Oakland Delivery Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving delivery vehicles are not uncommon in and around the Oakland area, especially as the prevalence of online shopping increases. Unfortunately, victims can struggle to recover compensation from insurance carriers. At Milanfar Law Firm, PC, we are here to help if you need an Oakland delivery vehicle accident attorney by your side. We understand the complexities involved with vehicle accident claims, especially incidents involving multiple potentially liable parties. Let us get to work recovering the compensation you need today.
Why Choose Milanfar Law Firm?
- At Milanfar Law Firm, PC, we take pride in handling complex vehicle accidents for those who have been harmed due to the negligent actions of others.
- We take delivery vehicle accident claims in Oakland on a contingency fee basis, which means clients do not have to pay any legal fees until we recover the compensation they need.
- We make use of the latest technology to help ensure our case is presented properly to insurance carriers for a personal injury
Common Types of Delivery Vehicles That Cause Accidents
There are various types of delivery vehicles on the roadways. This includes larger commercial vehicles that deliver packages from a central location to localized areas as well as smaller traditional vehicles that serve as delivery vehicles for the “last mile delivery.”
Delivery vehicle drivers could have varying types of certifications. For example, the drivers that handle the larger commercial vehicles will likely have their commercial driver’s licenses, and they have to abide by state and federal regulations for their vehicles and operation. However, delivery drivers that handle traditional vehicles to deliver packages usually have no more than a regular vehicle driver’s license. Sometimes, these individuals are direct employees of a larger company. Other times, and what is more often the case, these drivers are independent contractors that act as delivery drivers only and not employees.
Who is Liable For Your Injuries?
There may be various parties who could be held liable for a delivery vehicle accident that occurs in Oakland. However, we do want to highlight that major corporations have worked hard to shield themselves from liability in these situations. One way that they have done so is by generally only employing other companies or contractors to deliver their packages. Some of the possible liable parties in these cases include:
- The driver/independent contractor deliverer. Often the first point of investigation, the driver of the delivery vehicle may be held liable if their negligent, careless, or intentional actions contributed to the accident. This can include instances of distracted driving, speeding, failure to obey traffic laws, failing to yield, or driving under the influence. In cases where drivers are independent contractors, determining liability can be more complex due to their employment status.
- A specific delivery company. The delivery company itself may be liable, particularly if the accident resulted from their policies or practices. This can include inadequate training of drivers, improper vehicle maintenance, or unreasonable delivery schedules that encourage speeding or reckless driving. The company’s liability may also come into play if they failed to perform adequate background checks on their drivers.
- A major retailer or online distributor. Large retailers or online distributors may be held accountable, especially if they exert significant control over the delivery process. This could involve scenarios where the retailer mandates specific delivery timelines that contribute to rushed or unsafe driving practices. Liability may also arise from the failure of these entities to ensure that their delivery partners adhere to safety standards and regulations.
What Evidence Should I Gather After a Delivery Vehicle Accident in Oakland?
There will be various types of evidence needed after an accident involving a delivery vehicle in Oakland. In order to determine liability, evidence will play a critical role. Liability must be determined in order for you to recover compensation for your losses.
You may be able to gather some evidence at the scene of the accident. This can include:
- Photographs taken by you or others
- Video surveillance footage from nearby cameras
- Contact information for any eyewitnesses
- The police report (gathered about a week or so after the incident)
However, this may not be enough evidence to definitively show who caused the incident. There may need to be additional investigations to uncover more evidence, including vehicle black box data, mobile device data, employee or driver training records, company dispatch records, maintenance records for the vehicle, and more.
Compensation for a Delivery Vehicle Accident Case in Oakland
Compensation for a delivery vehicle accident should include both economic and non-economic damages and be sufficient enough to make a victim “whole.” The total amount of compensation paid if a claim is successful will vary depending on a variety of factors, including injury severity and how long it takes to recover.
Economic damages associated with a delivery vehicle accident in Oakland revolve around calculable expenses such as emergency medical bills, any ongoing medical costs, lost wages, and property damage expenses.
Non-economic damages associated with a delivery vehicle accident revolve around more immeasurable losses that a victim will likely endure. These damages seek to provide compensation for a victim’s pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.
Timeline to File Your Oakland Delivery Vehicle Accident Claim
Vehicle accident claims that give way to a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years from the day the injury occurs, according to the California personal injury statute of limitations. Any individual who fails to file their claim against an alleged negligent party within this time frame will almost certainly lose the right to recover compensation for their losses.
There will also likely be additional deadlines related to insurance carriers for the driver or delivery company. Failing to promptly file an insurance claim after a delivery vehicle accident in Oakland could lead to a claim delay or denial.
Call an Oakland Delivery Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident involving a delivery vehicle in the Oakland area, turn to the team at Milanfar Law Firm, PC for assistance today. We will not hesitate to step in and investigate every aspect of your claim. Our goal is to stand up to the insurance carriers and any other potentially liable party in order to secure the compensation you need to get through this. You can contact our Oakland delivery vehicle accident attorney for a free consultation of your claim by filling out our contact form or calling us at (925) 433-6003.