Crashes involving delivery trucks are becoming more common across North Dakota. As online shopping increases, so does the number of large commercial vehicles on our roads. If you’ve been hit by a delivery truck—whether Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or another company—you may be wondering how to protect your legal rights and recover compensation.
Knowing what to do after a delivery truck accident can greatly affect your injury claim. Below, we’ll cover the key steps to take, how liability is determined, and how a North Dakota truck accident attorney can support you through the process.
Delivery Truck Crashes on the Rise—Know the Risks
The number of delivery trucks on the road has grown rapidly, especially after the pandemic. These trucks often operate on tight schedules and may be driven by individuals working long shifts under high stress.
Here are a few facts about the risks:
- In 2023, 5,572 people died in crashes involving large trucks. Over 70% of the victims were passengers in other vehicles.
- In 2021, more than 155,000 injury crashes involved large trucks.
- Fatigue remains a serious issue, even though federal rules limit driving hours. Violations of the hours-of-service rules happen more often than you might think.
These crashes can be severe due to the size and weight of delivery trucks. That’s why it’s so important to know your rights and take action quickly.
What to Do Immediately After a Delivery Truck Accident
Delivery truck accidents often leave victims disoriented and unsure about what to do. Taking the right steps at the scene and soon after can protect your health and your claim.
Here’s what accident victims should do:
- Seek medical attention right away. Even if your injury seems small now, it could worsen later.
- Call the police to the scene. The official police report becomes key evidence during your insurance claim.
- Collect evidence if it’s safe: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, skid marks, and any cargo spills.
- Get contact information: Name and employer of the delivery driver, insurance carrier for the truck, the truck’s license plate, and DOT number.
Even in difficult conditions, keeping calm and focused on these basics can help you build a strong foundation for your injury claim in North Dakota.
Who’s Liable in a Delivery Truck Accident?
Truck accidents are not always straightforward. In some cases, more than one party can be legally responsible. Determining fault requires a close look at who owned the truck, who operated it, and whether laws were followed.
Possible at-fault parties include:
- The delivery driver
- The trucking or delivery company
- Loaders and shippers
- Repair and maintenance facilities
- Other motorists
- A third-party contractor or logistics provider
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers (in cases involving defects)
Under a legal rule called “respondeat superior,” companies are often liable for the actions of their employees, if the driver was working at the time. However, if the driver was an independent contractor rather than an employee, liability becomes more complex.
In cases involving Amazon contractors, for example, liability may shift or be shared. An experienced delivery truck accident lawyer can investigate and determine who is ultimately responsible.
Be Cautious with Insurance Companies and Commercial Carriers
After a crash, you may get a call from a business insurer representing the delivery company. Be careful. These calls are not meant to help you—they’re designed to protect the company’s interests.
Avoid common mistakes by:
- Not giving a recorded statement without legal counsel
- Not accepting an early settlement before understanding your medical needs
- Watching out for tactics used to downplay your injuries or shift the blame to you
Commercial delivery trucks usually carry larger insurance policies. That means your potential compensation could be higher, but it also means the insurance companies may fight harder to pay you less. That’s why it helps to have a personal injury attorney with specific experience in commercial vehicle accidents.
Personal Injury Deadlines and Laws in North Dakota
In North Dakota, you generally have six years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. However, waiting can weaken your case, especially if evidence fades or witnesses move away.
It’s also important to know that North Dakota follows a modified comparative fault rule:
- If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
- If you are found to be partially at fault (but less than 50%), your compensation is reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
This means the other party may try to shift the blame to reduce how much they owe. Acting early gives your attorney time to gather strong evidence to counter these arguments.
How Pringle & Herigstad, PC Can Help After a Truck Accident
Pringle & Herigstad, PC has served North Dakota residents for over a century. We know how to deal with delivery companies, trucking carriers, and their insurers.
Our delivery truck accident lawyers can:
- Investigate the accident scene and collect key evidence
- Identify all possible sources of liability and insurance coverage
- Handle negotiations with commercial insurance companies
- Help you file a claim or lawsuit for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
We offer a free case evaluation, so you can get trusted legal advice with no upfront costs. If we take on your case, you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Start Your Injury Claim in North Dakota Today
If you’ve been injured in a delivery truck crash, don’t wait to learn your rights. Let the personal injury attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, PC guide you through every step of your recovery. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Contact us now for your free consultation. Protecting your future starts with the action you take today. Let us help you move forward.