The holiday season brings joy, excitement, and increased activity to communities across Indiana. However, it also brings a surge in delivery truck traffic, leading to a higher risk of accidents on the road. Understanding the factors behind this spike can help you stay vigilant and protect your rights if an accident occurs.
Increased Delivery Demand Overwhelms Drivers
During the holidays, e-commerce sales reach their peak, leading to a significant uptick in delivery activity. Companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx work extra hours to fulfill orders, often hiring temporary or contract drivers to manage the demand. These drivers may lack sufficient training or experience, increasing the risk of accidents. Furthermore, tight delivery schedules can lead to rushed or unsafe driving behaviors, endangering everyone on the road.
Driver Fatigue Is a Major Factor
The pressure to meet holiday deadlines often results in extended working hours for delivery truck drivers. Fatigue impairs reaction times and decision-making, making accidents more likely. In Indiana, winter weather can further complicate driving conditions, amplifying the dangers of fatigued driving.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
The surge in deliveries also means that trucks are used more intensively. With companies focused on speed and volume, regular vehicle maintenance may be overlooked. Worn tires, faulty brakes, and other mechanical issues can turn a minor oversight into a major accident.
Seasonal Road Congestion
Indiana’s roads are particularly busy during the holidays, with a mix of delivery trucks, holiday shoppers, and travelers heading to visit loved ones. This increase in traffic congestion creates more opportunities for collisions. Additionally, drivers unfamiliar with local roads or traffic patterns may struggle to navigate safely, especially in urban areas like Indianapolis or Evansville.
Independent Contractors and Liability Issues
Many delivery drivers during the holiday season are independent contractors, which can complicate legal accountability in the event of an accident. Determining liability becomes complicated when the driver operates under a contract, because the company selling and shipping the merchandise may try to blame the driver and get out of any liability themselves.
Winter Weather Conditions
Indiana winters bring snow, ice, and freezing rain, making roads treacherous. Delivery truck drivers, especially those under tight deadlines, may take risks like speeding or failing to adapt to adverse weather conditions. These factors can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents.
The Result
As a result of all of these things, the risk of an Indiana motorist having a collision with a delivery truck is substantially increased. But that is not all. These things also substantially increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents in general during the holiday season.
Protecting Yourself After a Holiday Delivery Truck Accident
If you or a loved one is involved in a delivery truck accident during the holidays, taking immediate action is crucial. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they seem. If you are in doubt, play it safe and go to the emergency room to be checked.
- Take photos of the vehicles, scene, roadway (skid marks), and any visible injuries.
- Get names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Contact an experienced attorney to handle the claims process for you, including a lawsuit if necessary.
How McGlone Law Can Help
At McGlone Law, we understand the unique challenges that come with delivery truck and other accidents during the holiday season. We have extensive experience holding drivers and companies accountable for their actions, ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve. Our team is here to handle your case and get everything the law entitles you to.
If you’ve been injured in a delivery truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
