Amazon is the largest e-retailer in the country and if you live in Miami, Hollywood, or anywhere in South Florida, you likely drive by Amazon delivery drivers all the time. While getting packages fast is convenient, it can be devastating to be in a collision with a delivery truck from Amazon. Because of the way the company is structured, it can also be a challenge to get fair compensation for your injuries.
For truck drivers, the holiday times can be very busy. In fact, some UPS unions have filed complaints amid concerns about how workloads might impact driver safety. This year, UPS alone expects to have 750 million deliveries through the holidays this year, which means about double the volume during the rest of the year and over 40 million more deliveries when compared with 2016.
Drivers and unions have expressed concerns about company policies concerning holiday deliveries. Some companies allow drivers to work longer hours or expect drivers to drive up to 70 hours per eight-day period. Unfortunately, this can create a number of hazards.
At this time of year, delivery trucks can be found everywhere. Trucks from companies such as UPS, FedEx and others deliver packages and use a variety of trucks, including cube vans, light trucks, and other vehicles. Stores may use delivery trucks to get cargo to nearby stores and to customers. Even catering companies and small businesses use delivery vans and small trucks to offer additional services through the holiday season.
Unfortunately, the extra traffic involving delivery trucks can increase the risk of accidents. There are a number of factors which can cause delivery truck accidents in Hollywood and Florida, especially at this time of year:
Delivery trucks play an important role in getting customer goods, materials, and industrial products to stores, businesses and customers. You may rely on delivery trucks to deliver your latest purchases from your local or online retailers while delivery trucks also work to get products on shelves.
Unfortunately, delivery trucks can also be a source of traffic accidents in Hollywood and South Florida. These trucks often share the space with other road users in store parking lots, in residential areas, and on city streets, where they can pose a danger to passenger cars and pedestrians. In addition, delivery truck drivers often face tight deadlines and this can pressure them to drive for longer hours than is safe, in spite of hours of service regulations.
Many drivers use light trucks to transport larger purchases or just to enjoy more room. Light trucks are currently popular in Hollywood and southern Florida as well as other parts of the country. Many drivers like being higher off the ground in these larger vehicles and feel safer with the added space and protection this type of truck offers. While these vehicles can be quite safe for drivers, however, they do pose a larger risk in some instances.
Light trucks, such as pickup trucks, can be heavily loaded down with cargo. When cargo is not properly secured, it can fly out the back of a truck, causing obstructions on the roads and secondary accidents. In addition, light trucks can be overburdened with heavy cargo, which can affect the performance of tires or can cause a driver to lose control, leading to accidents.
During the Halloween season, car drivers and parents are cautioned to be extra cautious about trick-or-treaters and the risk of pedestrian accidents on October 31. However, keep in mind that even during the day of the 31st, you need to be concerned about more than candy and car drivers. Truck accidents can be a concern on Halloween, too.
On the evening of October 31, trucks are generally not to be found around residential areas. Many deliveries are over by the time Halloween trick or treating starts. However, truck accidents in Hollywood and south Florida can still be a concern at this time of year for three main reasons:
Professional truck drivers are some of the safest drivers on the road. To drive a commercial truck, drivers spend considerable time getting an education and training in order to operate a tractor-trailer, tanker, or other heavy commercial truck. Professional truck drivers pride themselves on knowing the roads, and they have some insights on staying safe in traffic.
Professional drivers generally agree that car drivers can stay safer on the road, even when driving around trucks, by:
This holiday weekend, more travelers will be on the roads. From revelers headed to Independence Day festivities in Homestead, Miami, and other communities to tourists taking advantage of the holiday weekend to visit Florida, there will be more cars on the road. As more events take place, trucks will also be on the roadways in greater numbers, delivering products to special events.
If you are driving anywhere this weekend, you will be sharing the streets with other road users. Here are some tips to get to your destinations safely:
At this time of year, there may be more truck traffic at your home. You may be getting home décor items delivered, getting new furniture for entertaining, or getting someone to help with outdoor decorations. Many delivery drivers are busier than ever at this time of year and many service trucks are also on the road for longer hours as more of us get ready for the season.
Increased delivery truck traffic is not all bad; it can actually be safer for you. Getting someone to hang your holiday lights for you, for example, can help you avoid the risk of a serious fall injury. Having a store deliver large items (such as furniture) is also much safer than trying to squeeze large items in your car until your visibility is compromised.
Miami-Dade police are looking for people involved in the reported theft of two semi-truck trailers from a Costco parking lot. The trailers contained what is reported to be about $18,000 worth of Christmas trees. According to authorities, trailers had a pin lock and satellite tracking. However, the pin lock may not have been engaged and the tracking was disabled at some point during the night of the theft.
This incident highlights a disturbing trend occurring during the holidays; trailer and cargo thefts. The cargo in trailers sometimes represents a significant temptation for thieves, since the cargo headed for customers and stores can usually be sold for profits. Electronics are one of the most commonly stolen cargo items, although food and drink and pharmaceutical shipments are also commonly targeted.
Florida Injury Lawyer Blog