Delivery trucks are becoming as much a way of life as ride-sharing and food delivery. With the convenience of ordering things online with same-day, one, or two-day delivery, it makes sense that we would see an increase in delivery trucks. This, naturally, means we see a significant amount of delivery trucks involved in accidents if only because we see more on the roads.
Technically, all freight trucks could be considered delivery trucks. Accidents caused by these can be, on average, far more perilous than a typical car accident simply because of the size and weight difference. White Law PLLC is familiar with cases that involve these kinds of accidents, and speaking with an experienced Okemos truck accident lawyer may provide much-needed support if you have been victimized in a delivery truck accident.
Delivery Truck Drivers
Delivery truck drivers typically hold a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL). This certification requires additional education to the standard drivers’ education most of us receive as teenagers. Michigan requirements and resources are on the Michigan Department of State website.
These requirements are known as Entry Level Drivers Training, which is required prior to taking the knowledge or skills-based test for the CDL endorsement. This new requirement became effective in February of 2022. Beginning in November of 2024, the state of Michigan will be required to check the Drug and Alcohol Clearing House before any licensing transactions can happen.
The 300,000 licensed large truck drivers in Michigan have more extensive training than we do as personal vehicle drivers. This is because these trucks can weigh a maximum weight of 80,000 lbs compared to the under 10,000 lbs that most personal vehicles weigh. This difference in weight and size, combined with the added complexity of maneuvering such a large vehicle, makes delivery trucks much more dangerous to have on the road.
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Michigan Delivery Truck Statistics
Along with the 300,000 licensed drivers, Michigan has 285,000 registered trucks on the roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), through the Department of Transportation (DOT), presents a visual data presentation of crash statistics available on big trucks. This can be filtered by state, and Michigan shows the following statistics for the most recent 12-month period:
- Crashes involving delivery trucks: 5,374
- Vehicles Involved: 5,668
- Fatalities: 82
- Injuries: 1,583
- October resulted in the most accidents, totaling 524
- 20 Michigan counties fell within the top 25th percentile for accidents
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provides interesting insights into data from its most recent calendar year report. The report shows almost 43,000 fatal crashes nationally. Of those, large trucks accounted for about 11% but more than 11% of total miles driven.
United Parcel Service
For major carriers like the United Parcel Service (UPS), which has over 128,000 drivers, the FMCSA shows data surrounding different safety measures. Some of these that are publicly available for the most recent reporting period are:
- Driving Safety Violations: Just under 3,000 in the most recent reporting period
- Hours of Service compliance: 1,005 violations
- Vehicle Maintenance: 5,422 violations
- Controlled Substances and Alcohol: 13 violations
- Driver Fitness: 298 violations
FedEx Ground
FedEx Ground is another large shipping and delivery company in the United States with just over 102,000 drivers. According to the FMCSA, the following causes have contributed to FedEx truck accidents:
- Unsafe Driving Violations: 4,242
- Hours of Service Violations: 1,650
- Vehicle Maintenance Violations: 8,659
- Controlled Substance Violations: 26
- Driver Fitness Violation: 600
DHL Express USA
DHL is a German-based company that delivers internationally. The FMCSA reports DHL drivers were involved in 4 collisions that resulted in serious, non-fatal injuries. In addition, one DHL truck accident reported a death. If a DHL truck hits you, it is important to seek representation for your claim as soon as possible.
Amazon
Amazon is one of the most recognized names in retail and delivery. The latest reports show that Amazon trucks were involved in 8 crashes that caused serious injury. Having an Amazon truck accident lawyer by your side can significantly impact your claim.
Penske
Penske is a truck rental service that is popular with movers. According to the FMCSA, there have been 163 injury-causing accidents in the last reporting year. Unlike the above drivers who undergo specialized training, the majority of Penske drivers are everyday people who may not have adequate experience handling larger vehicles. If you were injured in a Penske truck accident, it may be in your best interests to see how this may affect your claim.
U-Haul
U-Haul is another popular truck rental for movers. The FMCSA shows 5 reported U-haul truck accidents. U-Hauls are moving trucks. According to the rental requirements, drivers do not have to have a CDL license to operate the vehicle.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Delivery Truck Accidents
There are many causes of delivery truck accidents that may be caused by the driver’s judgment or decision, and some of the below may be beyond the driver’s knowledge or control:
- Exhaustion
- Inattention
- Inexperience
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Inability to stop in time
- Poor Maintenance
In addition to the above list, our delivery truck accident lawyers also see from the DOT statistics that drivers frequently violate safety laws and regulations, which may cause accidents.
There are strict regulations on truck drivers’ certification and duty performance. Though many companies and drivers see the importance of these regulations, both parties are frequently stretched thin in both time and money. This can lead to pushing limits to make money or meet deadlines, causing accidents.
In addition to driver error, improperly maintained trucks can delay their already slowed stopping time. Even if the driver is diligent and aware, they may not be able to ensure the truck will respond quickly. Further, improperly loaded cargo may shift, causing an imbalance in the truck that even the most experienced driver may not be able to counteract safely.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Delivery Truck Accident Injuries
Being hit by a large truck can have devastating effects. Their size and weight alone increase the risk of significant injury or property damage. Some of the most common injuries seen are:
- Cuts and Bruises
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal and neck injury
- Anxiety
- Depression
Physical injuries should be immediately addressed, and anyone involved in an accident should be vigilant about any potential emotional effects. Like some inflammatory or soft tissue damage, depression and anxiety may take days or more to develop. Any symptoms should be evaluated and treated by a professional.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Lansing
If you have been in an accident with a delivery truck, though, you shouldn’t have to face it alone. Take time to educate yourself on your rights and ask questions if necessary. When in doubt, you can contact most personal injury attorneys for a free case consultation.
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