If you get involved in an accident with a delivery vehicle in Sacramento, you may not know how to properly handle the financial recovery process. This type of claim will look different from the average car accident case in Sacramento, as it may involve the delivery company or another party besides the at-fault driver.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we believe everyone deserves justice. If you’ve been injured in a delivery vehicle accident, we will help you hold the responsible party accountable so that you can receive the financial compensation you need.
We have provided Californians with high-quality legal and medical services for over 50 years. Contact us today for a free case consultation online or call 916-269-8918.
The Rise of Delivery Vehicle Accidents in Sacramento
In recent years, the number of delivery vehicles on Sacramento’s roads has increased. Hundreds of local workers deliver goods and food throughout the city every day. E-commerce and delivery services have grown in the Capital Region due to an upswing in residents ordering goods online. Unfortunately, this has also led to an increase in delivery vehicle accidents.
As a driver, bicyclist or pedestrian in Sacramento, you may encounter delivery trucks, box trucks, vans, SUVs, cars and even bicyclists delivering goods. Some of the highest-risk areas of the city for collisions with delivery drivers are intersections, residential areas, bustling downtown centers and business zones.
Common Causes of Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Delivery vehicle accidents can occur due to many of the same reasons as other motor vehicle collisions: most often, driver errors. Delivery drivers can make many mistakes that increase the risk of accidents.
Examples include:
- Distracted driving
- Delivery or navigation app utilization while driving
- Driving drowsy (delivery time pressures and quotas)
- Driver fatigue and extended hours
- Inadequate delivery driver training
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Unsafe parking
- Failing to check before reversing
- Red-light running
- Delivery vehicle maintenance issues
Acts of negligence by delivery drivers and the companies that employ them can lead to life-changing accidents. Negligence in personal injury law is any act or omission that falls short of the individual’s duty of care, or responsibility to act in a reasonable manner.
Types of Delivery Accidents in Sacramento
Sacramento is the fastest-growing city in California. Every day, thousands of residents and visitors to the Sacramento area place orders for delivery on various apps and platforms. This can lead to many types of delivery vehicles on the road at any given time.
A delivery vehicle accident could describe any of the following:
- Amazon and package delivery truck crashes
- Food delivery service accidents (DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, Postmates)
- Grocery delivery collisions
- USPS, FedEx and UPS vehicle accidents
- Gig economy driver incidents
If you wish to pursue financial compensation after a delivery accident in Sacramento, it is in your best interests to hire an attorney to guide you through the legal process. An attorney will have the experience and resources to go up against any defendant, including major delivery companies and e-commerce conglomerates, on your behalf.
California Laws Affecting Delivery Accident Cases
There are several ways in which a delivery accident case is not like a typical car accident claim in Sacramento. In California, delivery vehicles are governed by special state and federal laws. These cases involve unique employment regulations, such as the rule of vicarious liability. This legal doctrine holds employers liable, or legally responsible, for the actions of their on-duty employees.
However, many delivery drivers are classified as independent contractors. This designation can protect delivery service providers from vicarious liability for mistakes made by their delivery drivers. In this situation, you would file a claim against the at-fault driver’s personal insurance policy instead. If you do have the right to hold the company accountable, you will have to navigate a commercial insurance claim.
Another law that can affect your delivery accident case is the statute of limitations. Under California Code of Civil Procedures § 335.1, personal injury cases in the state must be filed no more than two years from the date of the accident. Otherwise, the courts will deem the case “time-barred,” meaning it will not be permitted to proceed.
Common Injuries in Delivery Vehicle Accidents
An accident involving a delivery vehicle could inflict many serious types of injuries. Victims may suffer any of the following:
- Whiplash and neck trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries
- Soft-tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Permanent paralysis
- Lacerations and scarring
- Burn injuries
- Internal injuries and bleeding
If a delivery driver strikes a bicyclist or pedestrian, the victim’s injuries can be even more severe. Sadly, some of these cases are fatal and can lead to wrongful death claims in Sacramento.
Determining Liability in Sacramento Delivery Accidents
Liability can be difficult to determine in a Sacramento delivery accident case. Rather than only having the other driver to hold accountable, you may be able to bring your claim against the delivery company or a third party, including a vehicle or equipment manufacturer or the government.
There may be multiple outlets for recovery and more than one insurance policy to cover your losses, depending on the circumstances. An attorney from Jacoby & Meyers can investigate your accident, preserve and collect evidence, identify the defendant(s), and deal with multiple insurance companies on your behalf to negotiate for a fair settlement.
Compensation Available for Delivery Accident Victims
At Jacoby & Meyers, we know that justice does not only mean gaining financial compensation for your losses, but also holding a delivery service responsible for the injuries you have suffered. However, we also recognize the importance of achieving fair case results so that you can move forward from your collision with more peace of mind.
As your attorneys, we will fight for maximum compensation for many of your past and future losses, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, lost capacity to earn, pain and suffering, property damage repairs, and the wrongful death of a loved one (if applicable). We have achieved over $2 billion in case results for our clients.
Contact Our Sacramento Delivery Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love was recently injured in a delivery vehicle accident in or near Sacramento, contact the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers to arrange a free consultation about your case. We can help you understand your rights and protect them.
We will work closely with you to manage, maintain and execute all of the necessary legal work for your case to succeed. Your car accident attorney will also communicate with you regularly to inform you of any new developments. You will always come first as our client.
Call our local Sacramento law office today at (916) 269-8918 for a free case evaluation. We are located at 1215 K St 17th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814.