Do Overloaded Delivery Trucks Cause More Accidents?

 Posted on March 18, 2025 in Delivery Driver Accidents

FedEx, Amazon, and UPS delivery trucks are common fixtures on the roads these days. Dallas is home to multiple sorting and distribution centers, with many Dallas homes and businesses receiving deliveries almost daily. Same-day deliveries are becoming increasingly common, adding significantly to daily delivery demands. Whether due to short staffing or an insufficient number of delivery vehicles, these trucks are sometimes overloaded in an attempt to satisfy consumer demand.

Overloaded delivery trucks are dangerous in several ways and may increase the chances of causing a wreck. If you are injured in a wreck caused by an overloaded truck making deliveries for Amazon, UPS, or FedEx, you may be entitled to compensation. These larger services commonly use third-party contractors to fulfill delivery demands, and that distinction can make an accident claim more complex. A skilled Dallas, TX delivery accident lawyer can determine who is liable and fight to help you collect maximum compensation.

How Are Overloaded Delivery Trucks Dangerous?

Delivery trucks have cargo weight limits. Transporting more than the maximum weight can cause damage to these vehicles. Suspension, tie rod, and axle damage can make the trucks unsafe to drive. Too much weight can also cause tire blowouts, which frequently lead to collisions.

Weight distribution is important in these high-profile vans, as too much weight on higher shelves can lead to maneuverability issues. Strong winds may have more impact on a truck’s course when its cargo is too top-heavy.

Overloading could also take the form of too many packages, regardless of their weight. It can be challenging to secure all packages properly when the truck is holding more than it should. With such a large quantity of packages behind them, drivers may look over their shoulders to check on their loads instead of watching the road. Drivers may also take unusual steps to keep the packages from being tossed around, such as braking earlier than normal at a stop light. These unexpected maneuvers can take other drivers by surprise, sometimes contributing to causing collisions.

When drivers are expected to deliver more packages during a day than is reasonable, they can become overly stressed. Speeding, running stop lights, and tailgating are dangerous, but drivers who feel pressured to complete their deliveries can make these and similar driving errors as a result. Consulting GPS or searching for an unfamiliar address can easily distract delivery drivers, and distracted driving is a top cause of wrecks.

Who Is Liable for Accidents Caused by Overloaded Delivery Trucks?

Every accident needs a thorough investigation before fault and liability can be established. The driver, a third-party contractor, or the logistics company could be liable. Vehicle owners or leasing companies could share fault. Warehouse supervisors or loaders may have overloaded the truck on their own authority, bringing vicarious liability into play.

We understand that if you are injured by an overloaded delivery truck, you may not have the resources or legal knowledge necessary to investigate your wreck. You may not know how to calculate your eligible damages, so you might not realize an insurer is making a lowball settlement offer. Your attorney will not only investigate and gather evidence to support your claim, but we will also work to see you get as much compensation as you deserve.

Contact a Skilled Dallas, TX Overloaded Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer

Our dedicated Dallas, TX commercial delivery wreck attorney at Delivery Driver Accident Attorney, Operated by the Law Office of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. will protect your best interests if an overloaded delivery truck injures you. We offer free consultations, so call 469-461-4870 or contact us online today to find out more about how we can help.