DHL delivery vehicles are a regular sight across Encino’s residential neighborhoods and busy commercial corridors. Unfortunately, due to the size and weight of these vehicles, a collision involving a DHL truck can result in devastating injuries and complicated legal questions. If you were injured in such an accident, an experienced Encino DHL truck accident lawyer can help.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have extensive experience holding large corporations, such as DHL and its insurers, accountable. Our attorneys understand the challenges that come with commercial vehicle accidents and are ready to fight on your behalf.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with an Encino truck accident lawyer.
The Legal Responsibilities of DHL and Its Delivery Drivers
DHL operates an extensive delivery system. Drivers working for DHL must comply with both federal trucking regulations and California state safety laws. These regulations are designed to prevent accidents and ensure that commercial transportation is conducted safely.
Key legal responsibilities include:
- Proper licensing: Depending on the size and class of the delivery vehicle, some DHL drivers may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This ensures the driver has received the necessary training and testing to operate large or specialized trucks.
- Hazardous materials endorsements: If a DHL delivery includes the transport of regulated or hazardous materials, the driver must carry proper endorsements allowing them to do so safely and legally.
- Vehicle safety checks and maintenance: DHL is legally obligated to conduct regular inspections and ensure its fleet is roadworthy. Failure to do so can result in preventable mechanical failures.
- Compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) rules: Commercial drivers must adhere to strict limitations on driving time to prevent fatigue-related accidents. These HOS rules are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
When DHL drivers or their employers cut corners, whether due to corporate pressure, unrealistic delivery schedules, or cost-saving measures, the risks on the road increase significantly.
A knowledgeable Encino personal injury lawyer can thoroughly investigate whether a violation of these rules contributed to your crash.
Proving Fault With the Help of a DHL Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Encino
Determining liability in a collision involving a DHL truck is often far more complicated than in an accident between two passenger vehicles.
This is due to DHL’s layered business model, which often involves subcontractors and third-party logistics companies. In some cases, DHL may attempt to distance itself from liability by claiming that the driver was not a direct employee.
Depending on the facts of your case, multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash, including:
- The DHL delivery driver
- DHL corporate or its regional subsidiaries
- Third-party logistics providers or subcontracted delivery companies
- Truck manufacturers or parts suppliers
- Companies responsible for fleet maintenance
- Individuals or companies responsible for improper cargo loading
- Other negligent drivers on the road
- Local or state government agencies responsible for road maintenance
At Omega Law Group, we take a strategic, multi-angle approach to identifying all potentially liable parties. Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation, often working with accident reconstruction experts and commercial vehicle specialists.
Once we determine who is at fault, we work quickly to file your claim within the strict time limits dictated by California’s personal injury statute of limitations.
(310) 526-8383Facing Off Against DHL’s Insurance Carriers and Legal Team
Like other major global logistics companies, DHL is backed by robust legal teams and insurance providers who are highly skilled at minimizing corporate liability.
As soon as an accident occurs, these entities begin building their defense, often with the goal of settling quickly or denying claims altogether.
If you receive a call from a DHL insurance representative, proceed with caution. These adjusters are trained to protect the company’s interests, not yours.
Some common tactics used by insurance companies include:
- Asking misleading or vague questions to get you to unintentionally admit fault
- Offering fast, lowball settlements in hopes you’ll accept before understanding the full scope of your injuries
- Delaying claim processing to pressure you into settling out of frustration
- Challenging the extent or origin of your injuries
- Arguing that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident
Once you retain the services of a qualified DHL truck accident attorney serving Encino, all communication with insurers goes through your legal representative. This keeps you protected from aggressive negotiation tactics and ensures you don’t say anything that could harm your case.
How California’s Comparative Negligence Rule Affects Your Case
One of the most important legal principles that could impact your case is California’s pure comparative negligence law. Under this system, you can still pursue compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. This is true even if you were 99% at fault. However, your total compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame.
For example, if your total damages amount to $100,000 but you are found to be 10% responsible for the crash, the compensation you could recover would be capped at $90,000.
Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently attempt to reduce their liability under this rule by shifting blame onto the victim. Having a skilled Encino DHL truck accident attorney by your side ensures that your level of fault is not exaggerated and that you receive the full compensation you’re rightfully owed.
(310) 526-8383Accepting a Settlement Offer Vs. Going to Court
The majority of commercial truck accident cases, including those involving DHL, are resolved through settlements. However, this doesn’t mean the first offer you receive is fair or even close to adequate for covering your compensatory damages. Insurers often push early settlements in the hope that victims won’t yet understand the long-term costs associated with their injuries.
Before accepting any offer, it’s vital to speak with a knowledgeable DHL truck accident lawyer in Encino who can:
- Accurately calculate the total value of your claim, including future medical expenses and lost income
- Review whether the offer accounts for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and other non-economic damages
- Negotiate aggressively to improve the offer
- Take your case to court if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation
At Omega Law Group, we approach every case as if it will go to trial. This proactive stance strengthens our negotiating position and ensures that you’re never forced into a settlement that doesn’t reflect the full scope of your damages.
Have you been involved
in an accident?
(310) 526-8383 Talk to an Experienced DHL Truck Accident Attorney in Encino
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a DHL delivery vehicle in Encino, the team at Omega Law Group can help you with both the legal and emotional challenges that come with these cases. We have helped countless truck accident victims recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives, securing millions of dollars in damages.
Our legal team combines deep experience in personal injury law with a commitment to client care. We’ll handle every aspect of your claim, from dealing with DHL’s legal team to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on healing.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form and schedule a free case consultation with a member of our legal team.
