Delivery trucks are a common sight on roads and highways, especially with the rise of online shopping. While these trucks play an essential role in getting products to customers, accidents can lead to severe injuries and significant property damage. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a delivery truck, understanding who is liable can be complicated.

Who can be held liable in a delivery truck accident?

One unique aspect of delivery truck accidents is that multiple parties may be partially or fully liable, depending on what caused the accident.

Here are some potentially responsible parties:

• The driver: The truck driver is usually one of the first parties examined in accident claims. If they were speeding, distracted, fatigued or otherwise driving unsafely, they might be at fault. Evidence like police reports, witness statements and sometimes even surveillance footage can be helpful in proving the driver’s actions contributed to the crash.
• The delivery company: If the driver is employed by a delivery company, that company may be vicariously liable. Vicarious liability holds employers responsible for their employees’ actions while on the job. The company could be held liable if it’s proven that they encouraged unsafe practices (for example, pushing drivers to work excessive hours) or failed to provide proper training. Furthermore, if a company fails to maintain its fleet or doesn’t ensure drivers are following safe practices, they could be considered negligent.
• Third-party maintenance providers: Some companies outsource vehicle maintenance to third-party service providers. If a maintenance provider fails to properly inspect or repair a delivery truck, and a mechanical failure causes an accident, they could be liable. For instance, if brakes weren’t properly inspected and contributed to the accident, the maintenance provider may share responsibility.
• Vehicle or parts manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure due to a defective part, the manufacturer of the truck or the specific part could be liable. Examples include defective tires, brakes or steering systems.
• Other drivers: Sometimes, a third-party driver’s actions lead to a chain reaction that causes a delivery truck accident. For example, if a car cuts off a delivery truck, causing the truck driver to swerve and hit another vehicle, the driver who cut off the truck may be liable.

At The Law Offices of Tim Misny, we work hard to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a delivery truck, contact us today for a consultation.

Discuss your accident with a Columbus truck accident lawyer

The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your accident claim. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.