What Is a Runaway Delivery Truck?

A runaway delivery truck presents a significant hazard on the road. This term refers to a situation where a delivery vehicle, typically a large and heavy truck, loses its ability to decelerate or come to a stop. Due to the truck’s mass and momentum, a runaway delivery vehicle can be extremely dangerous, leading to devastating accidents and serious injuries. A delivery truck accident attorney may be able to help if you or a loved one are harmed by a runaway vehicle.

What Can Cause a Delivery Truck to Run Away?

Several factors can lead to a delivery truck becoming uncontrollable, from normal wear and tear to lack of proper maintenance and safety protocols. These may include:

• Brake Overheating: The continuous use of brakes, particularly in downhill conditions, can lead to overheating. As a result, the brakes become less effective over time, which can increase the risk of a runaway vehicle.
• Complete Brake Failure: In some cases, the brakes stop working completely. This can be a result of worn-out brakes, leaks in brake fluid, or other mechanical failures within the braking system.
• Lack of Regular Maintenance: For large delivery trucks, neglecting regular maintenance can result in brake deterioration or failure. It is important to keep these vehicles in top condition to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Issues with Cargo Load: Incorrectly loaded or overweight trucks can put extra pressure on the brakes, which makes it difficult to slow down or stop. Unfortunately, some delivery companies pressure drivers to carry unsafe amounts of cargo or neglect to implement safe loading procedures.

What Happens If You Are Injured by a Runaway Delivery Truck?

Accidents involving runaway delivery trucks often lead to severe injuries, given the size and speed of these vehicles. As a result, victims can suffer from significant financial hardship, emotional trauma, lifelong disabilities, and severe physical pain. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to understand that you have legal options available to you.

If the delivery driver, his or her employer, or another party is responsible for the truck running away, you could pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. By pursuing a claim, you could secure a settlement to help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and any other damages that you endured.

Contact a Delivery Truck Accident Attorney Today

Although you can pursue a claim after a runaway truck accident, these cases can be complex. First, establishing liability in accidents involving runaway trucks can be challenging. It requires a thorough investigation to determine whether the cause was due to driver error, mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or cargo loading issues. Each of these potential causes involves different parties and, consequently, different approaches to liability.

Dealing with large delivery companies and their insurance providers can also be daunting. These companies often have robust legal teams and resources dedicated to minimizing their financial responsibility in accidents. To present your case as effectively as possible, you require legal expertise as well as experience in negotiating with corporate legal counsel.

Given these complexities, hiring an attorney is crucial. A delivery truck accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, gather and analyze evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court. After your accident, schedule a legal consultation to learn more about your options and take your first steps toward financial recovery.