Rise in Delivery Trucks on Roads Sees Increase in Accidents in Tampa
Posted By Darrigo & Diaz
We all love the ability to order something online and get it delivered the very next day. Amazon’s FREE and insanely fast delivery services have prompted a shift in how we shop for clothing, furniture, appliances, and groceries. Yet, the online revolution is changing something else: transportation. There are more delivery trucks on the road than ever before, and their presence is not going without notice.
A report found a steady growing trend in all types of truck accidents in 2018. However, the main culprit was delivery truck accidents, “where the pressures for ‘on-time delivery’ create havoc for the fleet manager, the logistics manager, and ultimately the driver.”1
The number of fatalities in 2017 involving large trucks increased by 9% compared to 2016, while the total number of vehicle traffic fatalities dropped by 2%, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Why are there more delivery truck and shipping vehicle accidents?
- Delivery companies, such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, and now Amazon, have had to significantly expand their truck fleets. This inherently places more delivery trucks on the road.
- Delivery companies are under increasing pressure to delivery items faster and cheaper, which places strain on the truck drivers themselves.
- Delivery companies are shipping a growing volume of products, which gives a greater possibility for overloading or improperly loading the trucks.
- Delivery trucks have blind spots around all four sides.
- Delivery trucks enter suburban neighborhoods and frequently park illegally while the package is delivered. This can cause a hazard to other motorists.
How to avoid delivery truck accidents
- Take extra care in passing and being passed by a delivery truck. Large commercial trucks have blind spots around all four sides.
- Stay out of delivery truck blind spots by maintaining a safe distance or switching lanes. Keep in mind that trucks make wide turns.
- Try not to suddenly brake in front of a delivery truck. Larger trucks take longer distances to come to a complete stop.
- Slow down when passing a stopped delivery truck and be alert for the driver, who may be outside of the vehicle.
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I was injured in a delivery truck accident in Tampa – what do I do now?
An accident that involves a delivery truck or large commercial vehicle is a serious and potentially life-threatening event. On top of that, accidents that involve commercial trucks from big companies, such as UPS or FedEx, likely have complex commercial insurance policies which complicate how easily you are able to obtain compensation. Large companies can afford to take cases to trial to mitigate their responsibility, and that is why it is imperative that you have equally powerful legal resources protecting your best interests.
Darrigo & Diaz has represented thousands of personal injury accident victims and their families throughout Tampa Bay, complex commercial vehicle cases. We have the experience, expertise, and resources to take cases to trial and settle them successfully.
We fight for the rights and victims of truck accidents. Led by Board Certified Civil Trial Expert Nadine Diaz, our firm is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. We handle every component of your case, from obtaining police reports to handling insurance adjusters, and we provide competent, resourceful, and aggressive legal representation.
If you are the victim of a delivery truck accident, contact our firm today to learn about your options and how we can help. Call us at (813) 774-3341 to schedule a free case evaluation with our highly-experienced, highly-praised team.
