Colburn Law

Liability in Delivery Vehicle Truck Accidents

The increase of delivery trucks on the road has led to a corresponding increase in accidents involving these vehicles. When these collisions happen, the road to recovery can be as complex as it is challenging. Delivery truck incidents introduce a web of potential liable parties, each with their own insurance policies, corporate structures, and legal teams.

Potential Liable Parties in Delivery Truck Accidents

Washington follows a fault-based standard for road accidents. This means that any person who has been injured in a road accident has the right to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the person or entity that caused the collision. In cases that involve delivery trucks, the liable party or parties may include:

• The Delivery Driver: The person behind the wheel may be held liable if their negligent actions, such as distracted driving or speeding, directly caused the accident.
• The Employer or Delivery Company: Companies often bear responsibility for their employees’ actions due to their own practices or under the principle of vicarious liability.
• The Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable for producing a faulty vehicle or component.
• Third-Party Maintenance Providers: Companies responsible for maintaining the delivery vehicle may be liable if poor maintenance or vehicle defects lead to an accident.
• Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can shift or even fall out of the delivery truck, leading to an accident. Those responsible for loading the truck may be found at fault in these situations.
• Government Entities: In cases where poor road conditions or improperly maintained traffic signals contributed to the accident, government agencies may share liability.

Employer Liability for Delivery Driver Negligence

In delivery truck accidents, employer liability often involves the principle of vicarious liability, which holds employers responsible for the negligent actions of their employees performed within the scope of their employment. However, many delivery drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees.

Vicarious liability only applies to employees. If the at-fault driver was an independent contractor, the company may claim that it is not liable. Yet, courts often look beyond these classifications to examine the true nature of the working relationship. If a company exerts significant control over a driver’s work, the driver may be considered an employee regardless of their official status.

A company might also be liable even if the driver is not. For instance, if a company pressures drivers to meet unrealistic delivery quotas, leading to rushed and unsafe driving practices, the company could be held responsible for creating a dangerous work environment. Inadequate training, poor vehicle maintenance, or failure to conduct proper background checks on truck drivers could all lead to company liability, independent of the driver’s direct actions.

Seek Professional Guidance for Your Accident Claim

Determining liability in delivery vehicle truck accidents requires in-depth legal knowledge and thorough investigation. At Colburn Law, our truck accident attorneys in Seattle have the skills and resources to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.

We will work tirelessly to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses while holding the at-fault party accountable. Contact us online or call (206) 919-3215 for a free consultation and let us guide you through the legal process with confidence.