The convenience of online shopping has transformed our roads, and not necessarily for the better. In California, delivery truck accidents are on the rise as Amazon, UPS, FedEx, food delivery services, and others put more vehicles on the streets to meet surging demand. This trend has serious consequences for public safety.
In this post, we’ll examine how the e-commerce boom correlates with rising accident rates, why delivery drivers are prone to crashes, and what it means for Californians – especially in cities where accidents involving delivery trucks are becoming more common. We’ll also discuss who may be liable in a California delivery truck accident and how a delivery truck accident lawyer can help victims pursue compensation.
Online Shopping Boom Brings More Delivery Trucks – and More Crashes
Online shopping has surged, significantly impacting California’s roads. Despite a 40% drop in overall vehicle traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic, freight movement, including delivery trucks, only fell by 10%. In 2022, trucks moved 64% of the 19.7 billion tons of goods in the U.S. With consumer demand for rapid deliveries, the freight moved by trucks is expected to increase by 47% in weight and 93% in value by 2050.
The rise in delivery trucks has led to a sharp increase in fatal accidents involving large trucks. From 2017 to 2021, fatalities in these crashes rose by 18% nationally. California, with its high population and traffic volume, ranks near the top for truck crash fatalities, averaging 391 deaths per year from 2017 to 2021. Thousands more are injured annually in non-fatal truck accidents.
Delivery trucks, including Amazon’s expanding fleet, contribute to this traffic. Amazon’s delivery operations rely on small carriers and independent drivers, who often face unsafe driving conditions.
In 2021, nearly 20% of Amazon delivery drivers were injured on the job, a 40% increase from the previous year. The pressure to meet quotas exacerbates the risk of accidents, impacting not only drivers but everyone on the road.
The e-commerce boom’s downside is evident in local communities, with frequent delivery-related crashes reported by news outlets. These incidents underscore the real and growing problem of delivery truck accidents in California.
Why Delivery Drivers Are Prone to Crashes
Delivery truck drivers face unique challenges that can increase the risk of accidents. Understanding these factors sheds light on why delivery driver accidents in California have become so common. Some of the key reasons include:
Tight Deadlines & Time Pressure: Delivery drivers face strict deadlines, leading to rushed driving and unsafe practices like speeding and texting. Companies like Amazon contribute to this environment, increasing crash risks through tailgating and insufficient breaks.
Unfamiliar Routes & Distractions: Delivery drivers often navigate new streets, relying heavily on GPS, which can distract them. Frequent stops and searching for addresses further increase the risk of accidents, especially in dense urban or suburban areas.
Large Vehicles with Blind Spots: Delivery trucks have significant blind spots and require longer braking distances. Smaller vehicles or pedestrians can easily be overlooked, leading to accidents. These trucks are also prone to rollovers when taking curves too fast.
Residential Delivery Dangers: More trucks are entering residential areas not designed for heavy traffic. Limited visibility and potential hazards like parked cars and pedestrians increase accident risks, as seen in tragic incidents involving children.
High Volume in Traffic and Fatigue: During peak periods, delivery drivers work long hours, leading to fatigue and slower reaction times. The increase in delivery traffic heightens the likelihood of crashes due to sheer exposure.
These factors often interact – for instance, a driver unfamiliar with a route might be rushing to make up time and fail to check a blind spot. The result can be a serious collision. Next, we’ll highlight some real incidents from California cities that illustrate the problem of delivery truck accidents.
Understanding Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery truck accidents are becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads, driven by the surge in online shopping and the demand for rapid delivery services. These accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage.
Understanding the complexities of truck accidents is crucial, as they often involve multiple factors and parties. From driver negligence to poorly maintained vehicles, the causes can be varied and intricate. Navigating the legal landscape after such an accident can be daunting, which is why a qualified truck accident attorney is essential. They can help victims understand their rights, gather necessary evidence, and advocate for fair compensation.
Preventing Delivery Truck Accidents
Preventing delivery truck accidents requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved. Drivers must receive proper training and licensing to handle the unique challenges of operating large vehicles. Regular maintenance and inspections of delivery trucks are essential to ensure they are safe for the road.
Delivery companies have a responsibility to manage their drivers’ schedules to prevent fatigue and ensure they are not overworked. Regulatory bodies must enforce strict safety standards and regulations to hold companies accountable. By working together, we can reduce the risk of truck accidents and create a safer road environment for everyone.
Delivery Truck Accidents in California Cities: Local Stories
California’s increase in delivery truck accidents isn’t just reflected in statistics; it’s playing out in city streets from Southern California to the Bay Area. Here are a few local examples that show the scope of the issue:
Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, delivery truck accidents, such as the December 2024 Amazon semi-truck crash on the I-5 Freeway, exemplify the chaos these incidents can cause. The crash involved multiple vehicles and led to significant traffic disruptions, although no fatalities were immediately reported. The city’s congested roads frequently see delivery vehicle mishaps, ranging from freeway pile-ups to surface-street collisions. Victims often need to file a delivery truck accident claim to seek compensation for injuries and damages.
Irvine / Orange County
In Irvine, delivery accidents have had tragic consequences, such as the August 2022 incident where a toddler was run over by an Amazon van. The subsequent wrongful death lawsuit against Amazon and others highlighted complex liability issues, as Amazon claimed the driver was employed by an independent contractor. Irvine’s growing population and high delivery volume increase the risk of similar accidents, with even minor collisions posing serious injury risks.
San Diego
San Diego has experienced several dramatic delivery truck crashes, including two Amazon semi-trucks involved in separate incidents during a February 2025 rainstorm. These accidents, which caused major traffic delays, underscore the challenges delivery drivers face in navigating urban and freeway environments. Local news frequently reports on delivery vans colliding with other vehicles at intersections or overturning on highways.
San Bernardino
The Inland Empire, a major logistics hub, sees numerous delivery truck wrecks. In March 2024, an overturned Amazon truck on the 210 Freeway in San Bernardino caused significant disruptions. The region’s high-speed freeways and residential zones near distribution centers contribute to the risk of accidents. Even non-injury incidents can block traffic for hours and create secondary hazards.
San Francisco
In the Bay Area, delivery trucks face challenges in dense urban environments. Incidents like the FedEx truck vs. bicycle crash on Market Street highlight the dangers of narrow, busy streets. Delivery vehicles blocking bike lanes or crosswalks can lead to collisions. Freeway crashes, like the 2021 FedEx semi-truck accident on I-80, remind residents that delivery truck accidents are a widespread issue in Northern California.
Long Beach
Delivery truck accidents in Long Beach are becoming more common due to increased e-commerce and freight traffic. In March 2025, a stolen flatbed delivery truck crashed into multiple cars on Seventh Street during a police chase, sending several people to the hospital. While extreme, this incident highlights the risks heavy trucks pose on city streets. Long Beach’s proximity to the Port of Long Beach and major freeways like I-710 and I-405 also adds to the danger. The 710 alone sees thousands of daily truck trips, and studies show that over a third of crashes on that route involve large trucks.
Sacramento
In one high-profile incident, in February 2025 an Amazon semi-truck skidded across Sacramento Highway 50 during a rainstorm, crashing through the center divider and blocking multiple lanes. Major freeways like I-5, I-80 and Highway 50 see heavy delivery traffic at high speeds, raising the risk of a delivery truck crash. Meanwhile, Sacramento’s residential neighborhoods face their own dangers from frequent delivery vehicles. This mix of busy highways and neighborhood roads contributes to more accidents.
Who Is Liable in a Delivery Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a delivery truck accident can be more complex than a standard car crash. Multiple parties may be involved: the driver, the delivery company or contractor employing them, and potentially the parent company (like Amazon or UPS) whose packages were being delivered.
California law allows accident victims to seek compensation from any party whose negligence contributed to the crash, but figuring out who those parties are – and proving their fault – requires understanding the delivery industry’s structure and the expertise of truck accident attorneys.
Employer Liability (Respondent Superior):
In many vehicle accidents, an employer can be held vicariously liable for the negligence of its employee driver if the crash happened in the course of employment. This typically applies to companies like UPS and FedEx. For example, if a UPS truck driver runs a red light and hits someone, UPS (the company) is usually on the hook financially for the damages, since the driver is a UPS employee on the job.
UPS and FedEx have extensive insurance and legal teams for this reason. Victims in such cases would file claims against the company, not just the individual driver. The idea is that companies are responsible for the actions of their on-duty employees.
The Amazon Model – Independent Contractors:
Amazon’s delivery operations largely rely on independent contractors to avoid direct liability. Most Amazon-branded delivery vans are operated by delivery service partners (DSPs) or freelance drivers (Amazon Flex), rather than Amazon employees. In the event of an accident, Amazon often deflects responsibility to the driver or the small subcontractor company. For instance, in a notable Irvine case, Amazon highlighted that the van belonged to a third-party contractor, Bamboo Couriers, and the driver was not an Amazon employee.
Victims may find it challenging to recover damages if the contractor carries minimal insurance or files for bankruptcy. However, Amazon’s control over drivers’ routes and schedules could potentially make it liable, as seen in a 2021 Georgia case where Amazon’s routing algorithms were implicated in a crash.
Identifying responsible parties is crucial after a delivery truck crash. Liability might extend to the driver, their employer, and possibly the parent company if negligence can be linked to their policies.
Other liability nuances:
If a food delivery driver (e.g., Uber Eats, DoorDash) causes a crash, that driver is usually an independent contractor as well. Companies in the gig economy also try to avoid liability, but they do provide some insurance for accidents. For instance, Uber and Lyft (rideshare) have insurance that covers their drivers during trips; food delivery services have varying policies. A victim might need to pursue the driver’s personal auto insurance first, then the company’s contingent policy.
Government delivery vehicles (like USPS mail trucks) have their own rules – claims involve filing against the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act if a mail truck was at fault.
Multiple vehicles: Delivery trucks often cause multi-vehicle pileups (as seen in the East LA case with five vehicles). In such scenarios, there may be comparative fault issues – e.g., was the delivery driver 100% at fault or do other drivers share blame? California’s comparative negligence laws would allocate percentages of fault.
Given the complexity of determining liability in delivery truck accidents, victims should consult with a delivery truck accident attorney. An experienced attorney will investigate the relationship between companies like Amazon and their contractors, examining contracts and evidence of control, such as delivery app data.
They will also assess the contractor’s insurance and Amazon’s umbrella insurance, which often includes a $1 million liability coverage requirement for DSPs and a commercial policy for gig drivers. Accessing these funds may require legal action, as companies often deny responsibility or minimize payouts. Legal guidance is crucial to navigate these challenges and secure fair compensation.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Delivery Truck
A collision with a delivery truck can leave you shaken and injured. It’s important to take the right steps afterward to protect your health and your legal rights. Here are some practical steps to follow if you are involved in a delivery truck accident in California:
Call 911 and Seek Medical Help: Ensure safety first by calling 911 if anyone is injured. Large truck accidents can cause significant injuries, so get medical evaluation even if you feel fine, as some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
Contact the Police and Report the Crash: Report the accident to the police or California Highway Patrol, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. A police report is crucial for determining fault and handling insurance claims.
Exchange Information with the Driver: Obtain the driver’s name, contact details, and license information, along with the delivery vehicle’s license plate and employer details. This information is vital for insurance and legal purposes.
Gather Evidence at the Scene: Document the scene with photos of the damage, vehicle positions, and any debris. Capture the truck’s logo or markings and get witness contact information. This evidence is crucial for any disputes about the crash.
Avoid Admitting Fault or Talking Too Much: Stick to exchanging necessary information without admitting fault. Avoid signing anything from the delivery company’s representatives on the spot.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance: Inform your insurance company promptly and file a DMV accident report if required. Your insurer will handle claims and coordinate with the delivery company’s insurer if necessary.
Preserve Evidence of Your Injuries and Losses: Keep detailed records of medical treatments, expenses, and any lost workdays. This documentation supports your claim for damages.
Consult a Delivery Truck Accident Attorney: Seek legal advice from a qualified attorney experienced in delivery truck accidents. They can help preserve evidence and protect your rights, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
The legal fees and complexities involved in a car accident, especially one involving a delivery truck, can be significant, making it essential to follow the right steps.
Following these steps can protect your well-being and strengthen your position should you pursue a claim. After dealing with the immediate aftermath, many people have questions about how they will recover financially, especially if injuries are serious. This is where a delivery truck accident attorney and the legal process come into play.
How a Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Facing off against a big delivery company and its insurers can be daunting. This is where experience and expertise matter. An experienced delivery truck accident lawyer brings knowledge of both legal strategy and the trucking industry, which can greatly benefit your case. Here’s how an attorney can help if you’ve been hit by a delivery truck:
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Experienced lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation of the crash, obtaining crucial data such as the truck’s GPS, electronic logs, the driver’s schedule, and maintenance records. They may also interview witnesses and consult accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the accident. If the accident involves a company like Amazon, your lawyer will investigate the relationship between Amazon and the driver’s employer to establish liability. This comprehensive investigation is challenging for individual victims to manage alone.
Determining All Liable Parties
A delivery truck accident lawyer will identify all potential sources of compensation, including the driver, contractor, and parent company. For instance, if an Amazon contractor van is involved, the attorney will file claims against the driver’s company and potentially Amazon Logistics. They will also consider other contributing factors, such as road design or involvement of other vehicles, to ensure all avenues for recovery are explored.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may try to settle quickly for a low amount or deny liability. A lawyer will manage all communications with insurers to protect you from common tactics. They will present evidence clearly and negotiate for a fair settlement. An attorney’s involvement signals to insurers that you are serious and will not be easily swayed.
Calculating Damages and Seeking Full Compensation
An attorney ensures all damages are accounted for, including future medical costs, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Delivery truck accidents can cause severe injuries, so it’s crucial to claim enough for long-term needs. Lawyers work with medical and economic experts to project costs and understand personal injury laws to optimize your claim.
Litigation and Trial Representation
If necessary, a delivery truck accident lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They handle all legal procedures, from drafting the complaint to conducting depositions and advocating for you in front of a judge or jury. Filing a suit can pressure defendants into settling, but a trial may be needed for justice. You need a professional to stand up against powerful legal teams from companies like Amazon or UPS.
Local Knowledge and Presence
RMD Law’s presence in cities like Irvine, Los Angeles, and San Francisco – to name a few – means our attorneys are familiar with local courts and accident types common in those areas. We leverage local experience to navigate claims effectively, having handled delivery truck accidents throughout California.
A delivery truck accident attorney takes the burden off truck accident victims so they can focus on recovery. They handle the paperwork, legal arguments, and negotiations, always advocating for your best interests. Crucially, the personal injury attorneys at RMD Law work on a contingency fee – meaning you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we win compensation for you. This ensures that anyone, regardless of financial status, can afford quality legal representation after an accident.
Contact RMD Law for Help After a Delivery Truck Accident
Delivery truck accidents can upend your life in an instant. You shouldn’t have to navigate the aftermath alone or worry about medical bills and lost income on top of your injuries. The attorneys at RMD Law have the experience, expertise, and dedication to handle these complex cases and hold the responsible parties accountable. We’ve seen how devastating accidents involving Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and other delivery trucks can be, and we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in California, contact RMD Law today at (949) 828-0015 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review the details of your case, answer your questions, and outline a strategy to pursue maximum compensation for your losses. Our team combines strong legal knowledge with compassionate client service – we treat our clients like family and fight tirelessly on their behalf.
Don’t wait – the sooner you get experienced lawyers involved, the better protected your rights will be. We are here to help you hold negligent drivers and companies accountable, and to make our roads safer by insisting that everyone – even the biggest corporations – put safety first. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on healing.
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