Were you involved in a crash with a DHL truck? Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for drivers on the road to end up in collisions with delivery trucks, especially in busy areas where businesses and homes alike are expecting package deliveries on a daily basis.
Colliding with a DHL truck can be particularly stressful when you consider the implications of corporate liability, independent contractors, and insurance complications. However, when you hire a Kansas City DHL truck accident lawyer, you won’t have to figure it all out alone.
At Foster Wallace, we have over 45 years of combined experience. In that time, we have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation, and our attorneys are here to represent you as your Kansas City truck accident lawyer. And remember—Your Injury. Our Fight.
Common Causes of DHL Truck Accidents in Kansas City
DHL truck accidents occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are related to the unique nature of delivery services. Common causes of collisions involving DHL trucks are as follows:
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Delivery drivers operate on strict schedules and often feel pressured to complete deliveries quickly. This can lead to speeding, rolling through stop signs, and making unsafe lane changes.
- Distracted driving: DHL drivers frequently check GPS systems, package scanners, and dispatch communications while driving. Looking away from the road, even for a few seconds, can result in a collision.
- Fatigue: Delivery drivers often work long shifts with few breaks, leading to exhaustion. Fatigued driving slows reaction times and increases the risk of mistakes behind the wheel.
- Improper parking: DHL trucks often stop in the middle of roads, block driveways, or double park in busy areas. Sudden stops or poorly placed trucks can create hazards for other vehicles and pedestrians.
- Failure to check blind spots: DHL delivery trucks are larger than standard passenger vehicles and have significant blind spots. If a driver fails to check before merging or turning, they can collide with other cars.
- Mechanical failures and poor maintenance: DHL trucks are used extensively, and if they are not properly maintained, issues like brake failures, worn tires, or steering problems can lead to dangerous situations.
- Inclement weather conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can make it harder to stop or control a DHL truck, increasing the risk of sliding, hydroplaning, or losing control.
- Improperly loaded cargo: If a DHL truck is carrying an unbalanced or unsecured load, the shift in weight can make it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle.
Your Kansas City personal injury lawyer will explore the possible causes behind the accident you were involved in before identifying what led to the crash in the first place.
Liability in Kansas City DHL Truck Accidents
Your Kansas City DHL truck accident attorney will determine who is responsible for the collision that left you injured. The outcome of this process depends on several factors, including who owns the truck, the employment status of the driver, and what caused the crash.
Unlike some other delivery companies, DHL uses both company-employed drivers and independent contractors, which can complicate liability issues. Let’s take a look at examples of liable parties.
DHL Truck Driver Liability
If a DHL driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be held personally responsible for the damages. Here are some frequently occurring examples of driver negligence:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving while distracted
- Speeding in residential areas or school zones
- Failing to yield to pedestrians
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
DHL as a Company
DHL may be held vicariously liable for an accident if the driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash. However, this depends on whether the driver was classified as a direct employee or an independent contractor.
Under Missouri law, employers can be held responsible for their employees’ actions under respondeat superior. This is a legal doctrine stating that an employer is liable for wrongful acts committed by an employee while performing job duties.
That said, if the driver is an independent contractor, DHL may argue that it is not responsible for the accident. DHL may also be directly liable if it has failed to properly train drivers, neglected maintenance on its trucks, or violated state or federal trucking regulations.
Third-Party Liability
In some cases, additional parties may share responsibility for a DHL truck accident:
- Other drivers: If another motorist’s reckless actions contributed to the crash, they may be held responsible.
- Vehicle manufacturers: If a mechanical failure or defective vehicle part caused the accident, the manufacturer or maintenance provider may be liable.
- Municipal entities: If poor road conditions, missing traffic signs, or construction hazards contributed to the crash, a government agency or contractor may be responsible.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Missouri Insurance Requirements for Commercial Trucks
DHL delivery trucks are considered commercial vehicles, meaning they are subject to different insurance requirements than standard passenger cars. Under Missouri law, commercial truck drivers must carry higher levels of liability insurance due to the potential for severe damages in a crash.
Here are the minimum insurance requirements for commercial trucks in Missouri:
- $750,000 in liability coverage for trucks carrying non-hazardous cargo
- $5 million in liability coverage for trucks transporting hazardous materials
- $300,000 for smaller trucks carrying household goods
DHL’s insurance policies vary based on the driver’s employment status:
- Company-employed drivers: If the driver is directly employed by DHL, the company’s corporate insurance policy typically covers the accident.
- Independent contractors: If the driver is a contractor, they may be required to carry their own commercial auto insurance. However, DHL may still provide contingent coverage in some cases.
Missouri Statute of Limitations for DHL Truck Accident Cases
Missouri law sets strict deadlines for filing a claim after a truck accident:
- Personal injury: Victims have five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
- Wrongful Death: If the accident resulted in a fatality, the deceased’s family has three years from the date of death to pursue legal action.
- Property damage: If a victim seeks compensation for vehicle damage or other property losses, they will have five years to file a claim.
Failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in your loss of legal rights to seek compensation.
Reach Out to Our DHL Truck Accident Lawyers in Kansas City Today for More Information
DHL truck accidents can be devastating no matter where they happen, but if you were in a delivery driver collision in Kansas City, the attorneys at Foster Wallace are here to help. It all starts with contacting our Kansas City DHL truck accident lawyers and setting up a consultation.
From there, we can discuss the details of your case and explain your legal options based on the circumstances surrounding the collision. In your time of need, you can lean on us and trust that we will advocate for you every step of the way. Call now.
