Delivery trucks are a common sight on roadways around Florence these days. Unfortunately, the sheer number of delivery trucks also means plenty of delivery truck accidents. If you were hurt in an accident with one of these vehicles, you might be wondering how you will pay for your medical treatment and other expenses while you recover.
At the Jebaily Law Firm, our Florence truck accident lawyers want to help you by identifying all possible sources of compensation and demanding accountability from those responsible for your injuries. Contact our firm today for your free initial case review and find out more about your legal options.
Common Types of Delivery Trucks
Broadly speaking, a delivery truck is any truck that transports raw materials or finished goods from one location to another, often in bulk and sometimes over long distances. Most delivery trucks are large vehicles that are specially designed to carry a specific type of cargo.
Common types of delivery trucks in Florence, SC, include:
- Walk-in trucks – Mail carriers and parcel delivery drivers commonly use walk-in trucks and vans with cargo holds that are easily accessible to the operator.
- Box trucks – Box trucks are straight, one-piece vehicles with enclosed, box-like cargo areas that can hold large items like furniture and appliances.
- Flatbed trucks – Flatbed trucks have large, flat beds without side walls or roofs, which are perfect for transporting large or awkwardly-shaped cargo.
- Tractor-trailers – Tractor-trailers have heavy-duty tow vehicles pulling large, enclosed trailers that transport cargo over long distances.
Refrigerated trucks – Refrigerated or “reefer” trucks have special refrigeration units that keep foods and other perishable items fresh during transit. - Pickup trucks – Pickup trucks are light-duty trucks with enclosed cabs and open cargo beds. While many pickup trucks are used as personal vehicles, others serve as delivery trucks.
Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents in Florence
Here are just a few examples of the most common causes of delivery truck accidents in Florence, South Carolina:
- Distracted driving – Delivery truck drivers who get caught up in text messages, phone calls, or other distractions are more likely to overlook imminent traffic hazards and contribute to severe accidents.
- Driver impairment – Alcohol, recreational drugs, prescription medications, and even extreme fatigue often leave delivery drivers seriously impaired at the wheel.
- Reckless driving – When delivery drivers engage in reckless behaviors like speeding or tailgating, they have little room for error and are prone to accidents.
- Driver error – Common delivery driver errors like failing to yield or turning unsafely often contribute to confusion and subsequent traffic wrecks.
- Defective truck parts – When critical delivery truck components like brakes or steering systems fail in transit, drivers can suddenly lose control of their vehicles, leading to collisions.
- Poor road conditions – Poor road conditions like large potholes or missing road signs often contribute to delivery driver confusion or loss of control.
Parties that May Be Liable for a Delivery Truck Accident
In most car accident cases, liability is limited to the drivers involved in the crash. But multiple parties are often responsible for maintaining, scheduling, and operating a commercial delivery truck. Any of them could be partially or fully liable in an accident case. These potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver
- The truck owner
- The trucking company
- The shipping company
- A cargo loading team
- A truck parts manufacturer
- A truck mechanic or repair shop
- A local government agency
Potential Compensation in a Delivery Truck Accident Case
If you file a successful injury claim after a delivery truck accident in Florence, SC, you could receive compensation for the following types of crash-related losses:
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses you incur for treatment of your injuries
- Reduced income from any time you miss at work due to your injuries
- Projected losses in future earning potential, if you suffer permanent impairments
- Crash-related pain, suffering, and lost quality of life
- Incidental expenses, such as out-of-pocket travel costs for medical appointments
- The cost of repairing or replacing any property damaged in the accident, including your vehicle
Steps to Take After a Delivery Truck Accident
If you get hurt in a South Carolina traffic accident involving a delivery truck, you should take the following steps to protect your rights and get a head start on your legal claim:
- Seek prompt medical care to have your injuries diagnosed, treated, and documented.
- Follow your doctor’s care plan to help you heal and to reduce the chances of any preventable complications.
- Gather evidence from the crash scene, including photos of the wreckage, contact and insurance details from the other driver, and statements from eyewitnesses.
- Hang on to medical bills, proof of income, and other crash-related documents.
- Keep a journal to record observations about the pain and physical limitations you experience due to the accident.
- Watch what you say to any third parties before you speak with an attorney, as liable parties want to deny or minimize your claim in any way they can.
- Avoid sharing any information or photos online while your claim is pending.
- Get help from our Florence delivery truck accident lawyers as soon as possible after the crash.
How Our Florence Delivery Truck Crash Lawyers Can Help
The Florence delivery truck crash lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm can help you by:
- Explaining your rights and identifying all sources of compensation for your claim
- Conducting an independent investigation into the delivery truck accident to establish liability
- Communicating with insurance providers and other parties on your behalf
- Obtaining medical records, crash reports, and other evidence to support your claim
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and medical experts for compelling case testimony
- Managing important legal documents, details, and deadlines on your behalf
- Filing claim paperwork and negotiating aggressively to maximize your settlement
- Taking your case to trial if the liable parties won’t offer a fair settlement
No matter how complicated or unusual your Florence delivery truck accident case is, our knowledgeable attorneys are ready to help. Contact Jebaily Law Firm now for a free initial consultation session to discuss your case with our compassionate team.