Delivery Vehicle Accidents

Delivery trucks offer a valuable service, helping products get to various locations in a timely manner and offering important efficiency. If they are not operated carefully, however, delivery vehicle accidents may cause devastating injuries to pedestrians and other motorists in the vicinity. Because of their massive size and weight, commercial trucks require drivers to obtain certain certifications and training before they can operate them on the road. Trucking companies are also required to be diligent when it comes to hiring qualified and capable drivers. Regardless of these standards, there are some drivers who ignore the rules and some trucking companies that cut corners when it comes to protecting the safety of others. Greenville and Spartanburg truck accident attorney Patrick E. Knie has assisted many South Carolina residents with seeking compensation after a delivery vehicle accident, and he is ready to help you as well.

After being involved in a delivery vehicle accident, you may file a personal injury claim against any individuals or companies that were responsible for your injuries. In a personal injury claim, the plaintiff must show that the defendant acted negligently and that this negligence was the cause of the damages that they sustained.

First, showing that someone acted negligently usually involves demonstrating that they did not act with the same level of care and skill that a prudent person would show when faced with a similar situation. When it comes to driving delivery vehicles, this standard encompasses a wide variety of distinctive factors, including complying with any training and certification requirements as well as abiding by traffic laws like posted speed limits, right of way rules, DUI laws, and prohibitions against texting or engaging in other distractions while behind the wheel. Commercial drivers are also required to obey a strict set of state and federal regulations, some of which relate to the number of hours that they may spend behind the wheel during a certain period, while others relate to proper loading and truck maintenance procedures.

You may also be able to bring a claim against the company that employs the driver who caused your injuries. Under the theory of vicarious liability, employers usually are liable for the injuries that their employees cause during the course and scope of employment. The employer may have also engaged in negligent conduct of its own by failing to perform adequate inspections and maintenance of the delivery vehicle, or by failing to ensure that the driver was a qualified and trustworthy individual.

The element of causation is critical in negligence cases. There are a variety of reasons why delivery vehicle accidents may occur. Overworked and fatigued drivers, lack of proper vehicle maintenance, and drivers who are in a rush to make a deadline are just a few examples. Under South Carolina law, the defendant is allowed to offer evidence showing that the plaintiff was also negligent at the time of the crash. If they can show that the plaintiff contributed to their injuries, the plaintiff will have their damages reduced. If the plaintiff was more than 50% responsible, they will not be able to recover any damages. This is known as a modified comparative negligence system. It is important to consult an experienced attorney when you are trying to defeat a comparative negligence argument and seek compensation for the full amount of damages that you have incurred. Damages often include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, repairs to a vehicle, and future medical care needs.

Truck accidents often lead to devastating injuries, particularly because of the large size and weight of these vehicles. Delivery trucks are a common sight on our roadways, and they are becoming even more integral. However, this does not mean that their owners or operators should not be held accountable when they act carelessly or recklessly. Motor vehicle collision attorney Patrick E. Knie has assisted victims in the Spartanburg and Greenville areas, as well as throughout Laurens, Union, and Cherokee Counties, with seeking the compensation that they deserve following a delivery truck accident. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us at (864) 582-5118.