Whether delivery driver accidents in Naperville involve Amazon, UPS, or FedEx, determining liability for injuries and other losses can be tricky. Unlike typical car accidents with clear fault, delivery driver accidents often involve multiple parties who could be liable, including the driver, the delivery company, third-party contractors, and vehicle owners.
For help determining liability in your delivery driver accident claim, contact Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy at 312-775-0042. Our experienced attorneys will take on big delivery companies, counter their defense strategies, and help you recover full and fair compensation.
The Growing Problem of Delivery Vehicle Accidents
The statistics are concerning: delivery driver accidents have steadily increased across the United States, with Naperville experiencing its share of these dangerous incidents. In 2021, approximately one in five Amazon delivery drivers suffered injuries while picking up, transporting, or dropping off packages. Several factors contribute to this alarming trend.
- Driver fatigue and exhaustion from demanding delivery schedules is a common issue. The growing allure of online shopping puts more of these vehicles on the roads, and more pressure on the limited number of drivers available to handle deliveries.
- Tight deadlines may pressure delivery drivers to drive recklessly. They’re more likely to speed, fail to yield, and in some cases, drive under the influence of drugs to keep going.
- Distracted driving while navigating GPS systems and delivery apps is also common among Amazon, UPS, and FedEx drivers, since they are often searching for unfamiliar roads or addresses.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Delivery Driver Accidents?
Determining liability in Amazon, UPS, and FedEx accidents directs your path to compensation. Understanding liability is crucial because it affects:
- Your compensation amount
- Which insurance companies are involved
- The legal strategy needed for your case
- The timeline for resolving your claim
The circumstances of your specific accident will determine who bears responsibility, whether it’s the individual driver, the delivery company, a third-party contractor, or multiple parties.
- The Individual Driver: If the driver’s actions directly led to the accident, you can hold them liable for damages incurred in your accident.
- The Delivery Company: When drivers are operating within their employment scope, delivery companies like Amazon, UPS, or FedEx can be held liable for accidents caused by their negligent hiring practices, inadequate training programs, unrealistic delivery deadlines, or failure to properly maintain their vehicle fleet.
Third Parties Who May Be Liable in Delivery Driver Accidents
Not every delivery driver accident is caused solely by the driver or the company. In some cases, third parties may share responsibility:
- Government or Road Maintenance Entities: If a poorly maintained roadway or hazard contributed to the crash, the agency or contractor responsible for upkeep may be liable.
- Vehicle Maintenance Companies: When a delivery company outsources vehicle maintenance, and a failure to properly service the truck leads to an accident, the maintenance provider can be held accountable.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: A defective part or design flaw that causes a crash may make the manufacturer responsible for resulting injuries.
- Multiple Liable Parties: Sometimes, liability is shared among several parties — such as the driver, the delivery company, and a third party — making these cases especially complex.
Determining liability can be difficult in Amazon, FedEx, and UPS accidents, but an experienced car accident attorney can help you hold the correct party, or parties, liable for your injuries. Even if your case seems straightforward, there may be specific nuances that affect liability in your claim. This is why consulting an attorney is so important.
What Damages Can I Claim After an Accident With Amazon, UPS, or FedEx?
There are generally two types of damages you can recover in a motor vehicle accident involving a delivery truck: economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages, though rare, may also be awarded if the negligent party was particularly reckless.
Economic Damages
Economic damages, or special damages, are the tangible losses incurred in your accident. This can include property damage, medical bills, and lost wages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-Economic damages, or general damages, are the intangible losses suffered due to your accident. This includes emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to victims of motor vehicle accidents if the liable party’s actions were found to be particularly egregious. These damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and prevent similar actions in the future.
Should You Accept the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?
Typically, accepting the insurance company’s offer without consulting an attorney is not a good idea. Insurance companies are looking out for their own bottom dollar, not your best interests. They will employ devious tactics to avoid paying you what your case is worth.
Your attorney will calculate all your losses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, to estimate how much your case is worth. Then they will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to maximize your recovery and protect your right to fair compensation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you in court, presenting your case to the jury on your behalf.
How Much Does It Cost to Go Up Against Amazon, UPS, or FedEx After an Accident?
Most motor vehicle accident attorneys offer free consultations during which you can learn more about their fee structure. At Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy, we accept delivery driver accident cases on a contingency basis. When you hire our attorneys, you won’t need to pay any up front legal fees. In fact, you won’t pay for legal representation until your case is won. This makes justice more obtainable to injured victims regardless of their financial condition.
Need help determining liability in your Naperville delivery driver accident? Contact Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy today. Our experienced personal injury attorneys aren’t afraid to go up against major delivery companies. We know how to counter their aggressive defense strategies to secure maximum compensation for our clients.
