By Dan Noll on February 2nd, 2025 in Articles, Car Accident
Car Accident Lawyers in Springfield Explain What to Do After an Accident Involving a Delivery Truck in Illinois
There are many different types of motor vehicle accidents, but collisions with delivery trucks are increasingly becoming more common on roadways throughout the United States and in Illinois. The car accident lawyers in Springfield at the Noll Law Office know that this includes large tractor trailers or more local delivery vehicles for large retailers, restaurants, or other services delivering goods. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year in the United States there are almost 6,000 fatal traffic accidents and almost 156,000 injury-causing traffic injuries nationwide in the same year. In Illinois specifically, the Illinois Department of Transportation annually reports over 13,000 total crashes involving tractor-trailers, over 9,300 single-unit truck crashes, and over 25,000 van accidents which includes delivery vehicles. Indeed, the rising prevalence of delivery services has contributed to an increase in truck-related accidents on Illinois roads, making it crucial for victims to know how to answer what to do after an accident involving a delivery truck.
At the Noll Law Office, their experienced legal team can answer this question and your other questions involving your motor vehicle crash with a delivery truck. There are unique issues that arise when a victim is injured in a collision with a delivery truck, including whether the driver was within the scope of his or her employment, whether the employer was an independent contractor or part of the larger company (like Amazon), and what insurance policy would apply to compensate a a victim. To learn more about how the experienced car accident lawyers in Springfield at the Noll Law Office can help you and your family, schedule a free consultation with their personal injury law firm.
Common Examples of Delivery Truck Accidents in Illinois
Delivery truck accidents in Illinois take various forms, each presenting unique challenges for victims seeking compensation. Rear-end collisions are particularly common, often occurring when delivery trucks cannot stop in time due to their larger mass and longer braking distance. These incidents frequently happen in residential areas where delivery vehicles make frequent stops and sudden starts, especially without using turn indicators or when a driver is rushing to complete the quota for the day.
Wide turn accidents represent another significant category, especially in urban areas like in Springfield. Delivery trucks require extra space to navigate turns, sometimes swinging wide or cutting corners too sharply, putting other vehicles and pedestrians at risk. This is particularly true during the holidays or high-delivery periods, where delivery companies like FedEx, UPS, USPS, and Amazon hire extra drivers to fulfill quotas. Many of these temporary drivers are only hired for a short period of time and usually are not fully trained or are experienced enough to know how their vehicles operate, such as for braking, turns, and other maneuvers. As a result, this contributes greatly to the risk of a delivery truck accident in Springfield.
What to Do After an Accident Involving a Delivery Truck
The experienced car accident lawyers in Springfield at the Noll Law Office know that not every delivery vehicle accident is the same. There are many different factors that could dictate what to do immediately after an accident. For instance, if any occupants are seriously or catastrophically injured, calling 911 and receiving emergency medical treatment should take priority over anything else such as taking photos or exchanging information. However, if a victim is injured and able to take photos and exchange information, that can also be appropriate to help support a claim.
Therefore, the steps that the victims of a delivery truck accident should take include the following:
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
First and foremost, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. If there are any obvious injuries, do not hesitate and call 911 immediately. That includes anything from a laceration to limping to even just feeling “off.” Of course, if you suspect a broken bone or other serious injury, call for medical help immediately. Even if you feel fine, still seek medical attention. Some injuries might not be apparent right away, and medical documentation is crucial for any future legal claims.
However, it is important to note that anyone who is catastrophic injured should not be moved unless there is an immediately threat to his or her safety (i.e., fire, in the roadway, etc.), especially if a neck or back injury is suspected.
Contact Law Enforcement
Call 911 and request police presence at the accident scene for all accidents involving any type of injury, any type of significant damage, when there are children present, when liability is obviously in your favor even if no one is injured or damage is minor, and in any other instances where you need help. Police officers will document the incident in an official report, which will be valuable for your case to prove it happened and document your injuries. Ensure you obtain a copy of the police report or at least the report number before leaving the scene. Know the department that responded too, as that can help you locate it later.
Document Everything and Use Photos or Videos
Take extensive photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Capture images of the delivery truck’s company name, logo, and any identifying numbers like DOT numbers and license plates. Note the weather conditions and time of day too and roadway signage, road debris fields, or road surface damage. Videos also are very helpful and powerful pieces of evidence too.
Gather Information
Collect the delivery truck driver’s information, including their name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Also obtain the name and contact information of their employer or the delivery company. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well. Also get any numbers from the vehicle and license plate, as this can be useful later to prove who may ultimately be liable when it comes down to a delivery company/independent contractor versus a major company like UPS or Amazon.
Avoid Making Statements
Do not admit fault or make any statements about the accident to the delivery company’s representatives or their insurance adjusters. What you say could be used to minimize your claim – even if it is your own insurance company that you are speaking too. Further, tell the truth the entire time and never lie – even if you think it would help you to stretch the truth, don’t. Law enforcement and the lawyers will almost always uncover the truth, as well as the judge. Be truthful, but don’t be generous in your statements – just answer what was asked and nothing more.
Preserve Evidence
Keep all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurance companies. Document any lost wages or other financial impacts resulting from the accident. Note your absences in an email to your supervisor or on your time sheet too
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Springfield
Consult with a skilled car accident lawyer in Springfield who understands Illinois traffic laws and has experience handling delivery truck accident cases. Commercial vehicle accidents involve complex liability issues and multiple potentially responsible parties, including independent contractors and larger companies. It is also important to realize that make delivery truck accidents involving large tractor trailers, UPS or FedEx vans, or Amazon trucks can involve in many different insurance policies which makes it very complicated to handle these claims. Thus, always used a personal injury law firm like the Noll Law Office who has experienced navigating these complex claims and serious injury cases in Illinois.
Still Not Sure What to Do After an Accident Involving a Delivery Truck in Illinois? Call the Car Accident Lawyers in Springfield at the Noll Law Office
Motor vehicle accidents involving delivery trucks can have severe consequences and often result in complex legal situations. The presence of commercial insurance policies, multiple potentially liable parties, and corporate legal teams makes these cases particularly challenging for individuals to handle alone. Understanding the proper steps to take immediately following an accident can significantly impact your ability to receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages – especially when there are catastrophic injuries, significant lost wages, or when a child has been seriously injured.
If you have been involved in an accident with a delivery truck in Illinois, it is crucial to protect your rights by following these outlined steps and hiring an experienced car accident lawyer in Springfield like one of those at the Noll Law Office. Their experienced legal team has the resources, knowledge, and skill necessary to handle some of the most complex claims against some of the largest businesses and delivery companies in Illinois and the region. To learn more about how they can help you and your family, contact them today by dialing (217) 414-8889 or by sending a message here.