Delivery Truck Accidents in Texas

Houston delivery truck accident lawyers committed to seeking justice and maximum compensation

Delivery trucks are necessary for getting goods and services from point A to point B. However, they pose a serious risk to other road users when not operated with care. The size and weight of these vehicles are enough to cause catastrophic damage, injuries, and deaths on Texas roads.

It only takes one small error to cause a serious crash. The aftermath can be devastating and long-lasting for victims. The experienced Houston delivery truck accident lawyers at Smith & Hassler are dedicated to advocating for crash victims.

We meticulously investigate each case, identify liable parties, and pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With a proven track record in Houston, Smith & Hassler is ready to give you the legal advantage you need to get a favorable outcome in your delivery truck accident claim.

Common causes of delivery truck accidents

In Texas, human error accounts for the majority of delivery truck accidents. Key contributing factors include:

Driver fatigue and long hours: Delivery truck drivers often face demanding schedules, which can lead to insufficient rest and increased fatigue. This exhaustion impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities.
Distracted driving: Using mobile devices, adjusting in-cab technology, or eating diverts attention from the road.
Inadequate training: Delivery drivers lacking proper training may struggle with vehicle handling, defensive driving techniques, and adherence to safety protocols. This makes them more prone to errors that can lead to collisions.
Vehicle maintenance failures: Neglecting regular maintenance can result in mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts. When this happens, delivery drivers can lose control of their vehicles.
Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo: Exceeding weight limits or improper cargo distribution can destabilize trucks. This can lead to rollovers or loss of control, thereby increasing accident risks.

Types of delivery trucks involved in accidents

Delivery truck accidents in Houston involve different vehicle types varying in weight and size. Common delivery vehicles include:

Parcel delivery vans: Companies such as UPS and FedEx utilize these vans to transport packages. Their frequent stops and navigation through residential areas increase the risk of collisions, especially when drivers are pressured to meet tight delivery schedules.
Food and beverage delivery trucks: These vehicles supply goods to restaurants and stores. They often operate during peak traffic hours, and their size and weight can lead to severe crashes if involved in collisions.
Furniture and appliance delivery vehicles: These vehicles transport large items such as furniture, refrigerators, stoves, and other household appliances. These trucks can be challenging to maneuver, particularly in narrow streets or tight spaces.
Courier services: Couriers may engage in risky driving behaviors while working on tight schedules. This includes speeding or abrupt lane changes.

Common injuries sustained in delivery truck accidents

Delivery truck accidents often result in severe injuries. Many of these injuries can have a long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial impact:

Traumatic brain injuries: The force of a collision can cause serious head trauma. This can lead to concussions or more severe brain injuries that may affect cognitive function and quality of life.
Spinal cord injuries: The impact of a collision can damage the spinal cord. This can potentially result in partial or complete paralysis.
Broken bones and fractures: The sheer force of a collision can lead to fractures in limbs, ribs, or other bones. These injuries often require surgical intervention and extended recovery periods.
Lacerations and burns: A crash may cause deep cuts from debris or burns if a vehicle catches fire. These injuries can lead to scarring and the risk of infection.
Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can harm internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, posing life-threatening conditions that demand immediate medical attention.

Who is liable for a delivery truck accident?

Determining liability in these types of cases requires a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties. Potentially liable entities include:

The delivery driver: If the driver engaged in negligent behaviors (e.g., distracted driving, speeding, or operating under the influence), they may be held accountable for the crash.
The driver’s employer: Employers can be vicariously liable for their employees' actions during the course of employment. Additionally, if the company failed to enforce safety regulations, provided inadequate training, or imposed unrealistic delivery schedules that contributed to the crash, they might share responsibility.
Vehicle manufacturers: If a mechanical failure due to a manufacturing defect (e.g., faulty brakes or steering mechanisms) caused the crash, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws.
Other parties: Entities responsible for vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, or road conditions may also bear liability if their negligence contributed to the collision.

An attorney at Smith & Hassler can determine who is responsible by conducting a thorough investigation. We’ll use the police report, witness statements, surveillance camera footage, truck black box data, and other key facts to build your case.

We’ll also look for evidence that the trucking company failed to properly inspect and maintain its vehicles, hire eligible and responsible drivers, and adhere to other state and federal laws.

Who pays for injuries after a delivery truck accident?

In Texas, the party responsible for your injuries typically bears financial liability. This often includes the driver and their employer, especially if the driver was performing job-related duties at the time of the crash. Employers are generally accountable for their employees' actions under the legal doctrine of "respondeat superior."

To seek compensation, you would typically file a claim against the at-fault party's insurance company. Texas follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule. This means if you're found partially at fault for the collision, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you're more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages.

What to do after a collision with a delivery truck

Being involved in any accident can be overwhelming, but taking prompt and deliberate action can help you protect your health and legal rights. Here's a step-by-step guide to follow immediately after a crash:

Check for injuries: First, assess yourself and others for injuries. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. If you or anyone else are seriously injured, call 911 to request emergency medical assistance.
Call the police: Once immediate safety has been established, call the police and wait for a law enforcement officer to arrive at the scene.
Exchange information: Exchange insurance, vehicle, and contact information with the driver. Avoid admitting fault or arguing about who’s to blame.
Document the crash scene: Take clear photos and videos of the crash scene. Capture vehicle positions, damages, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs.
Gather witness statements: If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information and ask for their account of the crash. If they caught the incident on a dashcam, ask for a copy of the footage.
Get immediate medical attention: Even if you feel fine after a collision, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries take time to fully develop, and if they’re left untreated, they could get worse.
Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance provider about the crash as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary details, but refrain from making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
Get legal help: Speak to an experienced attorney who can offer you legal advice, handle every aspect of your claim, and fight to maximize your compensation.
Don’t provide insurance companies a recorded statement: If the at-fault party’s insurance company contacts you to ask some “questions,” don’t provide any answers without your attorney present. Anything you say can be later used against you.

What compensation can I get after a delivery truck accident?

Common compensatory damages include:

Medical expenses: This includes all healthcare-related costs stemming from the crash, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary future medical care.
Lost wages: This is reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery, as well as compensation for diminished earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
Pain and suffering: This covers physical pain, emotional distress, and any impact on the quality of your life as a result of the collision.

You may be in dire need of compensation while you’re dealing with medical bills and lost income. Insurance companies often take advantage of your situation by offering a lowball settlement that only pays a small portion of your total losses. If you accept it, you won’t be able to seek additional compensation.

It’s important to be patient and let an experienced attorney evaluate your damages and determine how much money you’re eligible for. It could take some time, but the attorneys at Smith & Hassler can ensure you’re compensated for the full extent of your damages, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

Do I really need to hire a lawyer?

Handling your claim alone can put you at a disadvantage, but having a Houston delivery truck accident lawyer on your side can help level the playing field against the at-fault party and their insurance provider.

The attorneys at Smith & Hassler understand both state and federal laws governing commercial vehicles. We have the resources to conduct investigations and gather key evidence, such as driver logs, maintenance records, and eyewitness accounts, to build a strong case.

We’re also skilled at negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers all current and future damages. If the insurance companies won’t settle, we’re prepared to go to trial and fight for you in the courtroom.

We’ve recovered over $1 Billion for injured Texans

The Houston delivery truck accident lawyers at Smith & Hassler have over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of getting maximum compensation for truck accident victims, including those injured in crashes involving delivery vehicles.

We give every case personalized attention and aggressive representation. Our legal team has a deep understanding of Texas personal injury law and a commitment to client advocacy. Plus, our legal services don’t cost any money upfront. That’s because we work on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if we win your case.

To learn more about how we can help you, contact us online or call us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you have, discuss your case, and provide advice on what to do next.

“Smith and Hassler is a powerful law firm and the only lawyers to go to when you have been in an accident! They will roll up their sleeves the Texan way and take the fight to the defense lawyers for a successful resolution! If you want to do it correctly the first time, hire Smith and Hassler.”
– MB, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐