Recent Blog Posts
FedEx Delayed and Missing Packages: Are Wreck Risks Higher?
You may have seen stories recently in the news about FedEx’s missing packages or delayed deliveries. Multiple complaints have been made, and FedEx recently issued an apology. In a statement, the logistics company said it is working on additional delivery resources. While that may help solve the issues of delayed packages, it could very well create another problem.
If FedEx uses third-party contractors to satisfy daily delivery schedules, the drivers may lack training. If these drivers cause an accident that injures you, assigning fault and liability can become complicated. Working with an experienced Dallas, TX attorney who focuses on last-mile delivery accident claims can give you the best chance to collect the compensation you deserve.
Seasonal Drivers at Peak Shopping Times Raise Accident Risks
Various sources predict another record year for online shopping this holiday season, with a projected increase of approximately 8 percent over 2023. A recent survey reports that 76 percent of consumers in the U.S. plan to use online shopping for at least half of their holiday purchases in 2024. Although these numbers may mean not as many shoppers will be on the roads, the number of last-mile delivery vehicles should increase dramatically.
How does holiday shopping affect delivery driver accidents? Who is liable for paying your damages? Whether you are injured in an accident involving an Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or other delivery vehicle, Delivery Driver Accident Attorney, Operated by the Law Office of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call to schedule your free consultation with our skilled Dallas, TX lawyer.
An Amazon Truck Caused a Multi-Vehicle Crash: Can I Sue?
In 2023, Amazon Logistics processed 186 orders in the U.S. every second, accounting for 27.3 percent of all package shipments nationwide. The retail giant owns more than 30,000 branded delivery vans, 40,000 tractor-trailers, and 110 aircraft. Still, Amazon’s daily volume is so high that it often utilizes contractors to meet expected delivery deadlines.
Determining liability when an Amazon last-mile delivery vehicle causes a crash is challenging, especially if multiple vehicles are involved. However, you must overcome these challenges if you hope to obtain compensation for your injuries and other related losses. When you choose Delivery Driver Accident Attorney, Operated by the Law Office of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., our experienced lawyer will investigate your crash, establish liability, and help you collect the highest possible amount of compensation.
Who Is At Fault in Multiple-Vehicle Collisions?
Pileups involving several cars do not happen all at once. Instead, a series of individual collisions occur as a chain reaction. While the vehicle causing the first crash is sometimes liable for all subsequent collisions, it is not always the case. An investigation of the pileup needs to determine the order in which each impact occurred, who was responsible for each, and whether drivers could have avoided becoming involved.
Is UPS Liable for My Injuries If a Delivery Truck Hit Me?
In August, a UPS driver reported being ill due to the extreme heat in his delivery truck. His heat-related illness caused him to pass out while driving on the Sam Rayburn Tollway in TX, crashing his truck into some trees. The driver was briefly hospitalized, and the crash did not involve other vehicles.
However, this accident could have been much worse. The delivery truck could have hit nearby cars, injuring occupants. If a UPS delivery truck hits you, is the company liable? Will your claim be complicated? A knowledgeable lawyer from Delivery Driver Accident Attorney, Operated by the Law Office of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. can investigate your accident, establish liability, and help you get maximum compensation for your damages. Call us now for your free consultation.
Why Do UPS Accidents Happen?
Like any other kind of motor vehicle collision, UPS accidents can happen for various reasons, including distracted driving, tailgating, running red lights, and failing to yield the right of way. However, the nature of delivery jobs can put tremendous pressure on drivers:
What Does Vicarious Liability Mean for Your Accident Claim?
If you are injured in an accident caused by a UPS, Amazon, or FedEx vehicle or driver, you are likely entitled to compensation. Is the corporation responsible for paying you, or is it the delivery person? What are the legal grounds for filing a delivery vehicle accident claim?
Vicarious liability is an important legal concept when commercial vehicles or employees cause accidents or intentional harm. An experienced Dallas, TX commercial vehicle accident lawyer from Delivery Driver Accident Attorney, Operated by the Law Office of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. can help you understand this concept and if it applies to your case.
What Is Vicarious Liability?
This legal term attaches responsibility to an employer for the actions of their employees. Contractors and other third parties are not necessarily included in this liability, although our firm can often overcome this challenge.
How Inadequate Training Can Cause Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery trucks have become an increasingly common sight on America’s roads. They deliver goods to residences, stores, schools, and businesses, keeping the economy running. However, despite the incredible convenience that delivery services have brought to our lives, the trucks involved present a risk for accidents that have the potential for serious damage and injury. One factor that has led to many delivery vehicle accidents is inadequate training of truck drivers, which is the responsibility of trucking companies and drivers’ employers. If you were injured in an accident with a delivery truck, speak with a skilled Dallas, TX commercial accident attorney who can protect your rights and hold accountable those who were truly responsible.
Impact of Inadequate Training
Drivers of delivery trucks operate large vehicles. This work requires specific understanding and skills. If a driver is not given sufficient training, he can lack important knowledge about proper truck handling, safety protocols, proper vehicle use and maintenance, and defensive driving techniques. This deficient knowledge can lead to many types of collisions, including those caused by:
Delivery Truck Accidents Caused by Poor Maintenance
Delivery vehicles have become an incredibly important part of American society. The fact that people can access food, clothing, electronics, and more without even needing to leave home is possible thanks to the increasing number of delivery services available. However, with the convenience also comes risk. Delivery vehicles must get regularly serviced and checked to ensure proper maintenance. Many people drive their cars to work, and their car spends most of the workday in the parking lot. Delivery vehicles naturally operate many more hours than a typical worker’s car. Because of the added wear and tear, it is crucial that the vehicles are examined periodically to make sure all the parts are in proper working order. Otherwise, there is a high risk of some malfunction that could lead to an accident causing a great deal of damage. If you are injured in an accident with a delivery truck, speak with a Dallas, TX personal injury lawyer who can review your case and advise you on how to pursue maximum compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents and Delivery Vehicles
Pedestrians are at increased risk of being hit by delivery drivers. This is because, unlike many other commercial vehicles, delivery drivers spend most of their workday in residential neighborhoods, where people are more likely to be walking around. Sadly, children are particularly likely to be hit by delivery drivers. This is mainly because children tend to play outside in the street, riding their bicycles or running around playing ball. If you or your child has been injured by a delivery driver, you need to contact an experienced Dallas, TX commercial vehicle accident attorney immediately.
Why Delivery Drivers Are Prone to Causing Pedestrian Accidents
Some of the reasons why pedestrians are at risk of being hit by delivery drivers include:
- Drivers are using their phones — Delivery drivers rely on navigation systems on their cell phones to find the house or apartment building where they are supposed to deliver a package. When a delivery driver approaches the home he is making a delivery to, he is likely checking his phone to confirm that he has the right address. Pedestrians or children playing outside who happen to be near the delivery address may be hit while the driver is distracted.
Non-Employees and Delivery Accidents
Many internet-based companies, like Amazon, are increasingly hiring independent contractors to make deliveries. These drivers are not professional drivers or CDL holders in company vehicles. They are everyday people using their own vehicles to deliver a few packages to earn some supplemental income.
With no professional training and minimal guidance, these drivers set out to do the best they can, dropping off packages in their spare time, usually after finishing their normal workdays. While this can seem like a convenient arrangement for the drivers to make extra money, it can cause problems because the company the independent contractor makes deliveries for may not be liable for the driver’s actions.
A Dallas, TX delivery vehicle accident attorney can help you determine how to recover compensation after being hit by an independent contractor making deliveries.
Surprising Factors Causing More Delivery Accidents in Texas
Delivery-related accidents are on the rise. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are all more likely to experience a crash involving a delivery driver today than they were even five years ago. Part of this is due to the drastic increase in online shopping. During the pandemic, many stores selling non-essentials closed down or drastically limited their store hours. This forced many patrons to start buying most of their clothing, household items, beauty products, and electronics from online retailers like Amazon or Shein. With so many people doing nearly all their shopping online, this creates a much higher demand for delivery companies like UPS and FedEx. These companies often rely on contractors, rather than regular employees. If you were injured in an accident involving a delivery driver, a Dallas, TX delivery accidents attorney can help.