From Amazon and FedEx to UPS and grocery chains, delivery trucks are a constant presence on California roads. While these vehicles are essential for commerce, their size, weight, and tight delivery schedules can make them a serious safety hazard. If you’ve been injured in a delivery truck accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation but these cases often involve complex liability and insurance issues.
Why Delivery Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Delivery trucks are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, meaning collisions often cause more severe injuries and greater property damage. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large truck crashes have a higher likelihood of resulting in fatalities compared to standard car accidents. Learn more here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
- Driver fatigue – rushing to meet delivery quotas and long hours on the road
- Distracted driving – using GPS devices, mobile apps, or dispatch systems
- Speeding and aggressive driving to stay on schedule
- Improperly loaded cargo that shifts during transit
- Mechanical failures – such as brake or tire blowouts
- Lack of proper driver training
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
Common Injuries in Delivery Truck Collisions
Because of the force of impact, victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Severe burns from post-crash fires
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Wrongful death
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liability in delivery truck accidents can involve multiple parties, such as:
- The delivery truck driver – for negligent or reckless driving
- The delivery company – for unsafe policies, poor training, or negligent hiring
- Third-party contractors – if the driver was employed by an outside carrier
- Cargo loaders – for improperly secured loads
- Maintenance providers – for negligent repairs
- Truck or parts manufacturers – for defective components
Steps to Take After a Delivery Truck Accident
- Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Take photos and videos of the scene, damage, and any visible injuries
- Obtain the driver’s name, employer, and vehicle details (including USDOT number)
- Collect witness statements and contact information
- Contact a California delivery truck accident lawyer before speaking to insurance companies or company representatives
How Hillstone Law Can Help
Delivery companies and their insurers are quick to defend themselves after an accident. At Hillstone Law, we work to protect your interests, not theirs. Our team investigates the accident, gathers evidence, and identifies all potential sources of compensation so you can focus on recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a delivery truck accident in California, we are ready to fight for your rights.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.