Delivery Truck Accidents and Liability
In Washington DC, businesses such as Amazon and FedEx are responsible for their commercial liability in the event of delivery truck accidents. Businesses in the District of Columbia must practice reasonable care when conducting business activities or using property owned by them. This means that companies must take measures that protect customers and third parties from potential harm or damage.
Liability in Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery truck accidents happen for many reasons, and the one thing they have in common is that injuries or even fatalities can occur. In Washington, D.C., liability for delivery truck accidents is governed by federal laws. The legal framework for commercial vehicles includes regulations on trucking, commercial transportation, and liability in personal injury cases. In a delivery truck accident, the driver, the company and the truck manufacturer may all potentially be liable for damages.
Types of Liability in Delivery Truck Accidents
The truck driver may be held liable if they were driving recklessly, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violating traffic laws. The delivery company may also be held liable if they were negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver or if they failed to maintain their trucks properly. Additionally, the truck manufacturer may be held liable if there was a defect in the design or manufacture of the truck that caused the accident. In other words, in some cases, the driver may be liable, in others the company or third party may also be held responsible.
Insurance Coverage for Delivery Vehicles
Delivery companies like Amazon or UPS typically carry large commercial insurance policies that provide coverage for their delivery vehicles. The coverage offered by these policies typically includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, as well as collision coverage for damage to the delivery vehicle. Delivery trucks in Washington DC must be insured according to the requirements of the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB).
The minimum levels of coverage are coverage for bodily injury of $50,000 for each person; $100,000 per accident; and $25,000 that covers property damage. The amount of coverage provided may vary depending on the specific insurance policy and the type of delivery vehicle involved in the accident. For example, a large delivery truck may have higher liability limits than a smaller delivery van.
Recovering Compensation in Delivery Truck Accidents
If you are injured in an accident with a delivery vehicle, you might be able to get compensation for your injuries and other damages. A victim of a delivery truck accident may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, unpaid wages and for your pain and suffering and property damage. You should consult an experienced personal injury lawyer who can advise you on your legal options and help you navigate the insurance claims process.
It’s important to note that the legal process for determining liability and seeking compensation in delivery truck accidents can be complex, and it’s recommended that victims seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Washington, D.C.
Roeser Law Firm
At Roeser Law Firm, we can assist you if you are injured in an accident as the result of a negligent driver. Contact us for a free review of your case and find out how you can recover the compensation you deserve at (202) 660-4070. We can also be contacted online. Our attorneys work hard to get you the compensation you deserve, so you can rest easy knowing your case is in good hands.
