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ToggleDelivery trucks are an essential part of the nation’s and state’s supply chain network. Businesses depend on delivery trucks to receive goods and transport items to customers. Without trucks to deliver packages, online shopping will quickly become a thing of the past.
While delivery trucks are essential, they can also cause accidents. We’re taking a look at some of the common causes of delivery truck accidents and the necessary steps for recovering compensation.
Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery trucks can range in size from large vans to box trucks. Even big rigs can be considered delivery vehicles.
What the different types of delivery trucks have in common is they’re typically larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. This usually means when an accident occurs injuries and property damage tend to be severe.
So, what are some of the common causes of delivery truck accidents?
- Delivery trucks make frequent stops, sometimes without warning. The delivery driver may suddenly come upon an address or stop frequently to check their location. If you’re not paying attention to the vehicle’s brake lights, a rear-end accident can occur.
- Left turns can cause accidents if a vehicle is too close to the delivery truck. Smaller vehicles can become pinned by the trailer or even swept underneath.
- Most delivery trucks emit a beeping noise when reversing and other motorists need to pay attention to the warning. Vehicles too close to the tail end of a delivery truck are often in the driver’s blind spot. If a delivery truck backs up, it can run over the vehicle’s front end.
Some other common reasons delivery truck accidents can occur include poor road and weather conditions. Driver error can also result in a vehicle collision like when the delivery truck driver forgets to engage the parking brake.
What To Do After a Delivery Truck Accident
If you’re injured in an accident involving a delivery truck, recovering compensation for your damages may be a priority.
After all, you’re probably dealing with medical expenses, property repair/replacement bills, and maybe even lost wages. Recovering compensation is often the only way accident victims can stay on top of the incoming bills, but how do you go about filing an insurance claim for damages?
Florida delivery truck accident victims will need to follow a few steps to successfully pursue a personal injury claim.
Go Through Your Insurance Provider
All Florida accident victims, even if your damages are caused by a commercial delivery truck, file their initial claims with their insurance provider. Florida is a no-fault insurance state so your PIP (personal injury protection) insurance provider should cover some of your damages.
No-fault insurance doesn’t mean no one is responsible for an accident. The statute only makes it a little easier for accident victims to start receiving compensation. However, PIP isn’t going to cover all of your damages. This type of auto insurance only covers either 80% of your medical and property damage costs or up to the policy’s limit, whichever threshold you hit first. Your PIP policy can also cover some of your lost income.
So, what about your remaining damages? Are you stuck covering any leftover expenses? The answer may be no, however, this can depend on the cause of your accident. Like about 12 other states, Florida follows comparative negligence rules. This means more than one party may be liable for your delivery truck accident.
If you’re assigned more than 50% of the fault for the accident, you can’t file a claim in Florida for damages not covered by your PIP policy. We should also mention your compensation amount will be reduced by your percentage of the blame.
Report the Accident and Gather Evidence
Florida requires drivers to report all accidents involving commercial vehicles, and this includes delivery trucks.
Deciding to skip alerting the authorities can have serious consequences. Not only does it make it difficult to file a claim against the delivery truck driver’s insurance carrier, but it can also result in legal penalties. You may be facing potential fines and even jail time. Your driver’s license may even be temporarily suspended.
After calling the emergency number, 911, take a few minutes to document the accident scene. If your injuries require immediate medical attention, don’t worry about gathering evidence. The authorities and your personal injury attorney can handle this part of the claim process.
However, if you’re able, try to take some pictures of the accident scene. This includes any damage to your vehicle. Try to get a picture of the position your vehicle ended up in. This can help establish liability. Remember, Florida follows comparative negligence guidelines and you don’t want to be assigned more blame for the accident than your actions deserve.
Don’t forget to take some pictures of any visible injuries, this can help support your accident claim. You should also make a note of any surveillance and traffic cameras in the area. Your personal injury attorney can request the footage. The video can help support your case and prevent you from unfairly being assessed for accident fault.
Gather Your Documentation
You’re going to need to supply documentation for every economic damage you claim. In other words, you can’t simply file a claim for $100,000 in medical costs without providing proof. So, what type of documentation do you need?
You’ll need a copy of your accident report, it’s usually ready in about 10 business days. You’re also going to need your medical records, property repair/replacement estimates, and pay stubs if you’re claiming lost current and/or future income.
You should plan on saving all bills and receipts relating to damages sustained in the delivery truck accident.
Consult an Accident Attorney and Contact the Insurance Company
Even when you have all of the necessary supporting evidence, it’s still a good idea to contact an accident lawyer before filing a personal injury claim. Your attorney can help you navigate comparative fault rules, calculate damages, and collect your necessary documentation.
When it’s time to head to negotiations, your personal injury attorney can also handle this step of the process to help ensure you can receive your claim’s maximum value.