The holiday rush transforms New Jersey’s roads into a nonstop flow of delivery vans, box trucks, and freight carriers racing to meet tight deadlines. With online shopping at its peak in December, delivery drivers face enormous pressure while navigating crowded streets, winter weather, and long lists of stops.
This surge in seasonal activity raises an important question: Are delivery truck accidents more common during the holidays and what can you do if you’re injured in one?
Whether it’s Amazon, UPS, FedEx, USPS, or a regional delivery service, crashes involving commercial vehicles tend to rise significantly during the holiday season. Understanding why these accidents happen and knowing your rights afterward can help protect you and your family.
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Why Delivery Truck Accidents Increase During the Holidays
Several factors make delivery truck collisions more likely in December:
1. More delivery trucks on the road
Online holiday shopping creates a dramatic spike in deliveries, leading to:
- Extra seasonal hires
- More vans and trucks in residential neighborhoods
- Rushed delivery schedules
The sheer volume alone increases the risk.
2. Tight deadlines and pressure to keep up
Drivers often face pressure to complete hundreds of deliveries per shift. This can lead to:
- Speeding
- Improper backing
- Rolling stops
- Risky lane changes
- Poor judgment under pressure
Rushed driving increases the likelihood of mistakes.
3. Fatigue and long hours
Seasonal demand often leads to extended shifts, which makes fatigue a major factor. Fatigued drivers may react slowly or misjudge distances, especially in heavy traffic.
4. Winter weather conditions
New Jersey’s winter brings:
- Icy roads
- Snowstorms
- Poor visibility
- Narrowed lanes from snow piles
Delivery trucks, which are often heavier and harder to maneuver, can struggle in these conditions.
5. Frequent stops in unsafe locations
Drivers often stop in:
- Driveways
- Crosswalks
- Narrow streets
- Busy shopping centers
- Unexpected areas without warning
These sudden stops increase the risk of rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents.
Common Types of Holiday Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery-related crashes can happen in many ways, but the most common include:
- Rear-end collisions from sudden stops
- Back-up accidents in residential neighborhoods
- Pedestrian or cyclist impacts
- Side-swipes on narrow or snow-covered streets
- Intersection crashes caused by rushed driving
- Vehicles struck by trucks parked illegally or blocking visibility
Because delivery trucks have large blind spots and longer braking distances, even a minor mistake can cause serious harm.
Similar Post: What If You Were Injured by a Delivery Truck in a Residential Neighborhood?
Who May Be Liable After a Delivery Truck Accident?
Determining liability is often more complicated than in a typical car accident. Depending on the situation, responsible parties may include:
1. The delivery driver
If they were speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly.
2. The employer or delivery company
This often includes major companies like:
- Amazon
- UPS
- FedEx
- USPS
- Private courier services
- Grocery and retail delivery companies
These companies are often responsible for the actions of their drivers.
3. A third-party contractor
Some companies use independent contractors, especially during the holiday season. Liability may involve:
- Amazon DSPs (Delivery Service Partners)
- Contracted courier companies
- Seasonal hired fleets
4. Vehicle maintenance companies
Trucks that are poorly maintained can cause accidents due to:
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Steering issues
5. Government entities
If poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or untreated ice contributed to the crash.
A personal injury attorney can help sort through all possible parties to ensure you’re pursuing compensation from the correct sources.
What Should You Do After a Delivery Truck Accident in New Jersey?
If you’re involved in a crash with a delivery truck, take these steps as quickly as possible:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and signage
- Get the driver’s name, employer, and insurance information
- Identify the truck number or fleet company
- Collect witness statements and contact information
- Avoid speaking with the delivery company’s insurance adjusters
- Contact a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement
Delivery companies often have aggressive insurance teams and defense lawyers. Their goal is to minimize their responsibility. You need someone protecting your side.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Delivery Truck Crash?
If you were injured because a delivery driver or company was careless, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the facts of the crash.
How an Attorney Helps After a Delivery Truck Accident
Delivery truck claims are often complex because they involve:
- Corporate insurers
- Multiple liable parties
- Commercial policy limits
- Driver logs and route data
- Vehicle maintenance records
- GPS and delivery time tracking
An attorney can:
- Obtain company records
- Preserve video or dashcam footage
- Challenge any attempt to shift blame
- Coordinate with accident reconstruction experts
- Negotiate with powerful insurance carriers
- Pursue compensation in court if needed
You should not navigate a commercial accident case alone, especially during the holiday season, when corporations are busy protecting themselves.
Injured in a Delivery Truck Crash? Contact Blume Forte Attorneys at Law Today
A delivery truck accident can turn a joyful holiday season into a stressful and painful experience. If you were injured because a driver was rushing, distracted, or poorly trained, Blume Forte Attorneys at Law is here to help. Our team has experience handling complex commercial vehicle claims and knows how to hold large delivery companies accountable.
Contact Blume Forte Attorneys at Law today at 973-845-4421 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and moving forward. We represent clients all throughout New Jersey, including Hackensack, Jersey City, Chatham, and Howell.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
