Delivery Truck Accidents: Who Pays When You’re Hit by an Amazon, UPS, or FedEx Vehicle? 

You’re driving through your neighborhood or down a busy Oklahoma roadway when it happens. A delivery truck pulls out too fast. A van runs a red light. A box truck makes a wide turn and clips your car. You’re injured, but the vehicle that hit you has a familiar logo on the side: Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or another major delivery company. 

At first, you might think, “At least this is straightforward. Big company. Big insurance.” 

Unfortunately, delivery truck accidents are often anything but straightforward. 

Behind that logo is a web of contracts, subcontractors, insurance policies, and legal finger-pointing designed to limit corporate responsibility. And if you don’t know how these companies operate, you could find yourself stuck in the middle. 

At Colbert Cooper Hill, our delivery truck accident attorneys know how delivery companies structure their operations and try to avoid liability. If you were hit by a delivery vehicle, here’s what you need to know about who may be responsible and why having an experienced delivery truck accident attorney makes all the difference. 

Why Delivery Truck Accidents Are Different 

Delivery vehicles are everywhere, especially with the explosion of online shopping. Amazon vans, UPS trucks, FedEx vehicles, grocery delivery drivers, and last-mile delivery contractors are constantly on the road. 

With that increase comes a higher risk of accidents caused by: 

• Tight delivery schedules 

• Driver fatigue 

• Distracted driving (GPS, scanning packages, apps) 

• Speeding to meet quotas 

• Improper training 

• Large vehicles navigating small roads 

But when a crash happens, delivery companies might say: “That driver doesn’t directly work for us.” 

And that’s where things get complicated. 

Who Owns the Delivery Vehicle That Hit You? 

Some of the first questions in any delivery truck accident case are:  

• Who owns the vehicle? 

• Who employs the driver? 

There are several possibilities: 

1. Company-Owned Vehicles and Employees 

Some delivery drivers are direct employees driving company-owned vehicles. In these cases, the company may be held liable under a legal concept called vicarious liability, meaning an employer is responsible for its employee’s actions while on the job. 

2. Independent Contractors 

Many delivery companies—especially Amazon—use third-party delivery service partners (DSPs) or independent contractors. These drivers may wear company uniforms and drive branded vehicles, but legally, they may not be direct employees. 

3. Third-Party Subcontractors 

Some delivery companies contract with local businesses that then hire drivers. This adds another layer of complexity, with multiple potential defendants. 

4. Personal Vehicles Used for Deliveries 

In some cases, drivers use their own cars to make deliveries. This can raise questions about whether the driver’s personal auto insurance applies or whether commercial coverage is required. 

Each of these situations affects who pays, how much coverage is available, and how hard the insurance company will fight. 

Who May Be Liable in a Delivery Truck Accident? 

Delivery truck accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties. These can include: 

The Driver 

If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or violating traffic laws, they may be personally liable for the crash. 

The Delivery Company 

Even when companies claim drivers are independent contractors, they may still be held responsible depending on: 

• How much control they exercised over the driver 

• Whether they set delivery schedules or routes 

• Whether the driver was acting within the scope of their delivery duties 

A Third-Party Delivery Service Partner 

If the driver works for a subcontracted delivery company, that company may carry its own insurance and share responsibility. 

The Vehicle Owner 

If the truck or van is owned by a different entity than the driver’s employer, the owner may be liable for negligent maintenance or entrustment. 

Insurance Companies (Multiple Policies) 

There may be multiple insurance policies in play: 

• Commercial auto insurance 

• Corporate liability policies 

• Umbrella or excess coverage 

• Personal auto insurance 

Identifying all sources of coverage is critical. Insurance companies won’t volunteer this information. 

Why Delivery Companies Try to Avoid Responsibility 

Large delivery companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters whose job is to reduce payouts. One of their favorite strategies is distancing themselves from the driver. 

They may argue: 

• “The driver was an independent contractor.” 

• “The driver violated company policy.” 

• “The subcontractor is responsible—not us.” 

• “Our corporate insurance doesn’t apply.” 

These arguments are not always valid, but they can confuse injured victims and delay claims long enough to pressure people into low settlements. 

How Oklahoma Law Looks at Delivery Truck Liability 

In Oklahoma, liability depends on control, conduct, and causation. 

Courts may look at: 

• Who controlled the driver’s schedule 

• Who provided the vehicle 

• Whether the driver was performing delivery duties 

• Whether the company enforced safety rules 

• Whether the company benefited from the driver’s work 

Just because a company labels a driver an “independent contractor” doesn’t automatically protect the company from liability. These cases require careful legal analysis and aggressive investigation. 

That’s where the delivery truck accident attorneys of The Wolf Pack™ come in. 

How Colbert Cooper Hill Investigates Delivery Truck Accidents 

Delivery truck accident cases are not ones you want to handle alone. At Colbert Cooper Hill, we conduct deep investigations to uncover the truth behind the contracts and insurance policies. 

Our delivery truck accident attorneys investigate: 

Driver Employment and Contract Status 

We examine contracts, agreements, and internal policies to determine who truly controlled the driver. 

Insurance Coverage 

We identify and pursue every applicable insurance policy, including hidden umbrella coverage. 

Vehicle Ownership and Maintenance 

We look at who owned the vehicle and whether improper maintenance contributed to the crash. 

Driver Conduct 

We review: 

• Driving records 

• Hours worked 

• Delivery logs 

• GPS data 

• Cell phone usage 

Corporate Policies and Pressure 

We examine whether unrealistic delivery quotas or unsafe company practices played a role. 

Black Box and Vehicle Data 

Many delivery vehicles store data on speed, braking, and location. This evidence can be critical. 

Insurance companies move fast to control this evidence. We move faster. 

RELATED: What to Do After an Amazon Truck Accident 

What If the Delivery Driver Was “Off the Clock”? 

Delivery companies sometimes claim the driver wasn’t actively delivering at the time of the crash. That doesn’t automatically end the claim. 

We investigate: 

• Whether the driver was returning from a delivery 

• Whether they were on a company route 

• Whether the vehicle was being used for company business 

Even “in-between” trips may fall within the scope of employment, depending on the facts. 

What Compensation May Be Available After a Delivery Truck Accident? 

If you were injured by a delivery vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for: 

• Medical bills (past and future) 

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity 

• Pain and suffering 

• Property damage 

• Emotional distress 

• Long-term disability or impairment 

Delivery vehicle accidents often involve commercial insurance policies, which typically provide higher coverage limits than standard car insurance. But accessing those policies requires legal pressure. 

RELATED: What is the Average Settlement for a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Oklahoma? 

Why You Need an Experienced Delivery Truck Accident Attorney 

Delivery truck cases are designed to be confusing. The companies rely on complexity to wear you down. 

At Colbert Cooper Hill, The Wolf Pack™ brings: 

• Experience handling complex, multi-party injury cases 

• Knowledge of delivery company structures and tactics 

• The resources to investigate corporate liability 

• The willingness to push back hard and go to court, if needed 

We dig. We challenge. We fight. And we don’t get paid unless we win for you. 

Don’t Let a Delivery Company Dodge Responsibility 

If you were hit by an Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or other delivery vehicle, don’t assume liability is simple. And don’t accept the first answer you’re given. Let The Wolf Pack™ investigate who’s responsible and fight for every dollar you deserve. 

Call Colbert Cooper Hill today or fill out our online form for a free case review with one of our delivery truck accident attorneys. 

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.