Were you involved in a collision with a DHL truck? Accidents with large commercial vehicles can cause serious injuries, create financial strain, and impose emotional stress on you as the victim of the crash. However, it’s important to note that you don’t have to go through all of this alone.
With a Fresno delivery truck accident lawyer from Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys on your side, you can trust that your attorney will provide the legal guidance and professional advocacy you need. We’re here to protect your rights.
Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation. With decades of experience between us, we know what it takes to represent you as your DHL truck accident lawyer in Fresno.
The Nature of DHL Truck Accidents in Fresno
Fresno’s roadways are a hub of both local and interstate traffic. With State Route 99 and nearby Interstate 5 serving as major trucking corridors, DHL drivers frequently pass through or deliver within the city.
Delivery vans and box trucks also weave through residential neighborhoods, often under pressure to meet strict delivery schedules.
Accidents involving DHL trucks in Fresno can take several forms:
- Rear-end collisions caused by sudden braking or tailgating in heavy traffic
- Intersection crashes when a truck driver misjudges a yellow light or fails to yield
- Side-impact collisions when delivery vehicles cross multiple lanes or make wide turns
- Pedestrian and cyclist accidents, particularly in residential and commercial areas
- Highway collisions involving larger DHL tractor-trailers
Because Fresno is a mix of urban density and expansive highways, both city delivery vans and long-haul DHL trucks pose distinct dangers depending on where the collision occurs.
If you’ve been involved in one of these crashes, a Fresno truck accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and how to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why DHL Truck Accidents Are so Dangerous
Truck accidents differ from standard car accidents in significant ways. A DHL delivery van may weigh several tons more than a passenger vehicle, while a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds.
The size and mass of these vehicles mean even low-speed impacts can cause catastrophic injuries. Other factors that increase the danger include:
- Blind spots: Larger DHL trucks have significant “no-zones” where smaller vehicles disappear from the driver’s view.
- Stopping distance: Heavy trucks require more distance to brake, making rear-end collisions more severe.
- Maneuverability: Wide turns and lane changes increase the chance of collisions with cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
- Cargo shifts: Improperly loaded packages or freight can destabilize a truck, leading to rollovers or loss of control.
- Driver fatigue: Long shifts and delivery quotas can push drivers to operate while exhausted, slowing reaction times.
When these dangers combine with Fresno’s traffic congestion and varied road conditions, the likelihood of serious injury or fatality rises significantly.
In the aftermath of this type of collision, consulting a Fresno personal injury lawyer can be an important step toward protecting your rights and seeking justice in your case.
Injuries Commonly Seen in DHL Truck Accidents
Because of the size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles, injuries from DHL truck accidents are often very serious. That’s why victims of these crashes often experience:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from head impacts or whiplash forces
- Spinal cord damage, leading to partial or total paralysis
- Broken bones, particularly in high-impact side or rear collisions
- Internal bleeding and organ damage from blunt force trauma
- Burns or lacerations, especially if hazardous cargo is involved or vehicles catch fire
- Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Liability in California DHL Truck Accidents
A very important aspect of DHL truck accident cases is the determination of liability. Unlike a simple fender bender between two cars, multiple parties may be responsible when a commercial truck is involved in the crash.
These are examples of potentially liable parties in a DHL truck accident case:
- The truck driver, if negligence—such as speeding, distraction, or fatigue—played a role
- DHL itself, which may be liable for poor hiring practices and inadequate training
- Maintenance providers, if improper inspections or repairs contributed to the accident
- Cargo loaders, when unsecured or unbalanced freight caused the crash
- Manufacturers, if a defective truck part, such as faulty brakes, was involved
Furthermore, the state of California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning fault can be shared among multiple parties. Even if a victim is partially at fault for the incident, they can still recover damages, though the amount is reduced according to their share of responsibility.
California Laws Governing Truck Accidents
Truck-related collisions are subject to both state and federal regulations. Understanding these laws is important when it comes to analyzing how liability and damages will be determined in your case.
Statute of Limitations
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the incident. If a claim is not filed within this window, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely, so time is of the essence.
Comparative Fault Rule
California abides by the pure comparative negligence doctrine. This means that even if someone is determined to be 30% responsible for the collision, they can still recover 70% of the total damages they are awarded in their case.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
Although DHL is an international company, its U.S. trucking operations must comply with federal regulations regarding driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading.
California Vehicle Code
State-specific rules govern how trucks may operate on highways, weight limits, and driver licensing requirements. Violations of these rules can play a role in determining liability.
Have you been involved
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Contact Our DHL Truck Accident Law Firm in Fresno for Help
A collision with a DHL truck can cause serious injuries and disrupt your life in countless ways. As isolating as this experience can make you feel, try to remember that you don’t have to face these challenges all by yourself, especially with Omega Law Group by your side.
Our Fresno DHL truck accident attorneys have a track record of securing compensation for accident victims and advocating for their rights throughout every step of the legal process. Call us today—the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your case.
