Delivery Truck Accident Attorney — Amazon, FedEx, UPS Crashes in Glendale & Los Angeles
The explosion of online shopping has put more delivery trucks on Los Angeles roads than ever before. Amazon vans, FedEx trucks, UPS vehicles, and countless third-party delivery services now navigate residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and freeways at all hours. When these delivery vehicles cause accidents, the legal landscape is more complex than a standard car crash — involving corporate liability, insurance layers, and contractor arrangements designed to shield companies from responsibility. Attorney Anand Desai has handled over 5,000 injury cases in 20+ years and knows how to penetrate these corporate defenses. Call (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation.
Why Delivery Truck Accidents Are Increasing
Several factors make delivery trucks a growing hazard on Los Angeles streets:
- Time pressure — delivery drivers face aggressive quotas and deadlines, encouraging speeding and recklessness
- Frequent stops — double-parking, sudden stops, and pulling in and out of traffic lanes create collision risks
- Unfamiliar routes — drivers relying on GPS may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns and hazards
- Large blind spots — delivery vans and box trucks have significant blind spots, especially on the right side
- Distracted driving — checking delivery apps, scanning packages, and navigating between stops
- Long shifts — delivery drivers often work 10-12 hour days with minimal breaks
Common Delivery Truck Accident Scenarios
In Glendale, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities, delivery truck accidents commonly involve:
- Rear-ending vehicles while searching for delivery addresses
- Striking pedestrians while backing up to residential driveways
- Dooring cyclists — opening the driver-side door into a bike lane
- Running stop signs or red lights to maintain delivery schedules
- Striking parked cars while double-parked for deliveries
- Rolling away on hills when improperly parked
Who Is Liable When a Delivery Truck Hits You?
This is where delivery truck cases become uniquely complex. Major delivery companies use various structures to limit their exposure:
- Amazon — frequently uses Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) — independent contractors who employ the actual drivers. Amazon argues the DSP, not Amazon, is the employer. However, California courts have increasingly found that Amazon’s level of control over routes, schedules, and performance metrics may create liability.
- FedEx — FedEx Ground drivers were historically classified as independent contractors. California’s AB5 law and the ABC test for worker classification have challenged this model.
- UPS — typically employs drivers directly, making respondeat superior liability more straightforward.
- DoorDash, Instacart, and gig delivery services — these platforms classify drivers as independent contractors, though California law may impose liability regardless.
Attorney Desai investigates the corporate structure behind every delivery driver to identify the correct defendants and the maximum available insurance coverage.
California’s AB5 Law and Delivery Driver Classification
California’s Assembly Bill 5 (Labor Code Section 2775) established the ABC test for determining whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor. Under this test, a delivery driver is presumed to be an employee unless the hiring company can prove all three factors of the test. This law has significant implications for accident liability, as employers are vicariously liable for their employees’ negligent acts while working.
Injuries from Delivery Truck Accidents
Even medium-sized delivery vans weigh several thousand pounds — much more than a passenger car. Injuries commonly include:
- Fractures and broken bones from direct impact
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries — especially for pedestrians and cyclists struck by delivery vehicles
- Back and spinal injuries from rear-end collisions
- Pedestrian crush injuries
Compensation in Delivery Truck Accident Cases
Delivery truck accident victims in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, and across LA County can recover:
- Full medical expenses — emergency care through long-term rehabilitation
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
Major delivery companies carry substantial insurance coverage, which often means larger recoveries are possible compared to accidents involving individually insured drivers. California’s two-year statute of limitations applies (CCP Section 335.1).
Why Choose Anand Desai
With 5.0 stars on Google from 114 reviews and Avvo Clients’ Choice 2025, Anand Desai has the courtroom experience — 50+ jury trials as a former LA County Public Defender — to take on major corporations. He works on a no win, no fee basis and speaks 11 languages. His Glendale office is centrally located to serve all of Los Angeles County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delivery Truck Accidents
Can I sue Amazon if an Amazon delivery driver hit me?
Potentially, yes. While Amazon uses Delivery Service Partners to create a liability buffer, courts have found Amazon liable in certain cases based on the extensive control Amazon exercises over delivery operations. Attorney Desai will investigate Amazon’s level of involvement in your specific case.
What if the delivery driver was making a personal stop when the accident happened?
If the driver deviated from their delivery route for personal reasons, the company may argue they were outside the scope of employment. However, if the driver was between deliveries or making a minor personal detour, liability may still attach to the employer.
Should I report the accident to the delivery company?
Report the accident to the police and document the delivery vehicle’s company markings, vehicle number, and license plate. You do not need to report to the company directly — your attorney will handle communications with the company and its insurers.
How long does a delivery truck accident case take?
Cases against major corporations often take longer than standard auto accident claims due to corporate legal defense strategies. Many resolve within 12 to 18 months, though complex cases may take longer. Mr. Desai keeps clients informed throughout the process.
What if I was a gig delivery driver injured while making deliveries?
If another driver caused your accident while you were making deliveries, you have a personal injury claim against that driver. Your classification as an employee or independent contractor affects which insurance applies but does not eliminate your right to pursue the at-fault party.
Free Consultation — Call Today
Delivery truck accidents involve corporate defendants with deep pockets and aggressive legal teams. Level the playing field with attorney Anand Desai. Call (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation or contact us online. No win, no fee.