Pittsburgh
Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer

On This Page

1. How Delivery Truck Accidents Differ from Other Truck Crashes
2. Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents in Pittsburgh
3. Truck Accidents Are a Serious Problem Across Pennsylvania
4. Recoverable Damages After a Pittsburgh Delivery Truck Accident
5. Winning Compensation in a Delivery Truck Accident Claim
6. Don’t Wait Too Long to Take Action After a Delivery Truck Collision

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Delivery truck drivers must undergo special training and licensing before they can drive large commercial vehicles. Driving such a large vehicle requires them to take on additional responsibilities and follow strict federal and state safety protocols that do not apply to other drivers. Violating one of these regulations or breaking any traffic laws can lead to serious injuries for nearby motorists.

If a delivery truck driver caused your accident and resulting injuries, you may be eligible to hold their employer or another party responsible for your damages. In some cases, you may even be able to collect pain and suffering damages after this type of crash. A delivery truck accident lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA, can help you pursue these damages.

The Pittsburgh truck accident lawyers at Berger and Green know how to help you fight for compensation after a collision with a delivery truck. Call us today for a free consultation and complimentary case review.

How Delivery Truck Accidents Differ from Other Truck Crashes

While all commercial truck accidents can be serious, collisions involving delivery trucks often present unique risks and legal complications. Unlike long-haul tractor-trailers, delivery trucks frequently operate in residential areas, make frequent stops, and are often driven under tight deadlines, all of which increase the risk of sudden and unpredictable accidents.

Additionally, many delivery services use a mix of employees and third-party contractors. This can create complications when determining liability, especially if the driver was working for a third-party delivery service at the time of the crash. Our  Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers cover a wide range of these complex truck claims. Some members of our team include, but are not limited to:

• Pittsburgh Amazon truck accident lawyers
• Pittsburgh FedEx truck accident lawyers
• Pittsburgh UPS truck accident lawyers

These cases often require a close look at company policies, employment relationships, and vehicle ownership to determine who can be held responsible. Our delivery accident lawyers are experienced in untangling these complex cases to pursue compensation on behalf of injured victims.

Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents in Pittsburgh

Delivery truck accidents can happen anywhere, but Pittsburgh presents a unique set of challenges. With its mix of densely packed urban areas, numerous warehouses, steep hills, and frequent weather fluctuations, local road conditions often contribute to collisions. Identifying the cause of your accident is a critical first step in building a strong legal claim and holding the responsible party accountable.

Driver-Related Factors

Many delivery truck accidents begin with driver error, often stemming from fatigue, pressure to meet deadlines, or poor training. These human factors can quickly turn a routine delivery route into a dangerous situation.

• Fatigue or long shifts: During high-volume seasons, such as the holidays, delivery companies like Amazon and UPS often place drivers under intense time pressures, which can contribute to fatigue and rushed driving decisions.
• Distracted driving: Whether checking a GPS, responding to dispatch messages, or using a delivery app, even a brief distraction can result in a serious crash.
• Inadequate training: Some drivers may not have the commercial license or specialized training needed to safely operate larger delivery vehicles.

Vehicle-Related Factors

When companies cut corners on vehicle maintenance or overload their trucks, they put everyone on the road at risk. Mechanical failure or instability can easily lead to an accident, particularly on Pittsburgh’s hilly or congested roads.

• Poor maintenance: Worn-out brakes, underinflated tires, or broken headlights can contribute to collisions or loss of control.
• Improper loading: Trucks carrying unbalanced or excessive cargo may be harder to steer and more prone to tipping, especially on curves or inclines.

Pittsburgh-Specific Road Hazards

Pittsburgh’s geography and layout add layers of difficulty for delivery drivers. The city’s unique infrastructure and busy neighborhoods can turn routine deliveries into risky maneuvers.

• Narrow city streets: Areas like Lawrenceville, Shadyside, and Bloomfield are known for tight residential roads that can be difficult for large trucks to navigate without sideswiping parked cars or curbs.
• Steep inclines and blind turns: Neighborhoods can feature sharp curves and hills that make braking and visibility more difficult, especially in poor weather.
• Heavy pedestrian and cyclist traffic: Locations around Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and downtown shopping districts often see a high volume of foot and bike traffic, raising the potential for collisions.
• Bridge and tunnel congestion: Frequent delays and tight merges near the Fort Pitt Bridge, Liberty Tunnel, and other critical crossings can cause sudden stops or erratic lane changes that increase accident risk.

If your crash was caused by one of these or other preventable conditions, a Pittsburgh delivery truck accident lawyer can investigate and determine whether driver negligence, employer liability, or vehicle defects were to blame.

Liability for a Delivery Truck Accident in Pittsburgh

If the driver was out making deliveries at the time of the accident, their employer is most likely the liable party. This is because of a legal doctrine called respondeat superior. In general, employers must be accountable for the actions employees take while they are working. This rule can apply to delivery drivers in several ways.

Some delivery drivers work for multiple companies and corporations. The liable party in this case would depend on which company the driver was working for at the time of your crash. If the company classifies the driver as an independent contractor instead of an employee, the driver may be the liable party.

As a part of our investigation into your accident, our attorneys will identify any and all liable parties in your case. We will explain your options for holding them accountable and do everything we can to try to recover a fair payout for you.

Truck Accidents Are a Serious Problem Across Pennsylvania

While delivery truck accidents can occur anywhere, Pennsylvania sees thousands of crashes involving large and heavy trucks each year — many with devastating consequences, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). In 2024 alone, there were 6,805 reported crashes involving heavy trucks across the state. Of those, 124 resulted in fatal injuries, underscoring the serious risk these vehicles pose when safety measures are neglected.

Although not all of these crashes involved local delivery trucks, many shared common mechanical and operational problems that are just as relevant to commercial delivery vehicles. According to state transportation data, the most frequently cited vehicle-related factors in truck crashes were:

• Tire and wheel defects
• Brake system failures
• Unsecured or overloaded cargo

These types of issues can be especially dangerous on Pittsburgh’s steep hills, narrow streets, and busy urban corridors. When a delivery truck loses braking power or becomes unstable due to poor loading, even a minor traffic situation can quickly turn into a serious collision.

Understanding how and why these accidents occur can play a critical role in identifying negligence and securing compensation. Whether the crash was caused by faulty equipment, poor maintenance, or overloading, a detailed investigation can help uncover who is responsible — the driver, the delivery company, or a third-party maintenance provider.

Recoverable Damages After a Pittsburgh Delivery Truck Accident

When a delivery truck driver causes an accident in Pennsylvania, there are several insurance policies that will come into play. This is because of the state’s choice of a no-fault auto insurance system. 

These claims can be confusing to manage alone, especially when going up against large trucking companies. Our Pittsburgh delivery truck accident attorneys are prepared to represent your best interests against all involved parties.

Your Medical Benefits Coverage Claim

Your no-fault coverage, known as Medical Benefits, is typically the first claim filed. Your insurance provider will pay up to the policy limit to cover your damages. Usually, this is enough for a minor injury, but it may not cover serious injuries that require surgery, extended hospitalization, or inpatient rehabilitation.

Economic Damages From the Liable Party

If your Medical Benefits coverage does not pay for all of your damages, we can help you file a second claim. This claim holds the liable party accountable for the truck driver’s actions. In general, this claim will cover the economic damages you suffered. These may include:

• Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, medication, and assistive devices.
• Future medical care: If your injuries require ongoing or lifelong treatment, you may recover costs related to rehabilitation, at-home care, or future procedures.
• Lost wages: If you had to miss work due to your injuries, you can claim the income you’ve already lost.
• Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit the type of work you can do, you may be entitled to compensation for long-term income loss.
• Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle or any belongings damaged in the crash can be recovered.

Non-Economic Damages From the Liable Party

These are the more personal losses you’ve experienced as a result of the accident and include:

• Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
• Emotional distress: Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress following a serious crash.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once loved — whether it’s playing with your kids, traveling, or exercising — this loss may be compensable.
• Scarring or disfigurement: Visible injuries can lead to lasting psychological effects and may increase your non-economic damages.

In some cases, the claim filed against the liable party will also include non-economic damages. There are generally three ways you can qualify for these damages:

• You carry full tort auto insurance;
• You suffered injuries that meet the serious injury threshold, defined under Pennsylvania law as “death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement;” or
• The trucking company registered the vehicle in a different state.

We can help you understand if you are eligible for non-economic damages during your initial consultation.

Punitive Damages

If the delivery company or driver acted with gross negligence — such as knowingly sending out an unqualified driver or failing to repair known brake issues — a court may award punitive damages to punish that behavior and deter similar actions in the future. 

These damages are quite rare, and most cases do not qualify for this form of compensation. Our Pittsburgh lawyers can carefully assess your claim to determine if punitive damages may apply to your delivery truck accident claim.

Winning Compensation in a Delivery Truck Accident Claim

We fully investigate every case we handle. This process includes:

• Collecting and preserving evidence;
• Interviewing witnesses;
• Working with accident reconstruction specialists;
• Surveying the scene of the accident;
• Discussing the situation with trucking industry experts;
• Talking with medical experts about your future care needs; and
• Documenting your damages by collecting bills, receipts, and other information.

One of the first things we will do after we accept your case is to contact the driver’s employer and demand the company preserve all potential evidence in this case. This requires sending a spoliation letter and notifying the company of our intent to look into this incident. This will help us preserve the wealth of evidence usually available in a truck crash case, such as:

• The truck’s onboard computer and related data;
• The driver’s rest logs;
• Dash cam or other video footage;
• Mandatory drug and alcohol test results, taken post-accident; and
• Truck maintenance records.

Once our Pittsburgh delivery truck accident attorneys analyze this evidence and understand how the driver caused your accident, we will approach the liable party about a settlement. We can also file your Medical Benefits claim for you if you have not already filed this claim with your own insurer.

Usually, we notify the at-fault party of our insurance claim by sending a demand letter. In this letter, we outline our case against the driver and discuss the damages you suffered. This letter usually triggers settlement negotiations, and we can generally reach a fair agreement without going to court. However, our delivery truck accident lawyers are not afraid to take on any corporation in a Pittsburgh court if that is what it takes to try to recover the compensation our clients need and deserve.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Take Action After a Delivery Truck Collision

Pennsylvania law gives you only two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit per Pa. C.S.A. § 5524. While many truck accident cases are resolved through settlements, preserving your right to sue is essential. Having the option to litigate can significantly strengthen your position during negotiations.

If this deadline passes before you act, you could lose the chance to recover any compensation at all. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible — even if you’re still recovering or unsure whether you have a case.

Let a Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA, Help You Now

If you were injured in a crash involving a delivery truck, the legal team at Berger and Green is here to help. We will evaluate your case at no cost, explain your legal options, and guide you through the claims process from start to finish.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Call us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.