Long Beach Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer

Whether it’s groceries, electronics, or toys, chances are, you’ve had a package delivered to you this year. Accidents involving delivery trucks in Long Beach aren’t uncommon, particularly as we continue the societal shift towards more online shopping. 

However, determining liability after an accident with a delivery vehicle can be challenging. Recovering fair compensation may require speaking to an attorney with experience handling Long Beach truck accident claims who can address all of the options available to you.

Who is Liable in an Accident With a Delivery Truck?

Determining liability in a delivery truck accident isn’t the same as with a typical car accident because multiple parties may be responsible. Potentially liable parties may include:

• The delivery truck driver. If the driver was negligent—by speeding, driving while distracted, or violating traffic laws—they may be held responsible for the accident.
• The delivery company. In many cases, the company employing the delivery driver can be held liable for the driver’s actions under the idea of vicarious liability, a legal term most aren’t necessarily familiar with. This means the company may be responsible for the collision if the vehicle operator was acting within the scope of their employment.
• Third-party maintenance providers. If a mechanical failure or maintenance issue caused the accident, any third-party company responsible for maintaining the truck could also hold some liability if they failed to properly service the vehicle.
• Other drivers. Sometimes, another driver’s negligence may have contributed to the accident. For example, if another driver caused the delivery truck to swerve or lose control, they could share liability for the accident.

Proving Fault in a Collision With a Delivery Truck

To recover the money you are entitled to after a delivery truck accident, you will need to prove that the responsible party was negligent to have a successful personal injury claim in Long Beach. This means demonstrating that the driver, delivery company, or another party failed to exercise reasonable care and that their negligence cause the collision and injuries. Some key pieces of evidence used to prove fault in delivery truck accident cases include:

• Police reports. A police report from the scene of the accident can provide valuable details, such as whether the driver violated traffic laws or if any witnesses saw the crash.
• Eyewitness testimony. Statements from bystanders or other drivers who witnessed the accident can help establish what happened and who was at fault.
• Truck maintenance and inspection records. If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure or maintenance issue, records showing that the delivery company failed to properly maintain the truck can be critical evidence.
• Driver logs and GPS data. Delivery drivers are often required to keep logs of their hours, and GPS data can show their location and speed leading up to the accident. These records can help prove if the driver was driving fatigued or speeding.
• Surveillance or dashcam footage. If the accident was captured on a nearby security camera or a dashcam, this footage can provide clear evidence of how the accident occurred.

Contact a Long Beach Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a delivery truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. However, delivery truck accidents can involve complicated legal issues, including dealing with multiple liable parties and large delivery companies. A skilled accident lawyer in Long Beach can walk you through the next steps. Reach out to us for a free consultation today.