Delivery Truck Accident Attorneys In Mississippi
It is estimated that over 1.2 million people work as delivery truck drivers, according to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010. While much smaller than other commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers or dump trucks, delivery trucks can be up to 26,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight and can cause severe damage to passenger vehicles when they are involved in a collision.
These delivery truck and van drivers have pressure to deliver their loads quickly, and many have little or no additional training pertaining to driving safety.
Southern Counsel injury attorneys Seth Thompson (left) and Mike Saltaformaggio (right).
Delivery Trucks: Common Vehicles on Mississippi Roads
Delivery drivers can work in a wide variety of industries, from delivering retail goods to mail or packages. They may be bringing food and beverages to grocery stores or restaurants, working for a package delivery company or transporting products to and from job sites. One thing they all have in common is that they are often on a tight delivery schedule and must keep up the pace to stay on track and maximize company profit.
Today, there are several large players in the commercial and consumer delivery business including United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express (FedEx), DHL and United State Postal Service (USPS).
Some of the vehicles they may use to do their jobs are:
Box trucks
Large vans
Flatbed trucks
Corporate Pressures Adding to Risk of Mississippi Delivery Truck Collisions
In 2005, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that delivery trucks, regarded as those under 26,000 pounds, attributed to over 10% of all truck fatality accidents and over 8,000 injury accidents. While less deadly than their larger counterparts, these trucks still are dangerous for many of the same reasons.
Delivery truck drivers also work long hours, are expected to drive in inclement weather, and must deliver their loads within a set amount of time. Furthermore, these drivers have other factors that may lead to accidents:
Lack of training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most delivery drivers receive less than a month of training, unlike large truck drivers.
Delivery areas. These smaller trucks deliver goods on busy Mississippi streets and in residential areas, having more exposure to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Parking. Many delivery trucks are forced to park in the street or double-park to reach their destinations. This action can mean quick stops and starts, putting other people around them at risk.
When these delivery trucks are involved in an accident, the companies that employ or contract these drivers are usually the ones to fight the claims. Many of these companies are large corporations that are well represented by lawyers and legal staff to keep accident payouts to a minimum. Although they have insurance on their drivers and vehicles, they have a vested interest in keeping the payouts as low as possible, as so does the insurance company.
Why you need an experienced Injury Attorney to represent you after a Mississippi delivery truck accident
If you are a victim of a delivery truck accident, you need attorneys on your side to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. The companies that employ these drivers and their insurance carriers will do their best to pay as little or nothing if at all possible. Our Mississippi truck crash attorneys at Southern Counsel will work directly with these companies for you to get the best settlement, or even go to trial if that is what it takes. We work on a contingency fee, so there is no money out of your pocket until we get you financial compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options.