How to File a Claim After an Accident with a Delivery Truck
Fighting for Charlotte accident victims since 1979
Large trucks make deliveries throughout the Charlotte region. Some of these deliveries go to warehouses and fulfillment centers. Other deliveries go directly to residences and businesses. At Price, Petho & Associates, we hold the drivers of these trucks and their employers accountable when accidents happen. Our Charlotte delivery truck accident lawyers understand when shipping companies such as Amazon, UPS, and FedEx are responsible and when intermediate trucking companies are responsible. We can help you obtain full compensation for your pain and suffering and your financial damages.
If you were injured by a delivery truck driver while driving on any road, such as I-77, I-85, I-485, the John Belk Freeway, the Brookshire Freeway, or any local road, call us today. We’re prepared to fight to restore your health and protect your future.
What would you like to know?
- What types of delivery trucks service the Charlotte region?
- Why do delivery trucks cause accidents in Charlotte?
- What kinds of injuries do delivery trucks cause?
- What steps should you take after a delivery truck accident?
- Who is liable for a delivery truck accident in Charlotte?
- How much is my Charlotte delivery accident case worth?
- Do you have a Charlotte delivery truck accident lawyer near me?
What types of delivery trucks service the Charlotte region?
Charlotte is centrally located in North Carolina. That makes Charlotte a prime destination for trucks traveling in and out of the city. Trucks deliver everything individual consumers, homes, and businesses want and need, including furniture, clothes, books, electronic devices, music, food, office supplies, and other goods.
According to WBTV, Amazon opened a new fulfillment center and operates two delivery stations in Charlotte. Amazon trucks transport cargo to its fulfillment centers and sortation centers. The trucks then transport the cargo to delivery stations so trucks can deliver the cargo to customers. Walmart has a supercenter in Charlotte. FedEx and UPS have numerous locations throughout Charlotte.
Other delivery services in Charlotte include DoorDash, various courier services, and many local retailers, such as your local pizza restaurant, that deliver their own products.
Some companies provide their own trucks and their own drivers. Many companies, like Amazon, use a combination of drivers – their own drivers for longer routes and intermediate companies for local deliveries. The intermediate companies generally use their own trucks and their own drivers, with marketing help and other help from the large shipping company.
- FedEx specifically uses “route owners,” which are companies that make deliveries along specific routes.
- Amazon uses Flex drivers, which are intermediate companies qualified to make local deliveries.
- UPS uses different types of drivers – tractor-trailer drivers, package delivery drivers, and seasonal support drivers – who generally use UPS trucks.
Tractor-trailers, semis, and 18-wheelers typically make deliveries to warehouses, delivery stations, and retailers. Smaller box trucks and vans tend to make deliveries directly to consumers.
Why do delivery trucks cause accidents in Charlotte?
At Price, Petho & Associates, we hire investigators who examine the accident site and the damaged vehicles. They also speak with witnesses and work to determine if there are any videos of the accident. Our Charlotte truck accident lawyers also work with the police and traffic reconstruction experts when necessary to show how the truck accident happened. Additionally, we formally question everyone who has knowledge of the accident.
Delivery truck accidents are preventable. Some of the common reasons truck accidents happen in Charlotte include the following:
- Pressure to drive fast or aggressively. Many drivers make more money if they make more deliveries. This is true for the drivers of large tractor-trailers and smaller delivery vehicles. This reward comes with the price that many drivers speed, tailgate, and drive recklessly in order to make more deliveries.
- Navigation accidents. Drivers rely on GPS and other navigation tools to know which exits to take, which local roads to take, and what turns to make. Truck drivers who are looking at a monitor instead or even listening to a voice giving instructions are not focusing fully on their driving and the traffic around them.
- Blind spots. Most trucks, large and small, have dangerous blind spots. The longer and wider the truck, the more difficult it is for the driver to see around the truck. Delivery drivers should use extra caution and the latest technology when shifting lanes or turning.
- Driver fatigue. Many truck drivers work long hours because of the incentive to earn more money and because their employers and shipping companies promise fast service. At Price, Petho & Associates, we hold truck drivers and the companies who push them accountable for accidents due to drowsiness, violations of FMCSA Hours of Service rules, and other related causes.
- Driver distraction. Many delivery drivers eat and drink while driving. Some text or talk on their mobile phones to pass the time on long trips and to keep in touch on short trips. Drivers must focus 100% on their driving and the traffic around them at all times. Driving while distracted is inexcusable.
Other causes of delivery truck accidents in Charlotte include:
- Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo
- Driver inexperience
- Improper wide turn accidents
- Speeding, driving through red lights, and other traffic violations
- Driving too closely – delivery trucks need more time and distance to stop than cars
- Failing to understand when a tractor-trailer might jackknife
What kinds of injuries do delivery trucks cause?
Most trucks are larger and heavier than most cars. Our Charlotte truck accident lawyers represent anyone who has a serious injury due to an accident, including the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic amputation/loss of limb
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries, including internal bleeding
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Death
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.
What steps should you take after a delivery truck accident?
After a truck accident, your first priority is to seek medical treatment for your injuries. To the extent that you can, you should take photos/videos of the accident site and of your injuries. You should exchange contact information and insurance information with the other drivers. Often, the police will do that for you.
You should also call our experienced truck accident lawyers as soon as possible. We’re prepared to notify the insurance companies of the other drivers. Generally, you should notify your own insurance company as soon as possible.
Who is liable for a delivery truck accident in Charlotte?
Claims against delivery drivers and shipping companies are complicated. Our Charlotte delivery truck lawyers understand how to determine who is responsible. Some of the issues we need to address are:
- Who is the driver’s employer?
- Who is the owner of the truck?
- Who requested the shipment?
- What is the arrangement between the shipping company (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, or any other company), any intermediate companies, and the truck driver?
- Which insurance policies cover your claim?
The defendants may include the following parties:
- The delivery truck driver
- The employer of the driver
- A fleet owner or any other owner of the truck
- Route owners or other intermediate businesses
- Maintenance and repair companies
- Manufacturers of defective truck parts
- Drivers of other vehicles
How much is my Charlotte delivery accident case worth?
We will help you secure full compensation for all your current and future damages, such as the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your vehicle
- Loss of consortium
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of bodily function
We seek wrongful death damages on behalf of the family members if a delivery truck accident is fatal.
Do you have a Charlotte delivery truck accident attorney near me?
Price, Petho & Associates meets accident victims and families at our three office locations:
- 1430 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC
- 801 E Broad Ave, #17, Rockingham, NC
- 224 N Main St., Rutherfordton, NC
If you’re physically unable to travel, we can make alternate arrangements to meet with you away from our offices. We also conduct phone and online video consultations.
Our lawyers have helped many accident victims like you. We’re prepared to fight aggressively for all the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Charlotte delivery truck accident lawyers today
Truck accidents can turn your life upside down. At Price, Petho & Associates, we work to return your life to the position you were enjoying before the accident. With more than $200 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients, we have the experience to help you, too. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent accident clients on a contingency fee basis.
Serving Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.