Why Delivery Vehicle Accidents are on the Rise in Ohio

January 3, 2024 | Personal Injury

At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus personal injury lawyers know that leaving home without seeing a delivery vehicle in the neighborhood is nearly impossible. Whether it is a branded truck from Amazon or a non-descript Sprinter van driven by a corporation’s delivery service provider, these large vehicles are everywhere throughout Ohio, all the time.

More trucks means more accidents, but there’s another reason why delivery vehicle accidents are on the rise.

Previously, most delivery drivers were required to have a Commercial Driver’s License to operate large vehicles. With demand for delivery drivers at an all-time high, many corporations are skirting those requirements by placing inexperienced drivers in vans that are not technically “commercial.” This places everyone driving in danger.

Here, we discuss additional reasons delivery vehicles are causing crashes with injuries throughout Ohio.

Delivery Vehicle Accidents & Injuries Are Becoming Increasingly Common in Ohio

Promised same-day or express delivery services often incentivize delivery drivers to prioritize profits over safety. Other crash causes include:

• Driver Fatigue

Delivery drivers frequently work long hours to meet delivery deadlines. Fatigue can impair concentration and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.

• Traffic Congestion

Increased delivery traffic and general traffic congestion can create challenging driving conditions and increase the likelihood of accidents.

• Training and Staffing Issues

Some delivery companies may face challenges in adequately training and staffing their drivers. Inexperienced or insufficiently trained drivers may be more prone to accidents.

• Pressure to Meet Quotas

Delivery drivers may face pressure to meet delivery quotas, leading to rushed driving and increased risk-taking behavior.

• Distracted Driving

Mobile devices, GPS systems, and other distractions can contribute to accidents involving delivery vehicles.

• Vehicle Maintenance Issues

Poorly maintained delivery vehicles may be more prone to mechanical failures or accidents. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety of delivery fleets and other motorists traveling alongside them.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Delivery Vehicle Accidents in Ohio?

If the delivery driver’s negligent actions (such as speeding, distracted driving, running a red light, or any other violation of traffic laws) directly contributed to the accident, the driver may be held liable for the injuries and damages caused.

However, employers are often vicariously liable for their employees’ actions when they act within their employment scope. For example, the delivery company may share liability if the delivery driver was on the clock during the crash.

In some cases, a third party, like the manufacturer of a faulty vehicle part or the owner of the delivery vehicle (if different from the driver’s employer), may share liability if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a delivery driver in Ohio, we want to hear your story so we can help you identify all liable parties and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.

Contact Our Attorneys at Oliver Law Office Today

Oliver Law Office is a client-focused law firm emphasizing each client’s individualized needs with personalized attention. We handle every case with confidence, courage, and determination. Please call us at (614)-220-9100 or fill out a Contact Us form so we can be in touch as soon as possible – let’s get started on your claim today.