a common misconception that most truck accidents happen on highways. According to data from the National Safety Council, 55.67% of all fatal truck accidents occurred on rural roads, while 24.92% happened on highways and interstates.
Nevertheless, California highways are still high-risk locations for truck accidents. Heavily congested highways naturally increase the likelihood of accidents. Frequent lane changes, merging vehicles, and impatient drivers contribute to a volatile environment where a minor error can escalate into a major collision.
If you are involved in a truck accident, consulting with experienced lawyers in California can help you understand your legal options and assess potential claims for injuries or damages.
What To Do After A Delivery Truck Accident
If you find yourself in an accident with a delivery truck, stay calm. Your next steps can make a huge difference in any claim or lawsuit you decide to file later on. Here are the recommended steps you can take to protect your rights:
- Prioritize Safety — Check for injuries. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 immediately. If you’re able, turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle to a safe location off the road.
- Gather Information and Evidence — Get the delivery truck driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, including any skid marks or debris on the road. If there are witnesses, politely request their names and phone numbers. Your delivery truck accident attorney might have to contact them later to ask if they can testify in court.
- Report the Accident to the Police — A police report is an official document that can be vital for insurance claims. The State of California also requires drivers to complete and send an SR-1 form to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if the accident caused injuries (no matter how minor), fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
- Don’t Discuss Fault — Stick to the facts, and avoid discussing who caused the accident with the truck driver or anyone else at the scene. Be cautious if insurers contact you shortly after the accident, as their questions may influence your statements.
- Seek Medical Care — Even if the injuries seem minor, getting medical attention is crucial. Sometimes, injuries can worsen over time. Moreover, a doctor’s evaluation creates a record that can be helpful later.
- Contact Your Insurance Company — Contact your insurance company to report the accident. They will walk you through the claims process. Should the truck driver or the delivery company’s insurer contact you, avoid providing recorded statements. You might unintentionally disclose information that might be misunderstood, jeopardizing your claim.
- Consult an Accident Lawyer — A delivery truck accident lawyer in California can evaluate your case and determine your legal options. They can also review your rights, assist with communications with insurance companies, and explain the types of compensation that may be available based on the facts of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Statute Of Limitations On A Truck Accident In California?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the delivery truck accident to file a personal injury case against the responsible party. This deadline is also known as the statute of limitations. You must submit a claim within this time frame to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Two years may seem like a long time, but it can fly by, especially when you’re focusing on healing. Furthermore, memories fade, witnesses might relocate, and crucial details can disappear with time. The sooner you start building your case, the stronger it will be.
Delivery truck accident lawyers in California can help you understand important deadlines and requirements for filing a claim. Our personal injury attorneys can review the necessary paperwork and help you meet deadlines and complete submissions correctly.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
The amount of a truck accident settlement can vary widely depending on the specific facts of the case, including the severity of injuries, property damage, lost wages, and other factors. Because every accident is different, there is no standard or guaranteed settlement amount.
Many people ask, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” While it is possible to pursue a claim on your own, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options, assess potential damages, and navigate communications with insurance companies. A delivery truck accident attorney can review the circumstances of your case and explain how different factors may affect the compensation that may be available.
When Is It Recommended To Consult A Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer?
Here are some situations where consulting with delivery truck accident lawyers in California is a smart move:
- Visible Injuries — Even minor injuries can worsen over time. Consulting with a lawyer can help you understand your options for seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and related costs.
- Unclear Fault — Determining fault in an accident isn’t always straightforward. Did the driver of the delivery truck make a reckless turn, or did another motorist cut you off? A lawyer can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Dealing with Multiple Parties — Accidents often involve more than one insurance provider, each with different policies and adjusters. A California delivery truck accident lawyer can assist in reviewing communications and claims from multiple parties, helping you understand your rights and options.
Consult With Delivery Truck Accident Lawyers In California
Our California delivery truck accident lawyers work with clients to assess potential claims and explain the types of compensation that may be available. While the aftermath of such accidents can be challenging, understanding your rights and options can be an important step in managing the recovery process.
We offer legal services throughout California, including Los Angeles, Fresno, Visalia, Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Long Beach, Anaheim, Fremont, Santa Clarita, and Bakersfield. You can contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our contact form for more information about your potential legal options.
