Every year, roughly 7,000 large truck accidents happen across Missouri, according to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These accidents injure thousands and kill hundreds annually – and when delivery companies like DHL are to blame, they can be held liable for the consequences.
If you have been injured in an accident in St. Louis involving a DHL or DHL Express delivery truck, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and more. Let the truck accident attorneys at Sumner Law Group, LLC, help you demand it.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a DHL Express delivery accident lawyer in St. Louis. We’ll answer your most pressing questions at no upfront cost.
Understanding DHL Delivery Accidents in St. Louis
DHL is a global package-delivery company involved in everything from transnational shipping operations to last-mile delivery. DHL Express offers services similar to competitors UPS and FedEx. It has hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide, including right here in St. Louis, where its fleet of delivery trucks is a common sight on our highways and in our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, all these DHL Express trucks on the road mean that sometimes they’re involved in collisions.
DHL Express delivery truck accidents are different from typical traffic accidents in several ways:
- Regulations and standards – Delivery trucks operate under stricter state and even federal laws, which affect the legal remedies for accidents.
- Driver training and requirements – Delivery drivers receive special training and must meet specific licensing standards, which differ from those for regular drivers.
- Size and weight—Delivery trucks are larger and heavier than regular cars, meaning they can cause more damage in a collision.
- Insurance and liability – Delivery vehicles typically have higher insurance coverage and different liability considerations, complicating the claims process but potentially providing more compensation to victims.
Common Causes and Types of DHL Express Delivery Truck Accidents
An experienced DHL delivery truck crash lawyer can identify which factors caused or contributed to the accident. The most common factors in DHL traffic accidents include:
- Driver negligence – DHL Express truck drivers must follow the rules of the road to avoid causing harm. Their failure to do so is a common cause of crashes. Speeding, distracted driving, disobeying traffic signals, and driving while impaired or overly fatigued are just a few examples of how a driver’s error can lead to a collision. Fatigue is a particular concern considering the long hours delivery drivers log.
- Unsafe roads – Harsh weather and improper maintenance can result in potholes or uneven road surfaces that increase the crash risk. The City of St. Louis and the Missouri Department of Transportation must take care to remove debris that can lead to accidents and post proper signage.
- Improper maintenance – Because they cover so many miles, DHL delivery vehicles require regular maintenance and safety checks, or they will become dangerous to operate. The company may be liable for accidents due to poor maintenance or ignored repairs.
- Weather conditions – Missouri weather can make driving hazardous. Slippery or icy roads require extra braking distance, especially for large, heavy DHL delivery trucks. Crashes can result when drivers fail to adjust to the conditions.
These factors can lead to DHL delivery van accidents, such as:
- Side-impact crashes
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Crashes while backing up
- Collisions with pedestrians and cyclists
- Rollovers
- Jackknife accidents
Steps to Take After a DHL Truck Accident in St. Louis
As with any traffic accident, there are steps you should take to protect your rights and safety after a collision with a DHL vehicle. These include the following:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries might not show immediate symptoms. A healthcare professional should check you for injuries and start you on a treatment plan for pain management and other medical care.
- Consult our attorneys. Get legal help for a DHL delivery truck accident from the Sumner Law Group, LLC. DHL crashes often result in serious injuries and financial losses. Unfortunately, the company is also likely to fight injury claims to save itself from having to pay. Our attorneys can level the playing field and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Avoid social media. DHL’s insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will carefully monitor your social media activity, looking for anything that might contradict your claims and help the company fight your claim. Don’t give them any ammunition to use against you. Stay off your accounts until your claim is resolved.
Types of Evidence Needed Following a DHL Truck Accident
You need proof that the DHL delivery truck driver or another party caused the crash. The following are examples of evidence that can help you and your attorney build a strong case:
- Police reports provide an official account of the accident, including details about the time, location, traffic law violations, and overall circumstances.
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries effectively illustrate the severity and impact of the accident.
- Medical records prove the extent of your injuries, the treatments you need, and your long-term prognosis.
- The truck’s black box records data such as speed, brake usage, and steering angles before, during, and after a collision.
- Truck maintenance records and driver’s logs can indicate whether the truck was in proper working condition and compliant with safety standards.
Seeking Compensation for DHL Delivery Truck Accidents
Victims of DHL delivery accidents in St. Louis may pursue compensation for their related losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Property damage
How to Choose the Right DHL Delivery Vehicle Accident Lawyer in St. Louis
How do you know you’re choosing the right DHL delivery truck accident lawyer? Here are a few things to look for when selecting a law firm:
- Experience – Do they routinely handle commercial and delivery truck accidents?
- Results – Do they have a proven record of obtaining settlements for clients?
- Reputation – Does their website and other marketing materials contain client testimonials and reviews?
- Resources – Do they have a robust team of professionals and a good relationship with subject matter experts?
- Affordability – Will they take your case at no upfront cost to you, removing the barrier to quality legal help?
The Sumner Law Group, LLC is a boutique litigation firm whose attorneys bring over 50 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a reputation for winning multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients through tough negotiation and proven courtroom representation.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our St. Louis DHL delivery truck accident attorneys, and let’s get started on your case today.
