Delivery trucks have become ubiquitous on roads and highways throughout South Carolina. As we order more online than ever before, these trucks are necessary to bring our orders to our homes and businesses. Yet at the same time, having so many UPS, Amazon, and FedEx trucks on the road increases the risk of getting into an accident with a delivery truck.

Delivery truck accidents can cause serious injuries, particularly given the size difference between the average passenger vehicle and delivery truck. If you have been injured in a collision with an Amazon truck or other type of delivery truck, you can seek financial compensation for your losses. This may include money for any property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.

At the Derrick Law Office, we represent injury victims in South Carolina who have been hurt in all types of accidents – including delivery truck crashes. Our SC delivery truck accident lawyers will work hard to get you maximum compensation for your losses. We offer free initial consultations, and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.

The Rise of Delivery Trucks – and Delivery Truck Accidents – in South Carolina

Over the past decade, South Carolinians – like all Americans – turned to online shopping as an alternative to in-store purchases. The COVID-19 pandemic sent this trend into overdrive, as many of us turned to food and grocery delivery and online shopping to avoid going into stores.

According to the United States Department of Labor, e-commerce will continue to fuel the demand for delivery drivers. This includes both in-house delivery drivers for major corporations like Amazon, dedicated delivery truck drivers for companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL, and independent contractors who deliver goods for companies like Uber, LaserShip, and Instacart.

While there are a lot of upsides to being able to get almost anything we want delivered, there are some drawbacks – particularly when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. Between 2018 and 2019, there was a 29.2% increase in fatalities from accidents involving delivery trucks (other than pick-up trucks or tractor-trailers). 

In 2019 alone, there were 6,941 accidents involving trucks used to transport property in South Carolina. This includes:  

• 93 fatal collisions 
• 114 serious injury accidents
• 1,501 other injury crashes 
• 5,203 property damage only accidents.

There are many reasons why there are so many accidents involving delivery trucks in South Carolina. As an initial matter, many of these deliveries are going out on smaller trucks, as opposed to large tractor-trailers or big rigs. As a result, people driving Amazon trucks, UPS trucks, and FedEx trucks typically don’t need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This means that delivery truck drivers tend to have far less training and are subject to fewer regulations than drivers of commercial motor vehicles.

Delivery truck drivers also tend to drive local routes, going from a factory or warehouse to various homes and businesses throughout the day. Rather than getting on a highway and traveling long distances, they are parking and backing up or pulling out throughout the day as they make deliveries. They may also rely more heavily on GPS systems to find a delivery address – which takes their attention away from the road.

Many of the same issues that affect other truck drivers can lead to delivery truck accidents. This may include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving (including texting while driving or using GPS)
• Improper truck maintenance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Careless driving

Many delivery truck drivers are under pressure to deliver a certain number of packages a day – which can result in unsafe driving behaviors like speeding.

If you are involved in an accident with a FedEx, UPS, Amazon, or another type of delivery truck, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. A skilled SC personal injury attorney can help you get the money that you deserve.

What Should I Do If I Was Hurt in a Delivery Truck Accident in SC?

The most important thing that you should do after being in a motor vehicle accident of any kind is to seek medical attention. Going to the hospital or doctor’s office will ensure that you get a proper diagnosis and the treatment that you need. It will also establish a link between your injuries and the accident.

Next, you should reach out to an SC delivery truck accident lawyer for a free consultation. An attorney can protect your legal rights – and fight back against shady tactics that major corporations like Amazon and their insurance companies might use to avoid paying you a fair settlement for your injuries.

Like other types of personal injury cases, delivery truck accidents are usually based on a theory of negligence, which is a type of carelessness. If you can prove that the truck driver was negligent in some way – such as not looking before backing up – then you can recover money for your losses. Under a legal doctrine known as respondeat superior, an employer such as Amazon can be held responsible for the negligence of its employees while they are working.

The process typically starts by filing a demand letter with the insurance company. This letter sets out the facts of the case, why their insured (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, etc) is legally responsible for your injuries, and then makes a demand for compensation. The insurance company usually responds with a counteroffer, and the parties go back and forth until a settlement is achieved.

These corporations and their insurance companies use a number of strategies to minimize the amount of money that they have to pay for delivery truck accidents. After all, it hurts their bottom line to pay out on insurance claims. The best way to protect your interests – and make sure that you get the money that you need to move forward – is to hire a skilled Amazon truck accident attorney.

Your lawyer will handle all communications with the company and their insurance company. They will investigate the facts, research case law, and put together a strong argument for damages. If necessary, they’ll take the case to trial to get you top dollar for your losses.

Most personal injury law firms handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t pay a fee unless they recover money for you. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.

Who Is Responsible for a Delivery Truck Accident in South Carolina If the Driver Isn’t an Employee?

Many companies, such as LaserShip, use independent contractors to make deliveries. If you are involved in an accident with a delivery truck and the driver is not an employee, you may still be able to file a claim with the company and their insurance company. These cases are often more complicated, as the ability to file a claim depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.

Our law firm is experienced in untangling thorny insurance issues. We aggressively advocate for our client’s rights. Reach out to the Derrick Law Office today to talk to an SC delivery truck accident lawyer about your case.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Delivery Truck Accident Claim?

In most cases, it is a good idea to hire an attorney for even a minor delivery truck accident. Studies show that people who are represented by legal counsel recover an average of 40% more than people who represent themselves.  The reason is simple: insurance companies don’t have your best interests at heart, and usually won’t offer a fair settlement unless a lawyer is involved.

You won’t have to pay anything upfront to hire the Derrick Law Office to represent you – and you’ll only pay us a fee if we get money for you through a settlement or verdict at trial. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with an SC delivery truck accident lawyer.

Hurt in a Delivery Truck Accident in SC? Our Law Firm Can Help.

Being in an accident with a delivery truck can be incredibly scary. The thought of dealing with a massive company to get paid for your losses is often daunting. If you have been hurt in a collision with an Amazon truck, FedEx truck, UPS truck, or another delivery truck, our law firm is here for you.

The Derrick Law Office is committed to helping individuals who have been injured in all types of accidents. We use our experience and knowledge of South Carolina personal injury law to help our clients get maximum compensation for their losses. Call our law office at 864-531-7765 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with our SC delivery truck accident lawyer.