New Jersey Child Killed by Delivery Truck

As more people do their shopping online and become accustomed to having meals arrive at their doorsteps, delivery trucks are increasingly common sights, even on residential streets. Some of these vehicles have been familiar for decades, while others are unmarked rentals hired for a short time. Regardless of the particular product a delivery truck is carrying, they present a unique combination of risk factors to others on the road.

One tragic example of this danger occurred recently in Jersey City when a 6-year-old Eli Bender was struck and killed by a UPS truck. According to reports, the boy was riding his bicycle with his father when he was hit. Though it is uncertain what led up to this devastating collision, some of the potential causes of a crash involving a delivery vehicle include the following:

• Schedule pressure — Massive companies that provide shipment services, or rely on timely deliveries to customers, devote significant resources to maximizing productivity. This means that drivers are often given aggressive schedules with high daily stop counts, often enforced by GPS tracking. Time pressure can encourage risky behaviors such as unsafe lane changes, rushing intersections or inadequate scanning for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Driver fatigue and long hours — Spending hours on end behind the wheel can be physically and mentally draining, particularly on New Jersey’s busy highways and crowded streets. Federal regulations are designed to prevent truck accidents stemming from fatigue. However, violations occur and drivers who work second jobs or operate smaller trucks might be able to evade these rules. 
• Vehicle dimensions and characteristics — A couple of decades ago, tractor-trailers carrying cargo typically dropped off their payload at warehouses or retail outlets usually located on highways or major roads. Now, large delivery trucks with significant blind zones are often operated in constrained urban or suburban environments. Maneuvers such as backing up, tight turns and curbside stops increase the risk of a collision. Inadequate mirrors, lack of side-sensor technology and poorly trained drivers worsen the risk.

Of course, there are many other factors common to delivery truck accidents. A thorough investigation from an experienced attorney can determine if company practices, such as dispatch policies, training and supervision are partly to blame for the crash.

If your family has been affected by a delivery vehicle collision, consult experienced personal-injury counsel promptly to guard against the possible loss of evidence and gain an informed perspective on your legal options.  

 Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq., with offices in Succasunna and Newton, represents New Jersey clients in all types of vehicle collision litigation, including cases stemming from delivery truck accidents. Call 973-940-8970 or contact me online to schedule an appointment at either my Morris or Sussex county location.