Today, there are many commercial vans on the roads in and around Tampa. These are vans that are being driven for business purposes. Unfortunately, the drivers of these vehicles may not have the training they need to operate them safely, or they may make mistakes in the pursuit of speed and profit. When this happens, crash victims have a right to pursue a compensation claim.
Diaco Law has extensive experience representing clients injured by a commercial van after an auto accident in Tampa. We understand the unique issues raised by these claims, including questions of whether the van driver was an independent contractor or an employee, as well as whether Florida’s vicarious liability rules apply.
If you need a Tampa commercial van accident lawyer with a history of successful claims and a commitment to providing compassionate advocacy, Diaco Law is here and ready to help. Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can fight for you.
Types of Commercial Van Accidents in Tampa
Commercial vans in Tampa may belong to:
- Delivery drivers such as Amazon, UPS, Walmart and FedEx
- HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and utility companies
- Uber or Lyft drivers or drivers from food delivery services like GrubHub or DoorDash
- Movers
- Dry cleaning companies
- Freight logistics companies
Vehicles delivering for any of these companies could become involved in a commercial van accident.
Common Causes of Commercial Van Accidents in Tampa
Drivers of these vehicles are often under a lot of pressure to move quickly, and they often drive in unfamiliar neighborhoods, so they may be focused on their GPS devices or phone instead of on the road. They may also drive even after they are tired because they need to complete their deliveries. This can result in:
- Speeding accidents as drivers rush to get all their deliveries made
- Distracted driving accidents as delivery drivers look at their devices for directions or instructions, or when they are looking for a particular property
- Impaired driving accidents if drivers use drugs or alcohol
- Fatigued driving crashes when drivers are pushed to work beyond their limits
- Reckless driving accidents
- Accidents resulting from inadequate van maintenance or a defect in the van
Identifying the crash cause will be important because you will need to show that the driver of the commercial van was negligent or violated a safety rule that caused your accident. If you can prove this, you should be compensated for economic and non-financial loss.
Who is Responsible for Commercial Van Accidents in Tampa?
It’s important to identify all defendants who are responsible for commercial van accidents in Tampa. The more potential defendants who could be held liable, the more insurance coverage there will be to provide you with full compensation.
The driver of the van, of course, could be liable. However, you may also be able to hold the driver’s employer responsible as well, since vicarious liability rules apply in Florida. These rules make clear that employers are responsible for the on-the-job negligence of their workers, who act as their agents.
One of the most complex issues in commercial van accident claims is determining if the driver was an employee of the company that arranged the delivery.
- If the driver was an employee, then vicarious liability rules apply.
- Otherwise, when the driver is an independent contractor, the company that hired them may not be to blame unless you can show the company itself was negligent in a way that directly led to your harm.
Diaco Law will work with you to identify all liable parties, including the driver, their employer, those who designed or maintained the van, and even those who designed unsafe roads. Our goal is to get you the maximum compensation based on your losses.
Contact a Tampa Commercial Van Accident Attorney Today
You should work with a Tampa commercial van accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident so you can begin identifying responsible parties and gathering evidence. Call Diaco Law today to schedule your free consultation with an attorney who has extensive experience with these claims and who can put that legal knowledge to work for you.