Arizona Delivery Van Accident Lawyer
Delivery Van Accident? You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been hurt in a delivery van accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Rasmussen Injury Law’s Arizona-based delivery van accident attorneys are here to level the playing field and pursue full, fair compensation on your behalf.
Arizona drivers share the road with delivery vans every day. As the use of online shopping and same-day delivery services continues to grow, Arizona drivers are far more likely to be involved in an accident with a delivery vehicle. Many delivery truck drivers operate as independent contractors, and collecting on your truck accident claim may require a personal injury lawyer.
If you’ve been hit by a delivery van from Amazon or any other service and got injured, you don’t have to take on insurance companies or large corporations alone. Our skilled delivery van accident attorneys in Arizona are here to support you every step of the way and fight for your rights. We take the time to understand our clients and their cases. Call us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve.
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Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Operating a delivery van frequently involves additional stressful considerations for the driver. They are put on rigorous schedules with very ambitious goals. As a result of these added pressures, delivery drivers are at risk of engaging in unsafe driving. Hazardous driving may refer to distracted driving, speeding, or making unsafe lane changes.
Common causes of delivery truck accidents include:
- Speeding. Increasingly, companies are offering one-day or even overnight delivery, which puts pressure on delivery van drivers to reach their destination as fast as possible. When speed surpasses safety as the number one goal of drivers, it puts the driver and those around them at risk for an accident.
- Improperly loaded cargo. If cargo is loaded onto a delivery vehicle improperly, it can come loose and become a hazard.
- Poor vehicle maintenance. Failure to perform routine vehicle safety checks and maintenance can lead to accidents due to vehicle malfunctions.
- Inadequate driver training. Without proper training, drivers are at an increased risk of causing an accident.
- Driver fatigue. Often, drivers are asked to travel long distances without a break to meet deadlines and deliver products to their destinations. This puts drivers at risk for fatigue. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
- Reckless driving. Residential areas often have children playing, people walking dogs, riding bikes, or jogging; reckless driving reduces reaction time, making it harder to avoid a tragedy.
- Road hazards. Unexpected items in the road can cause a delivery van driver to drive erratically, putting other cars on the road at risk.
- Van design. Larger vehicles have more and larger blind spots because their increased height and length reduce the driver’s visibility, creating what are called “no-zones” in front, behind, and along the sides that can obscure the ability to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
If delivery van drivers fail to adhere to safe driving practices, they put innocent pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers at risk of injury or even death. By investigating the accident, our team of accident reconstructionists can usually determine the cause and the responsible party. Speak to a delivery van accident lawyer to learn how we can help.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Delivery Van Accident?
Unfortunately, determining liability after an accident involving a delivery van can be difficult. One challenge facing such cases is that it’s possible for multiple parties to be responsible for the accident, including:
- The company that employs the driver
- Vehicle maintenance providers
- The delivery driver
- Third-party contractors
- The company that loaded the cargo onto the vehicle
- The city in which the accident occurred (as a result of a failure to maintain safe roads).
Rasmussen Injury Law carefully examines every case to determine all liable parties and develop a solid claim.
Common Injuries from Delivery Van Accidents
Because delivery vans are larger and heavier than many other vehicles on the road, they can cause serious injuries in the event of a collision. Victims may sustain injuries like the following:
- Fractures and broken bones. Fractures to the ribs and sternum are common after a car accident. Injuries of this kind may also be the result of loose items striking passengers, the airbag deploying, or the result of crushing forces generated from a collision with a larger vehicle.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). TBIs can involve both external and internal damage. Internal injuries, such as brain bleeds or swelling, can be as severe or worse than the initial impact. Penetrating (open) brain injuries result from sharp objects, like shrapnel or debris, piercing the skull, often causing visible bleeding or bruising. Blunt (closed) brain injuries occur when the head strikes an object such as the steering wheel or dashboard, causing the brain to move within the skull without visible wounds.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) caused by car accidents occur from the intense impact and sudden deceleration, which can harm the spinal cord and nearby nerves. This damage may lead to symptoms such as paralysis, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, and chronic pain.
- Damage to internal organs. The force of the airbag or other items striking a driver or passenger can also lead to abdominal injuries and head and neck injuries, such as concussions and eye abrasions.
- Lacerations. These tears or ragged cuts in the skin occur when metal, glass, or other unsecured items are in the vehicle. These are very common injuries in the event of an accident with a delivery vehicle.
- Burns. Burns sustained in a car accident may be caused by fire, chemicals, friction, or airbag deployment. The severity of these burns can range from first to fourth degree and demand prompt medical treatment to avoid infection and additional tissue injury.
- Psychological injury. Car accidents can lead to psychological trauma, including conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Common symptoms may include flashbacks, mood swings, or fear of driving.
Often, these injuries necessitate comprehensive medical attention, prolonged treatment, and rehabilitation.
At Rasmussen Injury Law, our goal is always to provide skilled legal support aimed at securing the highest possible compensation. With over 30 years of combined experience in personal injury law, we’ve handled a broad range of injury and wrongful death cases. Our team is committed to open communication, genuine compassion, and the expertise needed to achieve results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Delivery Van Accidents
Who can be held responsible for damages in a delivery van accident?
Liability for a delivery van accident can involve multiple parties, depending on the specific circumstances. The driver could be responsible if they were distracted, speeding, or acted negligently. The delivery company employing or contracting the driver might also be liable, particularly if they pressured the driver to work in unsafe conditions or neglected proper vehicle maintenance.
Additionally, third-party contractors or service providers involved in vehicle upkeep might share some responsibility. A lawyer will carefully investigate to identify all parties who could be held accountable. Call Rasmussen Injury Law to learn more: (480) 637-5757.
What kinds of damages can I claim following a delivery van accident?
Victims of delivery van accidents may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover medical bills, ongoing rehab costs, lost income, and reduced future earning potential. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In serious situations involving gross negligence, punitive damages might also be awarded. Since every case is different, consulting a delivery van accident attorney can help determine the strength of your case and the compensation you may qualify for.
How is handling insurance with a delivery company different from a standard car accident?
In contrast to ordinary car accidents, incidents involving delivery vans typically involve commercial insurance policies that tend to be more extensive and complicated than personal auto insurance. These companies often have skilled adjusters and legal teams focused on reducing the amount they pay out. As a result, it’s more challenging for victims to obtain fair compensation without the help of a legal expert. Our Arizona delivery van accident lawyers know how to work with commercial insurers and will advocate strongly for your right to full compensation.
What do I do after a delivery van accident?
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, follow these steps to recover compensation:
- Make sure you are safe and call the Arizona police to report the accident immediately. Request a copy of the police report.
- Gather evidence at the scene. This may include photos, witness statements, and/or surveillance footage.
- Get a medical evaluation, even for injuries that seem minor; this may help your case later. Document your medical treatments and any visible injuries.
- Notify your insurance company and file a claim.
- Consult an Arizona-based hit-and-run attorney to explore other compensation options.
- Above all, refrain from communicating directly with the delivery company or their insurance provider until you've spoken with a lawyer, as your statements could be used to minimize your compensation.
How long do I have to file my claim after I’m involved in a delivery van accident?
In Arizona, you usually have two (2) years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim. This deadline applies to most car accident cases, and missing it can mean losing your right to compensation. (Insurance companies often require faster notice, so it’s important to file your claim with your insurer right away.)
Exceptions apply in some cases; if the injured person is a minor, this may extend the deadline. If criminal charges are involved, separate time limits may apply, but for most civil lawsuits and insurance claims, the two-year rule is standard.
What types of compensation can I receive in a delivery van accident lawsuit?
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses such as emergency care, hospital stays, medications, surgeries, physical therapy, and medical equipment
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish (pain and suffering)
- Property damage
We honor every victim’s right to full, fair compensation under Arizona law, and we are committed to achieving successful results for every case. For a free consultation on your delivery van accident case, call Rasmussen Injury Law: (480) 637-5757.