The holiday season is magical, bustling with festive decorations, family gatherings, and gift-giving. But along with the joy comes increased traffic and a surge in delivery trucks zig-zagging through neighborhoods to ensure holiday packages make it to doorsteps on time. With so many drivers on the road, these trucks can pose unique risks, creating challenges for other vehicles.
What happens if you’re injured in an accident involving a delivery truck? How can you reduce your risks while sharing the road?
Why Delivery Trucks Pose Extra Risks During the Holidays
The holiday season marks the busiest time of year for delivery drivers, with online shopping soaring to new heights. While they play a critical role in the festivities, the rush to meet deadlines can create hazards for other motorists. Here’s why:
1. Tight Schedules Create Pressure
Delivery drivers often work against the clock, juggling hundreds of packages in a day. Tight schedules can leave less room for caution, leading to hurried lane changes, rolling stops, or misjudged turns.
2. Heavy Trucks, Longer Stopping Distances
Delivery vehicles like vans and trucks are significantly heavier than passenger cars. This means they require more time to slow down or stop completely. Even a small misstep can lead to a collision if you don't give them enough space.
3. Blind Spots
Many delivery trucks have large blind spots, especially on the sides, directly behind, and even in front of the vehicle. If you’re cruising in one of these blind zones, the driver may not see you when they merge or turn.
4. Fatigue and Distractions
Long shifts and holiday stress can lead to tired or distracted drivers. These distractions can result in unsafe driving behaviors, whether it’s a slip in focus due to a navigation app or physical exhaustion.
Awareness is key, but you also need actionable tips to stay safe on the road during delivery season.
Tips to Stay Safe Around Delivery Trucks
Whether heading to a holiday dinner or picking up last-minute shopping items, you’ll likely encounter delivery trucks. By following these safety tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and make the roads safer for everyone:
1. Give Delivery Trucks Plenty of Space
Always maintain extra space when driving near a delivery truck. Tailgating isn’t just dangerous; it can leave you in the driver’s blind spot. Aim to stay at least 20 to 25 feet behind, and do so quickly but carefully when passing.
2. Stay Out of Blind Spots
If you can’t see the truck’s side mirrors, they can’t see you. Make sure you're visible while driving next to or behind a truck. Avoid lingering in areas where they might not notice you.
3. Anticipate Wide Turns
Trucks often need extra room to make turns, particularly right-hand ones. If you see a truck signaling, don’t try to squeeze by or assume they’ll stay in their lane. Be patient and give them space to complete the maneuver.
4. Be Cautious at Intersections
Delivery drivers may find themselves in unfamiliar neighborhoods, causing them to hesitate or react suddenly. Be particularly alert at intersections; they might stop abruptly if they’re unsure of their path or distracted by navigation.
5. Avoid Driving Distracted or Aggressively
It’s tempting to speed up or act unpredictably in heavy traffic, but that kind of behavior only increases your chances of an accident. Stay calm, keep both hands on the wheel, and focus solely on the road.
By practicing these small habits, you can create a safer environment for yourself and others and reduce the stress of the holiday rush.
What to Do If You’re Injured in an Accident With a Delivery Truck
Even the most cautious drivers can find themselves in unfortunate situations. If you’re involved in a collision with a delivery truck, knowing what to do next is crucial to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
1. Call for Help and Stay Safe
Your first priority after any accident is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 if there’s significant damage or injuries involved. If possible, move to a safe spot to avoid further collisions.
2. Gather Evidence
If you’re physically able, take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, and any road conditions that may have contributed. Also, collect contact information from witnesses and the delivery driver.
3. Document Key Details
Write down everything you remember, including how the accident happened, what the delivery driver said, and any traffic sign violations. Keep copies of medical bills, police reports, and other documents.
4. Don’t Talk to Interested Parties Alone
After the accident, you may hear from the delivery company’s insurance provider. Be cautious about providing any statements before consulting with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, so it’s best to have a lawyer by your side.
5. Work With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Collisions involving delivery trucks can involve complex questions of liability. Was the driver negligent? Can the delivery company be held responsible? An experienced personal injury attorney can handle these questions, help determine responsibility, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney can also work on your behalf to negotiate with insurance companies or represent you in court if necessary.
Why Legal Help Is Critical
Delivery truck accidents are often more complicated than typical car accidents. Employees or contractors usually operate these vehicles for large companies, like UPS, FedEx, or Amazon. That means their employer’s liability, company policies, and insurance coverage may come into play. Without legal expertise, navigating these waters can feel overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney understands these nuances. They’ll investigate the incident thoroughly, connect the dots between unsafe practices and your accident, and build the strongest case possible. With an advocate on your side, you can focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities.
Las Cruces Truck Accident Attorneys
As the holiday season advances, there is a heightened need for emphasis on road safety, not just to ensure our gifts arrive on time, but to keep our community roads secure and accident-free. At Harmonson Law Firm in El Paso, TX, we take personal and collective safety seriously and stand prepared to assist those who find themselves entangled in road incidents during this busy period. Our expertise in personal injury law provides individuals with the peace of mind that there is assistance and advocacy available should the need arise. To ensure your safety or to learn more about how we can serve you, contact us today at (915) 233-6427 to get started.