Determining who’s liable in a warehouse/delivery truck collision in California often depends on the cause of the accident and the relationships between the parties involved. Delivery drivers may be employed directly by companies like FedEx, UPS, or Amazon, or they may be independent contractors operating under separate agreements. This distinction can heavily influence who bears financial responsibility for a crash.

Common Causes of Warehouse and Delivery Truck Collisions

Warehouse and delivery trucks are tasked with meeting tight deadlines. Truck operators often put in long hours that allow for little time for rest. Drivers may speed or drive while fatigued to meet strict deadlines, which can increase the risk of high-speed crashes. Distracted driving, whether from using a smartphone or adjusting navigation systems, can also increase the risk of an impact.

Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transport, causing rollovers or jackknife collisions, especially along busy corridors like I-10, I-15, and SR-60. Mechanical issues such as worn brakes, defective tires, or poor maintenance further add to collision risks. Companies are responsible for maintaining their fleet. If they fail to do so and someone is harmed, they can face civil liabilities.

Compensation You May Be Owed After a Truck Accident

If you were injured by a warehouse or delivery truck, the negligent driver is liable for the harm you endured. That liability extends to the company they work for, and the trucking group’s insurance company may initially be tasked with compensating you for your injuries and financial setbacks.

Economic damages include reimbursement for emergency medical care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and the anticipated cost of future treatment. Victims may also recover compensation for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by long-term injuries or disability. In extreme cases involving reckless conduct or policy violations, courts may also award punitive damages to hold trucking companies accountable.

Understanding Warehouse and Delivery Truck Collisions in California

California registers about 420,000 heavy-duty trucks through the state DMV, and fleets are adding electric cargo vans every day. Over 14,000 EV cargo vans were on U.S. roads by 2023. Heavy commercial traffic mixes with local deliveries on key freight corridors, such as I-5, I-10, I-15, SR-60, I-215, and CA-210, plus arterial routes that serve warehouse parks and last-mile distribution centers.

Speeding can lead to high-energy impacts. Riverside County reported 260 serious injuries from speeding in 2021, and Norco recorded 97 collisions with injury or fatality in 2022. Common collision types involving warehouse and delivery vehicles include rear-end crashes, underride strikes, jackknifes, rollovers, and sideswipes during lane changes.

Typical injuries are compound fractures, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma, deep lacerations, and internal bleeding. Multi-vehicle crashes and underrides often produce the worst outcomes. First responders typically take the most critically injured parties to regional trauma centers. Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, 400 North Pepper Avenue, Colton, CA 92324, provides emergency surgery, imaging, and inpatient trauma care.

Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a warehouse or delivery truck collision, your first step should be to hire an Orange County truck accident lawyer with years of experience handling truck accident claims. Trucking groups have their own team of lawyers, and California truck accident laws place the burden of proof on plaintiffs to prove that the truck driver caused the collision.

With legal representation from a California truck accident attorney, you can begin your claim with confidence, knowing that you have secured the evidence needed to win your case. An attorney can advise you on your rights and options. Along the way, they can rely on their years of experience to see that you secure the compensation that you are owed.

FAQs

What Happens if a Delivery Truck Crashes?

When a delivery truck crashes, multiple parties may be investigated, including the driver, their employer, and the company responsible for vehicle maintenance. Victims can file a claim to recover compensation for injuries and property damage. Because delivery trucks often operate under tight schedules and corporate contracts, determining fault usually requires examining company policies, driver logs, and the driver’s delivery records.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

The driver who causes a collision is liable for any damage or harm they cause. Often, liability can extend beyond the driver. The trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance provider, or even the manufacturer of defective parts may share responsibility and financial liability.

Determining who is at fault for a collision typically involves investigating the driver’s actions and behavior, company safety practices, and vehicle condition to identify every party that contributed to the crash.

What Happens if You Get in an Accident With a Mail Truck?

When you get into an accident with a mail truck, you should take the same steps and precautions that you would with any vehicle collision. However, because mail trucks are government vehicles, claims are handled differently. You’ll need to file a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which has strict deadlines and specific procedures for pursuing compensation.

Legal representation can streamline the process so you receive fair and timely compensation.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive if a FedEx Truck Hits You?

The compensation you can receive if a FedEx truck hits you depends on the extent of your injuries, property damage, and how the crash impacts your daily life. FedEx may be held liable if the driver was negligent or failed to follow company safety policies. Victims can pursue damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related losses.

Find Reliable Legal Counsel for Your Personal Injury Case

Determining liability after a warehouse or delivery truck collision is rarely straightforward. Multiple parties may share responsibility for the harm caused. Having an experienced legal team can make the difference between being overlooked by insurers and securing full compensation for your losses.

At Easton & Easton, we understand the complex relationships between drivers, contractors, and logistics companies, and we know how to hold each accountable. If you were injured in a delivery truck accident, contact Easton & Easton today to protect your rights and begin the process of rebuilding your life.