Delivery vehicles have quickly become an essential part of our modern society. E-commerce has become one of the main ways individuals shop for and receive goods, and the speed towards online shopping dramatically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when an accident with a delivery truck occurs, it is crucial to determine liability so that injury and property damage victims can recover compensation for their losses.
How to Determine Liability After a Delivery Truck Crash in Phoenix
Determining liability after an accident involving a delivery truck can be challenging. First and foremost, it is important to ensure law enforcement officials come to the scene of the incident. The police are responsible for conducting an initial investigation and filling out the accident report, something you will need when filing an insurance claim.
There are various types of evidence that will be used to determine liability. Much of the needed evidence gets gathered at the scene of the incident. In some cases, this includes photographs of the entire area, including photos of property damage, vehicle damage, injuries, debris, traffic and weather conditions, and more.
Additionally, there may be video surveillance from nearby cameras. This can include cameras on homes or businesses, traffic cameras, as well as dash cams. This footage could be used to corroborate or refute statements given by those involved.
The police officers who respond to the scene will often indicate in the report which driver they believe caused the incident. However, it is important to remember that the police are working at a relatively fast pace, and what they say in the report may not be the final indicator of liability.
Another factor that could play a role in determining liability is statements from eyewitnesses and others involved in the incident. This can include statements from drivers and passengers as well as bystanders.
In the days and weeks that follow the incident, there may be additional types of evidence used to determine liability. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Black box data from the vehicles involved
- Mobile device data
- Employment and driver records for the delivery driver
- Delivery truck inspection and maintenance results
Where Does Compensation Come From?
Compensation after a delivery truck accident could come from various places. If the delivery truck driver is ultimately held responsible, the next step is determining which insurance policies cover the incident and which company actually employs the driver. Often, delivery drivers are contractors for larger companies, which shields the larger company from liability in many situations.
When you work with a skilled truck accident lawyer in Phoenix, they will examine the facts of the case and help determine any possible liable party. It is not uncommon for there to be more than one party responsible for the incident. Ultimately, the goal is to help the delivery truck crash victim recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, and pain and suffering damages.
Seek Assistance From a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or somebody you care about has been harmed in an accident involving a delivery truck, we encourage you to contact a lawyer today. A specialized Phoenix personal injury attorney can help investigate every aspect of your truck accident claim in order to determine liability. Your lawyer will be your advocate and work diligently to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, and other losses.