Were you injured in a crash with a DHL truck? Large commercial trucks like these can cause devastating physical damage, not to mention leave you grappling with overwhelming mental distress and psychological trauma.
While the aftermath of a crash like this can be stressful and confusing, you don’t have to handle everything all by yourself. Instead, let a DHL truck accident lawyer in Stockton help you through the legal process and advocate for you in the face of the justice system.
Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys was founded in 2016, and with decades of combined experience, our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation. You can trust us to fight for your rights as your delivery truck accident lawyer in Stockton.
Common Causes of DHL Truck Accidents
Delivery truck collisions often stem from a combination of driver behavior, company practices, and road conditions. These are examples of frequent causes of these incidents:
- Driver fatigue: DHL drivers often work long shifts to meet delivery deadlines, and fatigue can reduce reaction times and decision-making ability.
- Distracted driving: Using handheld devices, adjusting GPS units, or scanning delivery information while driving can cause distractions.
- Improperly loaded cargo: If packages are not secured correctly, shifting loads can affect vehicle stability and cause rollovers.
- Aggressive driving or speeding: To stay on schedule, drivers may exceed speed limits or engage in risky maneuvers.
- Inadequate training: Delivery routes in Stockton involve complex traffic environments, and insufficient training can lead to errors.
- Mechanical failures: Poor vehicle maintenance can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering-related issues.
Each of these factors can make DHL trucks especially hazardous compared to standard passenger cars. If you were injured in one of these crashes, a Stockton truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Liability in California DHL Truck Accidents
Determining liability after collisions involving DHL trucks is a process that requires an understanding of state-level negligence laws. According to California laws, multiple parties may be held responsible depending on the circumstances:
- The driver: If the driver acted negligently—such as by speeding, texting while driving, or ignoring traffic signals—they can be found directly liable for the crash.
- DHL as the employer: California follows the doctrine of respondeat superior, which means employers can be held liable for the actions of employees performed within the scope of employment. If a DHL driver causes a crash while making deliveries, the company itself might share partial responsibility.
- Third parties: In some cases, liability can extend to other parties, ranging from the manufacturers of defective vehicle parts to the maintenance providers who failed to properly service the truck.
It is important to note that California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that even if an injured person is partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages, though the compensation will be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault.
To successfully find your way through liability issues relating to your case, turn to a Stockton personal injury lawyer for legal guidance and professional advocacy.
Types of Injuries in DHL Truck Collisions
Collisions involving DHL trucks tend to cause major injuries due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles. These are common injuries sustained by victims of truck-related incidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulting from head impacts or whiplash-like forces
- Spinal cord injuries, which can cause partial or full paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures, especially in high-impact side collisions or rollovers
- Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
- Severe lacerations and burns if cargo shifts or hazardous materials are involved
These injuries often require ongoing medical treatment and long-term care, both of which raise the financial burden on victims and their families.
Damages Available Under California Law
Victims of DHL truck crashes are often entitled to recover compensation for a range of damages:
- Economic damages: This includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non–economic damages: This refers to pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and—in severe cases—loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages: Though less common, punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving gross negligence or reckless conduct by the driver or company.
The Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Cases
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, the statute of limitations for people who are injured in a DHL truck accident is usually two years from the date of the accident. This means you have 24 months to file a personal injury claim.
If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your right to pursue compensation altogether. That’s why you should speak with a Stockton DHL truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Our Stockton DHL Truck Accident Law Firm ASAP
Getting hurt in a collision with a DHL truck can be a life-altering experience, but you don’t have to manage the aftermath on your own. These incidents can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn, but Omega Law Group is here to help.
Our Stockton DHL truck accident attorneys have the experience it takes to successfully guide you through every step of the legal process. We’re ready to pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait any longer to take action. Call us today.