Anywhere you look in Manhattan, you’re likely to see at least one last-mile delivery truck. These vehicles might be box trucks, vans or even personal automobiles. The New York Police Department’s motor vehicle collision report states that 141 commercial vehicles were involved in accidents in Manhattan during December 2022.
What should you do if one of these delivery trucks hits and damages your car? Who will pay for it? Accidents involving commercial vehicles are more complicated than most, but Cellino Law is well-qualified to help with your claim.
What Is a Last-mile Delivery?
Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of deliveries to homes and businesses. When you place an order, your products may travel across the country or across town to reach their destination. Your package may remain in one vehicle during transport or transfer many times.
Not all deliveries are last-mile. To qualify, the package must arrive at a central transportation hub before a carrier loads it and delivers it to a residence or business. A last-mile delivery truck is the one that delivers the package to its recipient.
What if a Last-mile Delivery Truck Damages Your Car?
As with any kind of motor vehicle accident, you should do a few things while you’re at the scene.
Render Reasonable Assistance
If the collision injures anyone, you should try to assist them if you’re able. Check your car’s occupants first, then move to pedestrians, cyclists and those in other vehicles.
Call the Police
If your accident produces injuries or more than minor car damage, you need to dial 911. Operators can dispatch emergency medical personnel and police officers to the scene.
The police officers will interview drivers, passengers and witnesses. You’ll need a copy of the police report to file an insurance claim.
Take Pictures
Using your phone to gather evidence at your accident scene is one of the most vital tasks you can perform. Record details like:
- People present at the scene
- Vehicle placement and damage
- The entire site from different angles
- Anything that may have contributed to causing the accident, like icy streets, potholes or obstacles in the road
- Witness statements
Your attorney from Cellino Law will use your photos and videos to build your case.
Accept a Medical Evaluation
Some injuries aren’t visible, and some take time to develop. Trained medical professionals can spot these conditions. They’ll include details about your medical condition in an official report. This report may become crucial evidence in a car accident claim.
Who Pays for Your Vehicle Damage?
New York requires drivers to buy personal injury protection insurance. PIP policies pay qualifying expenses no matter who is at fault in a car accident. However, they do not cover property damage.
Who does pay for your property damage? Remember we said that accidents involving commercial vehicles are complex? One or more parties may be liable for paying for your damages. These parties include:
- The driver
- The employer, which may be a delivery partner
- Companies responsible for vehicle maintenance
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Cargo owners, loaders and shippers
Your legal team will investigate your accident to determine why it happened and which party or parties are responsible for paying you.
Are There Other Complications?
Every accident is different, and the potential complications are endless. While you may not be familiar with these situations and how to handle them successfully, Cellino Law does. We’ll explain some common issues you might face.
Government Involvement
The United States Postal Service has a vast fleet of last-mile delivery vehicles that deliver mail and packages to businesses and residences. Government agencies are responsible for maintaining streets, roads and traffic lights.
In any claim against the government, there are strict procedures and typically shorter statutes of limitations. It takes time to investigate an accident, gather evidence and build a case. Don’t wait too long to contact Cellino Law so we have time to prepare your claim before the deadline.
Shared Responsibility
In many car accidents, more than one person shares fault. You can still seek compensation even if you’re partially responsible for causing your collision. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that the more fault you have, the less compensation you can obtain. Suppose that an investigation determines that you are 15% at fault for your accident. You’ll receive 15% less compensation for your damages.
Personal Vehicles
Some last-mile delivery companies use independent contractors who use their personal vehicles to deliver packages. While some of these companies maintain liability insurance, others don’t. Drivers are responsible for maintaining their own insurance policies.
Many insurance companies don’t cover a crash if the driver is driving their personal vehicle for commercial use. These drivers can sometimes buy additional coverage that will pay, but many aren’t aware they need to.
Were You Injured in the Crash?
Your PIP policy should cover all of your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages up to your policy limit. Some types of injuries qualify you to seek compensation from whoever caused your accident.
Economic Damages
Whether you’re injured or not, you’ll have expenses resulting from your accident. You can receive compensation for these costs, including:
- Medical treatments, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medical equipment and medications
- Lost income from the time you’re away from work
- Hiring an assistant or caregiver
- Property damage
Property damage isn’t limited to your car. Your phone, laptop, clothes and other items that were in your vehicle at the time of the accident are also considered property. You can request compensation for them if they’re damaged in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all cases qualify you to seek non-economic damages. The injuries you suffered in your crash must impact your life adversely and significantly. Ask your attorney from Cellino Law if you are eligible. Non-economic damages are for things like:
- Inconvenience
- Physical, mental and emotional pain and suffering
- Being unable to enjoy life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Sometimes, you can seek compensation for future lost wages and medical expenses. Your attorney will evaluate your claim and tell you how much it’s worth.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
With all the potential complications involved if a last-mile delivery truck damages your car or injures you, you’ll have lots of tasks to complete. Why not let Cellino Law do them for you, so you don’t have to? We will:
- Investigate your accident to gather evidence and determine liability
- Process paperwork
- Explain your options
- Speak to insurance companies on your behalf
- Fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve
Many people get more compensation with legal representation than without a lawyer on their side. There’s no risk because you won’t owe any fees unless we win compensation for you.
Do You Need Assistance With Your Damaged Vehicle Claim?
Cellino Law has helped New Yorkers with car accident claims and other personal injury cases for over 60 years, winning more than $2 billion for our clients. We know how to investigate car accidents and have the resources to accomplish them. Although we’re a large firm, you can count on receiving the personal attention you deserve.
When you request your free case review, there’s no obligation to hire Cellino Law. You can reach us 24/7 by calling (888) 888-8888 or using our contact form.