Accidents Involving Delivery Trucks: Can You Sue Amazon, FedEx, or UPS for Injuries?
Delivery trucks have become a common sight on West Palm Beach roads, with companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and USPS making daily deliveries to homes and businesses. While these services are convenient, they also bring increased traffic risks. Delivery drivers, often under strict deadlines and high-pressure working conditions, may engage in speeding, distracted driving, or reckless behavior, leading to serious accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a delivery truck, you may be wondering who is liable and whether you can sue Amazon, FedEx, UPS, or another delivery company for damages. The answer depends on who owns the truck, whether the driver is an employee or an independent contractor, and what caused the accident.
The West Palm Beach truck accident attorneys at Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather explain liability in delivery truck accidents, the legal challenges involved, and how injured victims can pursue compensation.
Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery drivers are often under pressure to complete hundreds of stops per day, which increases the likelihood of risky driving behaviors. Some common causes of delivery truck accidents include:
- Speeding and reckless driving – Drivers may exceed speed limits to meet delivery quotas.
- Distracted driving – Using GPS, checking delivery updates, or talking on the phone can lead to inattention on the road.
- Driver fatigue – Long shifts and demanding schedules can cause exhaustion, leading to delayed reaction times.
- Improper parking – Stopping in unsafe locations, such as blocking driveways, intersections, or bike lanes, can cause crashes.
- Failure to yield – Ignoring traffic signals, making sudden turns, or failing to check blind spots can lead to collisions.
- Poor vehicle maintenance – Companies or contractors may fail to inspect and maintain their vehicles, leading to brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions.
Determining who is at fault requires a thorough investigation into the driver’s actions, the condition of the vehicle, and the company’s policies.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Delivery Truck Accident?
When a delivery truck driver causes an accident, there are several potential parties who may be liable:
1. The Delivery Driver
If the accident was caused by the negligence of the delivery driver—such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield—they may be held personally liable for damages.
However, many delivery drivers are insured through their company’s commercial policies, meaning that claims are typically filed against corporate insurance rather than the driver’s personal coverage.
2. The Delivery Company (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, USPS)
If the driver was an employee of a delivery company, and acting within the course of their employment at the time of the accident, the delivery company is liable for the driver’s negligence.
If, however, the driver was an independent contractor of the delivery commpany, whether the company is liable for the driver’s negligence is a more complicated, fact-dependent issue.
- FedEx and Amazon often use independent contractors for their deliveries, making it more difficult to hold the company liable.
- UPS and USPS employ their drivers directly, making it easier to hold the company liable if an employee causes an accident.
3. The Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider
If a truck crash was caused by a mechanical failure, such as brake failure or a defective steering system, the manufacturer or maintenance provider may be liable under product liability laws.
How to Pursue Compensation After a Delivery Truck Accident
Victims of delivery truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation).
- Lost wages (if unable to work due to injuries).
- Pain and suffering (emotional distress, PTSD).
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement).
- Wrongful death damages (for fatal crashes).
Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather
Accidents involving Amazon, FedEx, UPS, or USPS delivery trucks can be complicated, especially when dealing with corporate insurance policies, independent contractors, and large legal teams. Liability depends on who was driving, whether they were an employee, and whether company policies contributed to the crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a delivery truck accident, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation and hold the right parties accountable.
If you were injured in an accident involving a delivery truck, the legal team at Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather is ready to help. We have extensive experience handling complex delivery truck accident claims and will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Sources:
nationaltriallaw.com/blog/2024/june/understanding-usps-accidents-and-ftca-claims
jdsupra.com/legalnews/work-related-car-accidents-who-is-9372639/#:~:text=If%20an%20employee%20gets%20into,their%20commute%20or%20lunch%20breaks
