As delivery services have become increasingly popular over the last several years, so has the increase in delivery drivers. Because of the surge in new delivery drivers, some do not receive the proper training they need to operate the large van. Some drivers also work long hours while experiencing fatigue, making it difficult for them to operate the delivery van safely.
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident caused by a delivery van, you have the right to hold the negligent driver responsible for your losses. A Jersey City delivery van lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you gather evidence to prove liability and pursue a fair settlement for your injuries.
For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800.
Causes of Accidents With Delivery Vans
Some common causes of accidents with delivery vans are:
- Drowsy driving: delivery drivers may work long shifts that start in the early morning hours or run until late at night. Fatigue and drowsiness can make it hard for drivers to focus on the road or react quickly to avoid an accident.
- Speeding: drivers sometimes speed to get their deliveries made on time. Speeding may make it harder to react in time to avoid collisions and can also increase the severity of injuries and property damage in an accident.
- Distracted driving: distracted driving is a major cause of accidents in the United States. If a delivery driver is watching a navigation system or using their mobile device, their focus is not on the road, and the likelihood of an accident may increase.
- Poor training: if the company did not properly train drivers, the driver may lack the ability to drive their delivery van safely.
- Poor maintenance: accidents can occur if the vehicle was not maintained on a proper schedule or if the maintenance technician was negligent and did not repair the vehicle properly.
A Jersey City delivery van lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you identify who is liable for your injuries and pursue them for compensation. For a free, no-risk consultation, contact Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800.
Laws That Could Impact Your Case
There are two laws that you should be aware of that could impact your delivery van accident case: the statute of limitations and the legal doctrine of comparative negligence.
Statute of Limitations
According to the New Jersey Revised Statute- 2A:14-2, there is a general two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. Failing to take legal action before this deadline expires could prevent you from recovering compensation in a lawsuit.
There may be circumstances in your case that alter your legal deadlines. Morelli Law Firm can discuss the specific deadlines that pertain to your case when you call for a free consultation.
Comparative Negligence
Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that allocates damages when multiple parties are liable for an accident. That means if you are partially responsible for causing an accident, you can still recover damages, but only up to the fault threshold. For example, if you are 15% responsible for an accident, you can still recover 85% of the total awarded compensation.
However, the fault threshold for New Jersey is 51%, per New Jersey Revised Statute – 2A:15-5.1. That means if you are more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any amount of compensation.
Jersey City Delivery Van Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Recoverable Damages After a Delivery Van Accident
There are many types of damages you may be able to recover after an accident with a delivery driver. Ultimately, the types of recoverable damages depend on the details of your case, such as the extent of your financial losses or the severity of your injuries. In general, these damages may include:
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- And more
If your loved one did not survive the accident with the delivery van or if they died later as a result of the severity of their injuries, your family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Morelli Law Firm can discuss what damages may be available to you in a wrongful death lawsuit when you call our firm.
Legal Services of Morelli Law Firm in Delivery Van Cases
If you have been hurt in an accident with a delivery van in Jersey City, a Jersey City delivery van lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to manage your case while you concentrate on your recovery. Our services to you may include:
Establishing Liability
A lawyer can gather evidence and determine what the ultimate cause of the accident was. In the case of a delivery van accident, there may be multiple parties who could be held responsible for your damages. Once we identify who to pursue for damages, we can gather evidence of their liability, including testimony from accident reconstruction experts, if necessary.
Building a Case
To make a compelling case, a lawyer can calculate the full extent of your losses, including your pain and suffering. They can gather your bills, receipts, and other documentation that details your financial losses. They can also speak to your doctors and other medical professionals who can provide their opinion about the impact your injuries have had and will have on your quality of life.
Negotiating
Morelli Law Firm can handle all communications on your behalf when we represent you. After we build your case, we can negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company for a settlement offer. If they are unwilling to make you a fair offer, we can take your case to trial.
Call Us to Get Started on Your Case
To find out more about working with a Jersey City delivery van lawyer from our firm Morelli Law Firm, call us today at (212) 751-9800.