Austin residents depend on the goods and services brought to their doorsteps by delivery vehicles and enjoy the convenience of online shopping. Since the retail industry has largely turned to the digital world, large delivery trucks and vans now congest the Texas roadways. Often, delivery truck drivers navigate unfamiliar roadways and make frequent stops, starts, turns, and reverses, increasing the chance of an accident. They may also exceed the speed limit to achieve unrealistic delivery goals or drive while distracted by their navigation systems. When a delivery truck in Austin causes an accident, the injury victims have a right to pursue a compensation claim for their damages. Speak to a truck accident attorney in Austin today to discuss your case.
What Damages Commonly Result From Delivery Truck Accidents?
Large delivery vans and trucks far outweigh standard passenger vehicles, particularly when fully loaded. The occupants of smaller vehicles are vulnerable to severe injuries or fatalities in a collision. Common damages in delivery truck accidents in Austin include:
- Property damage to a vehicle
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost income
- Diminished future earning capacity (if the injury causes disability), and
- Compensation for pain and suffering
In some cases, additional non-economic damages apply, like disfigurement compensation or loss of enjoyment of life due to disability.
Damages in delivery truck accidents can be severe and life-altering, but even less serious injuries can cause financial hardship with one or two missed paychecks at the same time that an injury victim has a large medical bill.
All injury victims have a right to compensation after an accident caused by another driver under Texas car accident liability laws.
Injuries in Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery trucks have been cited in Austin car accident claims for many types of accidents, including T-bone accidents, rear-end collisions, sideswipes, head-on collisions, and pedestrian accidents. Injuries often include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Lacerations, bruises, and abrasions
The worst delivery truck accidents cause fatalities, in which case, a close family member may file a wrongful death claim for compensation that includes funeral expenses and lost income for the remainder of the working years the family member had left to them had they not died.
Who Is Liable for a Delivery Truck Accident in Austin?
Determining liability in delivery truck accidents has an additional layer of complexity compared to most car accidents because multiple entities could be liable or share liability for damages. Most large online retailers insulate themselves from direct liability for accidents by using delivery service companies, third-party contractors, and independently contracted drivers rather than employees. A third-party delivery service could bear liability or a contracted driver who carries the special liability insurance most major online retailers require their contracted delivery drivers to carry. Our Austin accident attorneys are here to help you determine liability and receive the compensation that you deserve.
How Can an Austin Delivery Truck Accident Attorney Help?
When a delivery vehicle accident occurs, it takes a skilled investigator to pinpoint the correct liable party and document compelling evidence that the accident victim’s injuries were directly caused by a delivery truck driver’s negligence. Having an Austin injury lawyer representing your best interests throughout the investigation and during negotiations for a settlement helps to achieve the best possible outcome. Contact Shaw Cowart LLP for a consultation so we can take prompt action on your behalf.