3 Steps to Take After a Delivery Truck or Van Accident
The e-commerce scene has seen quite some tremendous growth in the past decade. The ability to shop from home makes for so much convenience.
Still, it has downsides, such as an increase in the number of delivery trucks and vans on the road and, ultimately, the chances of getting into an accident with one.
What Makes Delivery Truck Accidents Different from Other Accidents?
Accidents have always happened, even before the e-commerce boom, so you may wonder what difference it makes to have more delivery trucks and vans on the roads. First, delivery trucks are typically larger than standard vehicles, so an accident may result in more severe injuries than a typical motor vehicle accident.
Second, delivery van drivers must race against time to fulfill their delivery quotas, which can encourage unsafe driving, increasing the chances of an accident.
“There is also the question of assigning liability for delivery vans and trucks. In most cases, the delivery van driver is an employee, meaning the vicarious liability doctrine may apply,” says attorney Javier Villarreal from Javier Villarreal Injury Law Firm.
The doctrine of vicarious liability holds an employer liable for accidents caused by their employees. Given these differences, you must take the proper steps to recover fair compensation after a delivery van or truck accident.
- Seek Medical Attention
The first thing after an accident should always be to seek medical attention. Sometimes, an adrenaline rush can mask pain, or you could suffer injuries that take time to show, like a concussion or a whiplash. A medical professional can help determine if you have any hidden or delayed injuries that need immediate treatment.
Also, you will need medical records to substantiate your injuries and create a connection between them and the accident. If you wait too long, the defense could claim that your injuries are not linked to the accident. So, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident.
- Notify the Police and Document the Scene
The second most important thing is to notify the police. Contact emergency services immediately so officers can respond to the scene and create an official record of the incident. Once at the scene, they will gather all relevant evidence which you can access for free from their website or station in the form of an accident report.
Although law enforcement will conduct a thorough investigation, it is still wise to document the accident scene yourself immediately before the scene is disturbed or altered in any way.
Also, you will likely get the most reliable eyewitness accounts in the first few minutes after an accident. So use your smartphone to take pictures, record video footage, and collect eyewitness accounts in video, audio or writing.
- Get a Lawyer
After you have left the scene of the accident and have received the medical help you need, it’s time to contact a lawyer. The earlier you involve one, the better it will be for your case.
A lawyer will help you obtain the evidence required to prove your case against the defendant, such as truck and van maintenance records, driver logs, and dashcam footage.
They also assist in clarifying disputed liability, negotiating a favorable resolution for your claim, and guiding you through the court process if the case proceeds to trial.
Conclusion
Accidents with delivery trucks and vans remind us how quickly life can change. They highlight the importance of preparedness, awareness, and knowing your rights in situations most people never expect to face.
