In 2022, over 268 million people shopped online in the U.S. This means more delivery trucks, vans, and other vehicles are on the road than ever before.
With the huge influx of online orders, more drivers are needed. Unfortunately, this often leads to companies hiring untrained or unqualified people to meet quotas. Not only that, but even experienced drivers are pressured to make deliveries on time, which causes them to ignore signals and signs, tailgate, and speed – all of which can cause an accident. It can be challenging to prove if you are involved in an accident with a negligent truck driver.
Because of this, we recommend contacting our Port St. Lucie truck accident lawyer from Fetterman & Associates, PA, for assistance. We have experience handling cases like these and will help you file a claim to recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Along with calling our legal team for assistance, you can take a few other steps to protect your right to recover compensation, which is found here.
What to Do After an Accident with a Delivery Truck in Florida
Contact the Police
In the state of Florida, it is legally required to call the police after an accident if the accident results in property damage or personal injury. According to the statute, you should park your vehicle somewhere it does not obstruct traffic and call the authorities. The police will create a report when they arrive, which fulfills this requirement.
If the accident is minor, the presence of the police may not be needed. However, it is required that you go to the nearest police precinct to file a report within 10 days of the incident. This is also beneficial if you plan to file a legal claim.
Gather Evidence
If you want to prove that the other driver was at fault for your accident, you need to gather evidence. Evidence can get lost, damaged, or moved when other people arrive at the accident scene.
Right after the accident, get to safety and take photos of everything. This includes the damage to your vehicle, marks on the road, signs, and any physical injuries you sustained. These photos can help prove the severity of your injuries and may help determine liability.
Avoid Saying Too Much
After an accident, you may want to be polite and even apologize for the incident. Unfortunately, this can be used as an admission of guilt. It is best to limit your conversations with the delivery truck’s driver and only tell the police what you know. Never say “I think” since these are not facts and may cause inconsistencies in your recollection of what happened in the future.
Take Care of Your Medical Needs
After being in an accident with a delivery truck, you need to seek medical treatment. You may have sustained damage to your internal organs, a brain injury, or other medical problems. Unfortunately, these symptoms may not be apparent immediately, so seeking a medical evaluation is important.
You also need to document your pain and injuries by creating a pain journal and taking photos of any physical marks. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and return for all scheduled follow-up visits. The records from your doctor serve as invaluable evidence and show the severity of your injuries.
You must also file this claim within 14 days of your accident to receive benefits from your PIP (personal injury protection) insurance.
Avoid a Delivery Truck Accident by Knowing the Most Common Causes
Thousands of delivery vehicles are on the roads throughout Florida each day. While some drivers are safe and do what is necessary to keep others safe, others are not. Some of the most common causes of accidents involving delivery trucks include the following:
- Drive fatigue
- Unrealistic delivery times
- Safety violations
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe passing practices
- Inadequate training
- Improper delivery truck maintenance
Our Port St. Lucie truck accident attorney can help determine who is liable for your accident and injuries. We will ensure that the negligent party is held accountable and that you recover the full value of your claim.
Delivery truck drivers are often the liable party after an accident. However, it is also possible for the delivery company or maintenance and service technicians to share some liability. An attorney can investigate the situation to determine who is liable. Sometimes, holding multiple parties liable for your injuries and losses is possible.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help After a Delivery Truck Accident
You have legal rights if you are involved in an accident with a delivery truck. Our legal team can start working immediately to determine liability and ensure that the party is held accountable.
We can also use our resources in the legal industry to prove fault and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies want to reduce your payout, but we are here to fight for your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case and situation.
The first step is to call our office to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your claim and create a plan to move forward with your case.
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