Minor fender benders are inevitable with the amount of traffic on New York streets. However, even a slow-speed crash can result in catastrophic injuries when a collision involves a package delivery truck.
According to the New York City Department of Transportation, trucks delivered nearly 90% of cargo that entered New York City in 2017. Officials expect the number of trucks needed to get packages to consumers on time to continue rising.
Delivery trucks
Seeing trucks from the USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL are common when driving through the five boroughs. Box vans and U-Haul trucks are also on the rise, especially now that many shipping companies use independent contractors to keep up with the increased volume. A typical sedan weighs about 3,500 pounds, and a box truck can weigh 12,000 to 30,000 pounds. Its shape makes it bulky, with less maneuverability than passenger vehicles.
Amazon is among the delivery companies that use vans that look more like a family minivan than a commercial vehicle. Although they are not as bulky as other package delivery trucks, the cargo means they may be much heavier than your car.
Some companies reward drivers who provide quick delivery, while others guarantee the fastest delivery. Both situations might increase the risk of an accident in the following ways:
- Drivers may not pay enough attention to their surroundings when rushing to meet deadlines
- Drivers in a rush may become distracted more easily
- Drivers who experience undue stress to meet deadlines may not drive as safely as usual
- Drivers might drive when dangerously fatigued when pushed to overperform
If your injuries result from a collision with a delivery truck, the party at fault may or may not be the driver.
Responsible parties
Package delivery trucks have similar issues as big rigs, from blind spots and maneuverability to maintenance and stability issues. If an accident involves a delivery driver’s negligence, officials may find that person liable. However, if company policies contribute to the accident directly or indirectly, the organization may be accountable. In situations where the vehicle or parts have a defect, the manufacturer may have responsibility for the crash.
Understanding your options is essential. If you sustained injuries in a collision with a delivery truck, you might have grounds for compensation.
