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Columbia Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer

With the rise of online shopping, the number of packages shipped in the United States is continuing to soar. According to data, over 22.4 billion packages shipped across the US in 2024, with an estimated 31.1 billion packages shipping in 2028.1 Delivery drivers play a critical part in our economy, but just like any other vehicle on the road, there is always a risk of collisions. Delivery trucks tend to be bigger and heavier than regular passenger cars, which can cause severe damages in the case of an accident.

If you or a loved one was hit by a delivery truck in Columbia or nearby, contact the award-winning truck accident attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC as soon as possible. Our personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients injured in truck accidents. Remember, the other side can afford to hire the best, so who you hire for a trucking case really matters. Protect your rights. Get a free case evaluation with a reputable truck accident attorney today by calling (803) 888-2200. 

How Can a Delivery Truck Accident Attorney Can Help Me?

Tractor Trailers, commercial, and interstate carriers are regulated by unique state and federal laws, which is why it’s critical you have a lawyer on your side who has direct experience in the trucking legal industry. These cases tend to involve multiple at-fault parties and powerful insurance companies, so it’s always in your best interest to at least speak with a lawyer. 

Our Columbia delivery van accident lawyers can:

  • Conduct a thorough investigation into your accident
  • Gather and analyze critical evidence such as engine control module data, dash cam footage, driver logs and history, witness testimony, security footage and more
  • Value your physical, financial, and emotional damages
  • Identify and prove negligence, holding at-fault parties at fault and accountable
  • Handle all paperwork and records
  • Aggressively fight to get you the best outcome possible for your case and future
  • Take your case to trial if the liable parties will not come to a fair settlement

Immediately following a truck accident, the other side will begin building their case. Make sure you have someone doing the same for you. We’re here to help you through the legal battle so you can focus on healing. Contact our team at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC today for a free case evaluation.

 

Types of Delivery Truck Accidents We Handle

Our law firm handles a wide variety of delivery truck accident cases in Columbia and throughout South Carolina. This includes, but is not limited to:

Vehicle Types – 

  • Tractor-Trailer Accidents
  • Box Truck/Straight Truck Accidents
  • Step Van Accidents
  • Utility Van Accidents
  • Walk In Delivery Truck Accidents
  • Delivery Van Accidents
  • Delivery Flatbed Truck Accidents
  • Delivery Pickup Truck Accidents
  • SUV Delivery Accidents

Carrier Accidents –

  • Furniture Delivery Truck Accidents
  • Personal Vehicle Driver (PVDs) Accidents
  • Grocery and Retail Vehicles
  • FedEx Accidents
  • UPS Accidents
  • USPS Accidents
  • Amazon Accidents
  • And More

Whether you were hit by a nationally recognized delivery carrier like the ones above or a local commercial delivery truck, our team is here to help you protect your rights and understand your options under state law. 

Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents

Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time – even to careful drivers. Some common causes of delivery truck accidents include:

  • Distracted Driving: A study found that 71% of large-truck crashes occurred when the driver was doing something besides driving the truck, such as texting, eating, using cell phones and dispatch services, reading, and other distracting acts.2
  • Driver Fatigue: Driving fatigue contributes to roughly 13% of all truck accidents and can result from failing to follow federal hours of service regulations, a lack of quality sleep, and more.3
  • Equipment Failure: Brake defects, tire issues, and steering equipment defects are common contributing factors to truck accidents. 
  • Speeding: Speeding is a common contributing factor in both passenger vehicle accidents and commercial delivery truck accidents.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes: Unsafe lane changes or drifting outside the lane can cause collisions.
  • Improper Loading: Cargo loading is an important part of the delivery process and must be done properly to limit the risk of accidents. When this is not done properly, cargo can shift, or fall out, and cause the truck to become imbalanced, risking multiple forms of accidents.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Sadly, impaired driving is not only an issue in passenger vehicle issues. Truck drivers may turn to drugs or alcohol while on the clock. Pair that with a truck’s slower stopping ability and large size, and this poses significant risks of accidents.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to identify the contributing factors specific to your case.

Liability in Delivery Truck Wrecks

There are many ways that delivery truck accident cases differ from typical motor vehicle accidents. For example, some companies, like UPS and FedEx Express, hire drivers and those drivers work directly for the company. On the other hand, some companies, like Amazon, tend to subcontract drivers from independent delivery companies. During peak seasons, companies may also rely on temporary Personal Vehicle Drivers (PVDs) to help.

Depending on the circumstances, there are many different parties that may be at fault or share fault for your accident, such as:

  • The trucking company
  • The truck driver
  • The owner of the delivery truck
  • Vehicle manufacturers
  • The company/people who loaded the truck
  • Maintenance companies, and more.

Your lawyer will use the evidence they gather during their investigation to prove negligence and determine fault pursuant to state law. From there, we will aggressively negotiate with the associated insurance companies to come to a fair resolution and bring your case to trial should a fair agreement not be made.

Compensation We Help You Recover After a Delivery Truck Accident in Columbia

After a collision with a delivery truck, you may qualify to recover compensation for all related past, present, and future damages, including but not limited to:

  • Medical Bills
  • Emergency Care
  • Surgery Costs
  • Prescription Medication Costs
  • Rehabilitation Costs
  • Future Care Needs
  • Lost Wages
  • Reduced Earning Capacity
  • Property Damage
  • Rental Car Costs
  • Travel expenses
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Punitive Damages, and more.

If the accident resulted in wrongful death, we are so sorry. In these cases, you can recover any medical costs incurred prior to the loss, funeral costs, lost future earnings, loss of companionship, grief, and more. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process and hold the at-fault parties accountable so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In Columbia and throughout South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the delivery truck accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s critical to act fast following a truck accident since most trucking companies only hold on to critical evidence for a few months, such as black box data, driver logs, inspection reports, and other data. Protect your rights and your case – reach out to our team as soon as possible at (803) 888-2200.

Contact The Team at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC Today

When an unexpected truck accident alters your life, you deserve to have a team on your side who will fight to get you the best outcome possible for your case and future. We’re here to listen to you and fight for you with care, compassion, and confidence. 

Learn more about how our team can help you or a loved one following a Columbia delivery truck accident by calling our office now at (803) 888-2200, emailing info@ctlawsc.com or completing our online contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly. For your convenience, we are available for you via phone 24/7.

 

Additional Frequently Asked Questions:

How Much Does Hiring Your Law Firm Cost?

Many times, our clients are coming to us with mounting medical bills, property damage, and other unexpected expenses. On top of that, they’re in pain and grieving.

With our law firm, there are no up-front costs or fees associated with hiring our team, and your first consultation with a qualified attorney is free.

In addition, our truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they collect a percentage of the total compensation received on your behalf at the end of the case.

How Much Is My Columbia Delivery Truck Accident Worth?

Truck accident verdicts and settlements range significantly and can depend on several factors, such as:

  • Your injuries
  • The severity of those injuries
  • Past medical expenses
  • Present medical expenses
  • Projected future medical expenses
  • Future care needs
  • Lost earnings
  • Lost earnings capacity
  • Emotional trauma
  • If you’ve suffered a permanent disability
  • If the accident resulted in disfigurement
  • The amount of property damage you have
  • Punitive damages, if your case goes to trial

For a better understanding of how much your specific case may be worth, speak to one of our reputable truck accident lawyers today by calling (803) 888-2200.

Common Delivery Truck Accident Injuries

Delivery truck accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries varying greatly in severity, including but not limited to:

Sources

  • 1- https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/package-delivery-statistics
  • 2- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmv-driving-tips-driver-distraction
  • 3 – https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmv-driving-tips-driver-fatigue