Who bears liability in a delivery truck accident?

Trucks, vans and other large vehicles are common sights on the road as parts of commercial fleets for huge delivery companies. Many people rely on delivery drivers to bring packages right to their doorsteps, but it is worth considering the catastrophic damage that large delivery trucks can cause when involved in an accident.

The National Safety Council reports that over 67% of injuries suffered in large truck accidents are by occupants of a vehicle other than the large truck for the year 2020. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is important to know who exactly bears liability so you can pursue the appropriate compensation.

When is the delivery driver at fault?

If you experience an accident with a commercial truck, you might be quick to point the finger at the delivery driver as the at-fault party. Negligent behavior and distracted driving as a result of using onboard software can indicate fault on the delivery driver’s part. Commercial vehicle operators are also responsible for managing their own exhaustion, which can be a contributing factor to accidents when working excessive hours.

When is the delivery company liable for your damages?

There are also circumstances in which the company that employs the delivery driver is at fault for the accident. Faulty maintenance, poor cargo loading practices and lenient company policies are all examples of negligence for which you can hold the company responsible.

Knowing which parties are liable for the circumstances surrounding your motor vehicle accident will empower you to claim the full amount of compensation you deserve.