Without a doubt, the current coronavirus pandemic has altered nearly everyone’s daily lives. Many Texans have been laid off or furloughed from their jobs as businesses across the state temporarily close in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19. One industry that has seen the opposite effect, however, is trucking for commercial industries.
As a result of the epidemic, there has been increased demand for grocery store items, medical supplies, and other necessities. In addition, e-commerce retailers such as Amazon have seen an increase in orders as citizens shelter in place and use online ordering to get necessities. In response, many trucking companies, big box retailers, e-commerce retailers, and grocery stores have increased production and hired new delivery truck drivers to meet demands.
Legal Issues Surrounding Delivery Trucks in the Wake of COVID-19
A commonly overlooked consequence of this sudden surge in the trucking industry is a higher number of delivery truck accidents. With the increase in demand comes an increase in delivery trucks on Texas roadways. The drivers of these trucks are more overworked than ever and pressured by employers to rush in an effort to keep up with demand.
With this surge in demand for home deliveries, grocery store restocking, medical supplies, and other essentials, some trucking companies may be taking dangerous shortcuts to increase productivity to meet demands. Already, some Texas truck accident attorneys have reported legal issues such as:
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Quick hiring of trucking employees, including independent contractors, without required training or certification
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Lack of verification of driving records or background checks for drivers
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Improper vehicle maintenance
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Violations of traffic laws
Although most truck drivers are qualified and have clean driving records, many trucking companies have had to resort to hiring less qualified drivers who otherwise would not be chosen for the job simply to meet demands.
If trucking companies do not take proper precautions such as vetting employees, staying compliant with truck maintenance regulations, and adhering to state traffic laws, accidents can occur due to their negligence. Regardless of the industry’s demands, delivery truck companies still have an obligation to adhere to guidelines and prioritize safety to help protect other drivers on the road. Otherwise, they must be held responsible for their wrongdoing and inaction.
The Lopez Law Group Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident during the coronavirus pandemic, an experienced truck accident lawyer can help determine whether negligence played a part in your accident, hold the responsible party accountable for their actions, and get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
At the Lopez Law Group, our knowledgeable attorneys help victims navigate the variety of complex legal issues related to delivery truck accident cases. It can be overwhelming and difficult to balance recovering from injuries while also battling the powerful legal team of big retailers and trucking companies. With the Lopez Law Group on your side, you can focus on what matters most — your health and well-being — while we take care of the legal matters.
When you contact us, our legal team will review your situation and go over the legal options available to you. Should you choose to move forward with a lawsuit and choose our Texas truck accident lawyers to represent you, you can rest easy knowing that our services are offered on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay us until we recover damages for you.
The Lopez Law Group is proud to represent residents of Houston, Weslaco, Tyler, Spring, Mission, McAllen, Laredo, Edinburg, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Harlingen, and other locations throughout Texas. Call +1 (956) 968-7800 to get started.
