There are more and more delivery drivers on Illinois roads each year. Whether you drive for Amazon, UPS, FedEx or for a local business, you are part of a workforce that is always at risk of experiencing a motor vehicle accident while on the job.
Delivery truck accidents are more complex than a typical vehicle crash. The potential for injury tends to be much greater, and there are often multiple parties who might share in the liability. The truck accident attorneys at Collins Law Group are here to help you understand delivery truck accidents and guide you through the claims process so you get the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Delivery truck accidents differ from regular car crashes in several key ways. The trucks used by commercial businesses tend to be larger, heavier and filled with different types of cargo. This can lead to different factors that can cause an accident in unexpected ways.
Some of the most common causes of delivery truck accidents include:
It is a common misconception that commercial drivers are always at fault when they get into an accident. When driver error is a factor in the accident, it is just as likely that the civilian driver is the one who was behaving negligently behind the wheel.
The first and most important thing to do after an accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Delivery drivers often experience whiplash, bone fractures or even traumatic brain injuries after a crash, all of which can be extremely harmful if left untreated.
As with any other accident, delivery drivers must contact the police and wait at the scene of the crash. Exchange insurance information with other drivers, which includes telling them what company you drive for and how to reach their insurance services.
There is an extra step to take after a delivery truck accident: Informing your employer. If you have an accident while driving a company vehicle on the clock, it likely counts as a workplace accident. By reporting the incident to your employer in a timely manner, you may qualify for workers’ compensation.
One of the most important things to do after a crash is to collect evidence that will support your claim for compensation. In the case of a delivery truck accident, this evidence might include:
Commercial vehicles often contain specialized equipment for monitoring the driver’s location, driving habits and hours worked. When you experience an accident that was not your fault, this equipment can provide valuable data that your personal injury lawyer can use to prove beyond a doubt that someone else is liable for your damages.
In a typical car accident, determining liability is straightforward. It is usually the fault of one or both drivers involved in the crash. In an accident involving a commercial vehicle, there are several parties who might share the blame. Depending on how the accident happened, it is possible that each of these parties might owe you compensation for your damages:
If your accident happened because of poor company policies, faulty vehicle parts or improper cargo loading, then there may be multiple parties liable for the accident.
However, keep in mind that you likely cannot sue your employer directly. Even if your employer is responsible for the accident, workers’ compensation laws will relieve them of liability. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, though, which means you can still recover damages as part of your employment benefits.
When you file a workers’ compensation claim after an on-the-job delivery truck accident, your benefits may cover medical expenses and most of your lost wages. It can also provide disability benefits and may cover rehabilitation costs if necessary.
In addition to a workers’ compensation claim, you can also file a civil claim against another driver who contributed to your accident. When you file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you can pursue economic and non-economic damages such as:
To file a workers’ compensation claim after a delivery truck accident in Illinois, you must report the accident to your employer within 45 days. Your employer should then process the claim with the company’s insurance provider.
If you decide to file a civil claim against another driver who caused your accident, you should contact their auto insurance company as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for a car accident in Illinois is two years from the date of the accident. Even so, it is a good idea to act quickly and work with a lawyer who can expedite the process for you to maximize your compensation.
Working with a specialized delivery truck accident lawyer ensures you have a knowledgeable ally who will advocate for the full amount of compensation you deserve. Considering how complex a claim can be when it involves commercial vehicles, having legal guidance every step of the way makes a positive difference.
At Collins Law Group, our delivery truck accident lawyers can help you by:
Liability depends on the driver's employment status. If the driver is a direct employee, such as a UPS or FedEx driver, the company is generally responsible for negligence committed on the job. Gig and contract drivers, like many Amazon Flex drivers, complicate matters because the company may argue the driver is an independent contractor. Often more than one party shares liability — the driver, the delivery company, a separate logistics contractor, or a maintenance provider — and identifying every responsible party and insurance policy is central to maximizing your recovery.
Delivery operations frequently involve layers of companies, contractors, and insurance policies, plus tight delivery quotas that pressure drivers to rush, speed, double-park, and make frequent stops. Sorting out who employed the driver, who owned the vehicle, and which insurance applies takes investigation that a typical car accident does not require.
You may be able to recover medical expenses, both current and future, lost wages and lost earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering. In cases involving especially reckless conduct, additional damages may be available. The value depends on the severity of your injuries and the strength of the evidence.
Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel fine. If you can, document the scene with photos, note the company name and any vehicle or DOT numbers on the truck, get witness contact information, and avoid giving recorded statements to the company's insurer before speaking with a lawyer. Evidence like delivery logs and GPS data can disappear, so contacting an attorney quickly helps preserve it.
In most Illinois personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Different deadlines can apply in certain situations, so it is best to confirm your specific deadline with an attorney as early as possible.
You might have many valid concerns weighing on your mind after a delivery truck accident. Who will pay for my medical bills? How long will I be out of work? Will my employer punish me for being in an accident? At Collins Law Group, we work to alleviate those concerns and advocate for your interests while you focus on recovering.
Contact us today to get in touch with our delivery truck accident lawyers. We offer a free legal review of your case so you can understand all of the options available to you.
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