Flower Mound Delivery Van Accident Lawyer
Delivery vans are common in Texas communities like Flower Mound. Each day, thousands of delivery vans ship packages and deliver a wide range of goods to consumers and businesses. From groceries and flowers to furniture and electronics, delivery vans transport almost anything. Thanks to delivery vans, e-commerce sites like Amazon are thriving.
Despite their convenience and benefit to the economy, delivery vans have a downside. As the number of delivery vans rises, so does the number of delivery van accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), large vehicles like delivery vans were responsible for over 4100 fatal accidents in 2018 alone.
Were you hit by a delivery van? If so, you may be eligible for compensation. With a settlement from a delivery van accident lawsuit, you can help get your life back on track. Compensation for damages can help you pay medical bills, repair or replace a damaged vehicle, and cover lost wages.
When you’re in an accident with a delivery van, you have rights. Call (469) 998-4069 today to speak with a Flower Mound, TX accident lawyer. Consultations are 100% free and confidential. If we do take your case, you won’t pay us a dime unless we win.
Factors Involved in Delivery Van Accidents
A delivery van accident can happen on highways, city streets, or rural roads. Unfortunately, many of these accidents cannot be prevented. However, by understanding the factors involved in a delivery van accident, you can take steps to reduce your risk.
As always, follow basic safe driving practices. Wear a seatbelt, obey traffic laws, and always check your blind spots. If your car is equipped with electronic safety features like blind-spot warning systems, make sure this technology is turned on. Avoid reckless driving behavior like speeding and tailgating.
As you drive, stay alert. Keep your eyes on the road and be watchful for delivery vans. When you see a delivery van, give it as much space as you can. Be aware of the following factors that can cause a delivery van accident:
Double Parking
Delivery drivers are often on a tight schedule. When the driver needs to make a delivery on a busy street, they rarely have time to hunt for a parking spot. As a result, many delivery van drivers double park. This means they stop their van in the street next to a car that’s already parked at the curb. Usually, the driver puts on their emergency lights, then sprints out of the van to make the delivery.
Unfortunately, double parking can cause accidents. Although delivery vans are hard to miss due to their large size, a driver may not be paying attention. If they aren’t expecting to encounter a stopped delivery van, they may crash into it. This usually results in a rear-end collision. It can also trigger a pileup.
Odd Hours
Delivery van drivers often work unusual hours. They may begin their shift before dawn and work until after sundown. Often, accidents occur at dawn and dusk because visibility is reduced. It can be harder to see other cars, bicyclists, or pedestrians. Drivers are also more likely to be tired during these hours, which slows reaction time. This can result in an accident.
Driver Fatigue
Did you know that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol? A delivery driver who gets less than 4 hours of sleep is just as impaired as if they had a 0.08% blood alcohol level. Unfortunately, driving a delivery van can be a stressful job with long hours. Some drivers also work overnight shifts.
As a result, delivery van drivers are more likely to become fatigued. They may cause an accident by falling asleep behind the wheel or failing to react in time to a hazard in the road.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving such as speeding, tailgating, or changing lanes without signaling also raises accident risk. Delivery drivers may engage in these behaviors if they’re rushing to meet a deadline or fulfill a quota. This can lead to a serious accident.
Fallen Cargo
If a delivery van doesn’t have its cargo properly secured, the cargo can fall out and cause an accident. Large objects such as mattresses or furniture can cause an accident by crashing onto a car. Smaller objects may not cause damage directly, but they can create an unsafe, slippery road surface. Fallen objects also cause accidents because they force other drivers to brake or swerve to avoid them.
Bad Weather
Bad weather like snowstorms, heavy rain, and fog increase the risk of all car and truck accidents because they impair visibility. Unfortunately, most delivery drivers can’t afford to skip a shift because of bad weather. This can lead to accidents.
Delivery Van Accident Liability
If you get into an accident with a delivery van, you may be wondering about liability. Who is responsible for the accident? Our legal team can help with this. We’ll look at the facts of your case and determine liability based on the accident report and other evidence from the crash site.
When determining liability in a delivery van accident, it’s important to consider the driver’s role within their company. Many services like Amazon and Walmart employ third-parties for local delivery. These drivers are often independent contractors, not official employees. Depending on the employment arrangement, the driver may incur full or partial liability.
If the driver is a full-time employee of the delivery company, they may be covered by their employer’s insurance. This means the employer may share responsibility for the accident. In these scenarios, you may be able to seek damages from the delivery driver’s employer as well as the driver.
What to Do After a Delivery Van Accident
If you’re involved in a delivery van accident, don’t panic. Our legal team can assist you. We will help determine how much compensation you may be owed and fight to help you receive it. Call us today for a 100% free, 100% confidential consultation. Dial (469) 998-4069 or use our online contact form.
