Accidents With a Delivery Truck in Massachusetts: Liability and Legal Considerations

Have you noticed the growing fleet of Amazon, FedEx, and UPS trucks crowding Massachusetts roads in recent years? In the Boston region, large single-truck units and semi-trailers account for about 2.2 million vehicle trips during weekdays every year.

The statistics paint a concerning picture. Data reveals that commercial vehicle accidents have been increasing year over year. These aren’t minor incidents, either. When a collision involves a large delivery truck, the aftermath can be overwhelming for victims. Many people quickly discover they need an experienced truck accident lawyer to navigate the complex aftermath of these accidents. Breakstone, White & Gluck has successfully recovered against all of the major delivery companies who pressure their drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules or engage in other dangerous practices.

Common causes of delivery truck accidents

While there are endless potential causes of accidents, there are some factors that often contribute to delivery truck crashes:

• Boston’s ridiculously narrow streets were built for horses, not huge delivery trucks.
• Nasty Massachusetts winters make everything worse – ice + big trucks = disaster.
• Crazy delivery quotes (some drivers report making 170-190 stops daily).
• Drivers working 12+ hours with barely any breaks.
• Companies that give minimal training before sending drivers out.
• Constant app checking and GPS fiddling while driving.
• Skipped maintenance because keeping trucks on the road matters more than safety.

These factors create incredibly dangerous conditions on our roads. The pressure that these drivers face is immense, and it affects their driving.

Types of injuries in delivery truck accidents

When a 2-ton truck slams into a Honda Civic, the laws of physics are cruel. The research is clear – the bigger vehicle wins. Victims often deal with:

• Brain injuries that are sometimes so severe they can’t remember family members.
• Spinal damage that leaves them paralyzed.
• Bones that are so severely shattered they may become difficult for doctors to repair.
• Internal bleeding that requires emergency surgery.
• Skin torn off from road contact.
• PTSD that makes it challenging for them to get back in a car.

Recovery from these injuries typically takes months or years. Some people never fully recover. Medical bills pile up while income disappears. Life changes in an instant.

Liability in Massachusetts delivery truck accidents

Massachusetts liability law allows for several parties to be on the hook for damages:

The driver

Yes, the person behind the wheel is often held responsible under Massachusetts law. But here’s the problem – their personal insurance usually caps out way below what’s needed for serious injuries. Then what?

The company

Massachusetts follows something called “respondeat superior,” which basically means that employers are generally responsible for what their employees do on the clock. When that Amazon or FedEx driver causes a crash, the company could bear responsibility. Truck accident lawyers may look into whether the company was directly negligent as well. Some factors they may consider include:

• The company pushed drivers to reach impossible delivery quotas.
• The company hired drivers with poor driving records.
• Driver training was inadequate.
• The truck was poorly maintained.
• The company violated safety rules.

A note on contractors

Companies can sometimes avoid vivacious liability by designating their drivers as contractors rather than employees. If the company was negligent, potentially for something like hiring contractors with a history of driving infractions or too little training, they might still face liability. It’s important to have an experienced attorney review the case to determine whether liability might extend to the company.

Massachusetts fault rules

The State of Massachusetts uses a modified comparative negligence system, which means you can only recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault. Your compensation might get reduced by whatever percentage you’re deemed responsible for.

Regulations for delivery truck drivers in MA

Delivery drivers in Massachusetts are supposed to follow both federal and state regulations:

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements: Big trucks (over 26,000 pounds) require a CDL.
• Rest rules: Federal regulations limit driving time to prevent drivers from becoming exhausted.
• Vehicle inspections: Commercial vehicles require frequent safety checks.
• Drug testing: CDL holders need to be regularly screened.
• Weight limits: These are important for old bridges and roads across Massachusetts.

Violations of those regulations could indicate negligence on the part of the driver or the company. It’s important to have an attorney who digs into what happened and the circumstances surrounding the driver and trucking company.

Getting money after a delivery truck accident

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you might recover for your:

• Doctor and hospital bills (current AND future)
• Lost income
• Reduced ability to work
• Pain and suffering
• Car replacement costs
• Physical expenses
• Home modifications if you’re disabled

Massachusetts has unusual insurance rules, including mandatory PIP coverage under the state’s no-fault system. But with serious injuries, you can go beyond these limitations.

You’ve got a deadline – don’t miss it

Massachusetts gives you only three years to file a lawsuit after a truck accident. Miss this deadline, and you’re probably out of luck.

It gets even trickier with government vehicles. Those deadlines are shorter. Unfortunately, people sometimes wait too long and lose their chance to recover compensation. Don’t let that be you.

Finding a truck accident lawyer who can help

If you’re dealing with a delivery truck accident in Massachusetts, who you hire matters. Find someone with a great track record and plenty of experience handling truck accident claims in Massachusetts.

Contact Breakstone, White & Gluck today for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer who has handled cases just like yours. We know the tricks these big companies use, and we won’t let them push you around. Our team understands Massachusetts delivery truck laws inside and out.

You’re already dealing with enough. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on recovering.