The dangers posed by delivery trucks

Even with the holiday season over, there are still plenty of delivery trucks out and about. That may not seem like a big deal given how commonplace they are, but the truth of the matter is that these delivery trucks can pose a significant safety hazard when they’re operated improperly, which tends to happen more often than we care to believe.

But how do these delivery truck accidents occur? Here are some of the most common ways:

• Distracted driving: Delivery truck drivers have a lot going on while they’re operating their vehicle. They’re often looking at navigation devices, identifying delivery addresses and searching for roads to turn onto. All of this takes their attention off the road, causing a significant amount of distance to pass without them watching. This puts pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists in harm’s way.

• Sudden movements: Given everything that these drivers are looking for, they tend to make sudden movements that can take others by surprise. They may slam on the brakes, quickly accelerate or abruptly change lanes or turn without signaling.

• Poor reversing practices: From time to time, delivery truck drivers have to back up their rigs. This should be done slowly while watching for objects that are behind the truck. However, far too often, these drivers hastily back up without due regard for what’s behind them. This can cause them to slam into nearby vehicles and pedestrians.

• Not using the parking brake: A big delivery truck that is improperly parked can slip out of gear and roll away, sometimes even into intersections and oncoming traffic. Other drivers aren’t expecting this to happen, so it’s difficult for them to implement effective evasive maneuvers. As a result, individuals are often seriously injured in these wrecks.

• Inadequate maintenance: Delivery trucks are driven a lot. As such, they require a lot of maintenance in order for them to be safe to operate. But sometimes, drivers and their employers cut corners on maintenance to save time and money. This means that the truck may experience a tire blowout or failing brakes that lead to a devastating accident.

• Loose cargo: Sometimes delivery drivers leave the side or back door of their vehicle open so that they can more easily access the packages that they need to deliver. But if the cargo within the truck is improperly secured, it can slip out of the vehicle and onto the road. This forces other motorists to try to dodge the packages, which often leads to a wreck.

• Fatigue: Delivery truck drivers work long hours around the holiday season. When they become fatigued, their driving capabilities can diminish. This can increase their reaction time and decrease their attentiveness, both of which are recipes for disaster.

There are other factors that can contribute to a delivery truck accident, which, as you can see, is indicative of the serious risks posed by these vehicles and their drivers. So, try to be especially aware of your surroundings and take preventative measures to try to prevent one of these trucks from hurting you.

What should you do if you’re hurt in one of these accidents?

Whether you were injured in a delivery truck accident during the holiday season or beyond, you should consider taking legal action. If you’re successful on your claim, you may be able to recover compensation from the driver who caused the wreck as well as their employer. As a result, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit may give you the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

So, if you want to know more about what an attorney can do for you under those circumstances, please consider reaching out to a legal team that you think is right for you.