Delivery vehicles have become a staple in Santa Cruz due to a massive number of online shoppers in the coastal community. E-commerce and delivery services in Santa Cruz County have grown in recent years, leading to a high number of delivery vehicles on local roads.
Unfortunately, careless delivery drivers and the unique challenges of driving in Santa Cruz (i.e., hills, narrow roads and beach traffic) create a risk of delivery vehicle accidents. As a victim of this type of crash, it can be difficult to understand who is responsible and recover the financial compensation you deserve.
The most effective way to protect yourself is with specialized legal representation. The experienced Santa Cruz personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers can provide personalized legal advice when you contact us for a free consultation online or by phone (408) 341-6883.
Common Types of Delivery Vehicle Accidents in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a bustling beach community that receives thousands of tourists each year. Residents and tourists alike may encounter a wide range of delivery vehicles on an average day of driving, cycling or walking in the city.
The plethora of delivery services operating in Santa Cruz County creates an opportunity for many different types of accidents, such as:
- Amazon delivery van accidents
- FedEx and UPS truck crashes
- Food delivery service incidents (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
- Grocery delivery vehicle collisions
- Local restaurant and business delivery accidents
- Beach and vacation rental deliveries
- University area delivery incidents (University of California Santa Cruz)
Delivery accident cases in California are unique from standard Santa car accidents because they involve more than just another driver. You may have to file a claim against the delivery company or service provider.
Causes of Delivery Accidents in Santa Cruz
Motor vehicle accidents involving delivery service providers are typically preventable. These collisions most often occur in Santa Cruz due to human error or delivery driver negligence. In personal injury law, someone is negligent if he or she fails to act with proper care.
A delivery driver can be guilty of making many mistakes behind the wheel that lead to collisions. Examples include:
- Violating traffic laws and roadway rules
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Driving while distracted/texting and driving
- Looking at a GPS or delivery app while driving
- Careless driving in challenging terrain or narrow streets
- Driving beyond legal working hours, resulting in fatigue
In addition, the unique aspects of delivery driving can create accident risks. Examples include aggressive delivery schedules and time pressures, inadequate delivery personnel training, and a new driver’s unfamiliarity with local roads and neighborhoods. Combined with Santa Cruz’s seasonal tourist traffic congestion and coastal weather conditions (e.g., fog, rain, sun glare), delivery driving can pose many dangers.
Common Injuries in Santa Cruz Delivery Accidents
An accident involving a delivery vehicle can range from a minor collision to a catastrophic – or even fatal wrongful death – collision.
Injuries suffered by victims can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and back trauma
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft-tissue injuries and whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Cuts, bruises and lacerations
- Burn injuries and scarring
- Psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
If a delivery driver hits a bicyclist or pedestrian in Santa Cruz, the victim’s injuries can be life-threatening.
Liability Issues in Santa Cruz Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Unlike a typical car crash in Santa Cruz, where the insurance claims process only involves two drivers, delivery vehicle accidents come with unique liability issues. For example, the delivery company may be held responsible for the crash if it contributed directly or an employee of the company is at fault.
Many delivery services operating in Santa Cruz classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This may limit your liability options to the individual driver who caused your crash. However, it is important to explore the possibility of third-party liability with a delivery accident lawyer before settling.
Your claim may involve the liability of the vehicle owner, delivery driver, delivery company, a third-party logistics company, a government entity, a vehicle manufacturer or multiple parties. A thorough investigation of your crash can name all defendants to help you maximize your financial recovery.
Compensation Available for Santa Cruz Delivery Accident Victims
Victims who are injured in delivery vehicle accidents in Santa Cruz deserve justice. This means holding someone responsible for the wreck and recovering financial compensation for related economic and noneconomic damages.
Depending on your case, you may be eligible for the following types of compensation as a delivery accident victim:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage to vehicles and personal belongings
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress compensation
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life in this scenic coastal area
- Wrongful death damages for families
A fair settlement or judgment award can help you move on from your delivery accident with peace of mind. At Jacoby & Meyers, we strive to maximize our clients’ physical and financial recoveries by providing them with high-quality access to the California legal and medical systems.
Why You Need a Specialized Santa Cruz Delivery Accident Attorney
Accident cases involving delivery vehicles in Santa Cruz can be challenging on a legal level. Rather than only having the other driver to blame and his or her insurance company to deal with, you may have to contend with the delivery company and its legal team. Hiring a specialized Santa Cruz delivery accident attorney can make a major difference to your case.
Choosing the right attorney to represent you is crucial. Look for a lawyer with knowledge of complex commercial vehicle regulations, as well as experience going up against major companies and dealing with corporate defense tactics. Ideally, your lawyer should be local, with an understanding of Santa Cruz roads and hazards.
The right lawyer for you will have a track record of successfully achieving settlements for other delivery accident victims, as well as familiarity with Santa Cruz County courts and local legal procedures. You can count on an attorney to handle crash investigation, evidence collection, medical documentation of your injuries, insurance settlement negotiations and – if necessary – litigation in court.
Contact Jacoby & Meyers for a Free Delivery Vehicle Accident Case Review in Santa Cruz
The clock is ticking if you wish to pursue financial compensation for your delivery accident in Santa Cruz. All car accident cases in California must be filed within two years under the state’s statute of limitations. Don’t wait – contact Jacoby & Meyers to discuss your case in detail during a free consultation.
Our motor vehicle accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning no recovery = no fee. We are committed to fighting for the rights of Santa Cruz accident victims. Call our local law office at (408) 341-6883 to learn more. Because you deserve justice.