When a bicyclist is hit by a commercial delivery vehicle, the consequences can be serious. These accidents often result in significant injuries, especially since bicycles offer little protection in a collision. Commercial vehicles—like box trucks, vans, or delivery trucks—are larger, heavier, and more difficult to stop quickly. If a driver makes a mistake or doesn’t follow traffic laws, the cyclist is usually the one who pays the price. Our Raleigh, NC bicycle accident lawyer knows that these types of claims can involve more than just the driver. In many cases, the delivery company, a third-party contractor, or even a product manufacturer could also be responsible, depending on what led to the crash. Our firm provides legal services to victims throughout parts of North Carolina, including Fayetteville, Durham, Raleigh, and Greensboro, so call us today.
What Makes These Accidents Different
Accidents involving commercial vehicles are different from those with regular passenger cars and remembering the details of your accident matters. Delivery drivers are often on tight schedules and may be distracted by navigation devices, rushing to meet deadlines, or unfamiliar with the areas where they’re driving. In some cases, they park in bike lanes, swing open doors without looking, or cut off cyclists when turning.
When someone is hurt in this kind of accident, we look at more than just the collision itself. We gather delivery schedules, GPS data, driver records, and company policies to understand what happened. If the company didn’t train its drivers properly or required unsafe delivery timelines, that could be part of the case.
Common Causes Of These Collisions
Many crashes happen when delivery trucks make sudden turns, open doors into a bike lane, or fail to check blind spots. Others occur when the vehicle is double-parked or blocking a bike lane, forcing the cyclist into traffic. Some drivers may be fatigued from long shifts or distracted by phones and delivery apps. All of these actions can lead to serious injuries.
Injuries And Costs From A Bike Crash
Injuries from a bike accident involving a commercial vehicle can include broken bones, brain injuries, internal injuries, or long-term joint damage. Medical care often starts with emergency treatment and may continue with physical therapy or surgery. Many injured cyclists also miss time from work or need to adjust their daily routines during recovery.
These expenses can add up quickly. When we file a claim, we focus on recovering the full cost of medical treatment, lost wages, damage to the bicycle, and the impact on quality of life. We also account for any future medical care if the injuries are long-lasting.
Holding The Right Parties Responsible
One important part of these claims is identifying who is legally responsible. In some cases, it’s not just the driver but the company that hired them, especially if the driver was under pressure to deliver faster or ignored safety rules. We investigate the chain of responsibility and pursue claims against all parties involved.
Let’s Talk About What Happened
If you or someone close to you was hit by a commercial delivery vehicle while biking, it’s important to take the next step. At Burton Law Firm, we’re here to help you review the facts and move forward with a claim that reflects what you’ve been through. Our founder, Jason Michael Burton, believes in providing quality legal services to his clients, so contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options.