With the rise of online shopping and food delivery apps, delivery trucks and vans are everywhere, especially on high-traffic corridors like I-25, I-70, and Colfax Avenue in Denver. Unfortunately, more delivery traffic means more accidents. When a delivery driver causes a crash, the legal situation can get complicated fast.
Unlike a typical car accident, a delivery truck crash may involve several different parties beyond the driver. If you were injured by a delivery vehicle, we can help you understand who may be legally responsible and how to hold them accountable. At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we know how to handle these complex cases and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who’s Liable? It’s Not Always Just the Driver
After a delivery truck accident, it’s natural to assume the driver is the only one at fault. But liability often runs much deeper.
Depending on the situation, responsible parties may include:
- The delivery company (like FedEx, UPS, or Amazon)
- A subcontractor who hired the driver
- A parent company that owns the delivery service
- A maintenance company that failed to service the vehicle properly
These companies may deny responsibility or shift blame, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Under Colorado law, companies can be held legally responsible for their drivers’ actions if those actions occur within the scope of employment. We look at every angle of the crash—from who owned the vehicle to who controlled the delivery route—to identify all liable parties.
Contract Drivers and the Rise of Gig Delivery Services
Many delivery drivers today are contractors, not full-time employees. This shift has created new challenges for people injured in these types of accidents. Companies like Amazon Flex, DoorDash, or Instacart often try to avoid legal responsibility by calling their drivers “independent.”
But in many cases, these companies still control how deliveries are made, set time limits, and provide the app that guides each route. That level of control matters. We investigate whether a company can still be held responsible even if the driver is technically a contractor.
If you’ve been hit by a delivery driver working for one of these services, we’ll take a close look at the relationship between the driver and the company to help make sure the right party is held accountable.
Insurance Challenges When Private Vehicles Are Used Commercially
Delivery drivers often use their personal cars for work. That creates another problem: their regular auto insurance may not cover crashes that happen while they’re working. On top of that, the company’s insurance may only apply under limited circumstances or not at all.
This creates a lot of confusion. Whose insurance is responsible? Who pays your medical bills? What if coverage is denied?
We’ve handled many cases involving this kind of insurance gap. We review all available policies, request coverage information, and pursue every possible source of compensation. Our goal is to make sure you’re not left footing the bill for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
What Causes These Crashes? Delivery Pressure and Driver Fatigue
Delivery work is demanding. Many companies set strict schedules or use performance-based incentives that reward faster deliveries. That can lead drivers to:
- Speed through neighborhoods
- Make quick, unsafe turns
- Ignore traffic signs
- Drive while distracted or drowsy
In cities like Denver, Aurora, and Boulder, drivers face heavy traffic, tight turns on roads like Speer Boulevard, and unpredictable weather, especially near mountain-access highways like I-70. Popular destinations like Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Cherry Creek Shopping District attract high delivery volume, increasing the risk of delivery-related crashes in those areas.
Long shifts and unrealistic delivery quotas can also result in fatigue, increasing the chances of poor decisions behind the wheel. These factors create a dangerous mix, especially when drivers are under pressure to complete dozens of stops in a short time.
When we investigate delivery truck crashes, we don’t just look at what the driver did. We also look at the company’s practices and whether it contributed to unsafe working conditions that put you in harm’s way.
Using Tracking Data as Evidence
One major advantage in delivery accident cases is the availability of digital data. Delivery companies often track:
- Drop-off and pickup times
- GPS locations
- Mileage and speed
- Vehicle braking or idling patterns
This information can show whether the driver was rushing, off-route, or ignoring traffic laws. We know how to request and preserve this data before it’s deleted or lost. When used correctly, it can support your case and push back against attempts to shift blame.
Contact Our Experienced Denver Delivery Truck Accident Attorneys
Delivery truck accidents aren’t simple, but you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
From uncovering all liable parties to gathering key evidence, we handle every detail with care and determination. If you’ve been injured by a delivery driver, call us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.