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 can 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 can help you seek to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue financial compensation available under the law.
We have provided Californians with legal representation 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 increase in residents ordering goods online. This growth has also contributed to more 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 areas of the city where collisions may occur include intersections, residential areas, bustling downtown centers, and business zones.
Common Causes of Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Delivery vehicle accidents can occur for many of the same reasons as other motor vehicle collisions, including driver error. Delivery drivers may engage in conduct that increases 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 or the companies that employ them can lead to serious accidents. Negligence in personal injury law refers to conduct that falls short of a duty of care, or the responsibility to act in a reasonably safe manner.
Types of Delivery Accidents in Sacramento
Sacramento is one of the fastest-growing cities in California. Every day, residents and visitors place orders for delivery on various apps and platforms. This can result in many types of delivery vehicles on the road at any given time.
A delivery vehicle accident may involve:
- 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, you may benefit from consulting an attorney to guide you through the legal process. An attorney can help evaluate potential claims, including those involving large delivery companies and e-commerce businesses.
California Laws Affecting Delivery Accident Cases
There are several ways in which a delivery accident case may differ from a typical car accident claim in Sacramento. In California, delivery vehicles may be subject to specific state and federal regulations. These cases can involve employment rules such as vicarious liability, a legal doctrine that may hold employers responsible for the actions of on-duty employees.
However, many delivery drivers are classified as independent contractors. This designation may affect whether a delivery company can be held legally responsible. In some situations, a claim may be filed against the driver’s personal insurance policy. In others, a commercial insurance policy may apply.
Another law that can affect a delivery accident case is the statute of limitations. Under California Code of Civil Procedures § 335.1, personal injury cases generally must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time period may prevent the case from proceeding.
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, injuries may be more severe. In some cases, these accidents may result in fatal injuries and can lead to wrongful death claims in Sacramento.
Determining Liability in Sacramento Delivery Accidents
Liability can be complex in a Sacramento delivery accident case. In addition to the driver, it may be possible to pursue a claim against the delivery company or another third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or a government entity, depending on the circumstances.
There may be multiple sources of insurance coverage available. An attorney from Jacoby & Meyers can investigate the accident, gather evidence, identify potentially responsible parties, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.
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. We also recognize the importance of pursuing fair case results so that you can move forward from your collision with greater peace of mind.
As your attorneys, we will seek 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.
*Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 legal options.
Our Sacramento personal injury attorneys will work closely with you to manage and maintain the necessary legal work for your case. We will also communicate with you regularly to inform you of developments.
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.