Seasonal Drivers at Peak Shopping Times Raise Accident Risks

 Posted on November 15, 2024 in Delivery Driver Accidents

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.

Are Delivery Jobs Stressful?

Last-mile delivery drivers have various expectations to meet on a daily basis, which can increase stress and fatigue while decreasing driving abilities. They must:

• Deliver the correct packages to the right locations without damaging them

• Scan tracking information at each stop

• Find unfamiliar addresses, sometimes at night

• Meet delivery schedules that are sometimes unrealistic

All of these tasks must be completed in addition to the normal driving requirements, such as following traffic laws. As daily delivery volumes are typically higher during the holiday shopping season, inadequately trained drivers may be thrown into a whirlwind they cannot keep up with.

How Do Logistics Companies Meet Holiday Delivery Demands?

Although UPS, FedEx, and Amazon own fleets of delivery vehicles and employ drivers, holiday peak times usually mean their in-house resources cannot meet daily delivery demands. Still, customers expect their packages to arrive intact and on time. These and other last-mile delivery companies often contract with third parties to accommodate higher package volumes. Although this practice can be effective, it can also pose additional risks.

Employers, whether the big three or third parties, often supplement their delivery vehicle fleets with leased vehicles. They may also use temporary workers to drive them and make deliveries. Combined, these practices have several potential risks:

• Leased vehicles may not be adequately maintained

• Temporary workers may not be thoroughly trained

• Companies may not vet new applicants as strictly as they usually would

Poorly trained drivers may be unable to meet the rigorous demands of their positions, causing them to make dangerous mistakes. Other drivers may have questionable backgrounds or records of moving violations. When these drivers cause collisions, determining liability can be challenging.

Who Is Liable for Injuries Caused by Logistics Companies?

The distinctions between company-owned, third-party, and leased vehicles combine with driver statuses of employee versus contractor to create a tangled web of liability issues. The at-fault party might be a driver, employer, vehicle owner, mechanic, or parts manufacturer. In Texas, you can collect compensation from the appropriate parties as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault for your wreck.

If you handle your claim alone, you may not be able to investigate effectively to hold the right party accountable for your injuries and other damages. When you partner with Delivery Driver Accident Attorney, Operated by the Law Office of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., you can leave that to us.

Call Our Skilled Dallas, TX Delivery Driver Accident Lawyer

Claims involving commercial vehicles, including last-mile delivery trucks, can be challenging. Delivery Driver Accident Attorney, Operated by the Law Office of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. has the experience and legal knowledge to help you overcome these challenges and hold the at-fault party accountable. Call us at 469-461-4870 to schedule your free consultation with our dedicated Dallas, TX delivery driver accident attorney.