A surge in e-commerce and last-mile (last leg of delivery to the customer) delivery services in the city have contributed to a significant increase in traffic accidents and injuries in the workplace as well as air pollution, according to a new report from New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. The report estimates that about one in three New Yorkers receives packages daily. Last-mile facilities are essentially local hubs that are located near customers, which sort and prepare packages for their final delivery to homes or businesses. Lander called the report’s findings a “wake-up call” for the city to adopt regulations for delivery services.
What the Report Found
The report says that after “last mile” delivery facilities opened, 78% of nearby areas saw more injury-causing crashes, with injuries within a half-mile radius increasing by about 16%. Truck-related crashes in particular shot up by 146% and truck accident injuries rose by 137%, the report showed. In Maspeth, Queens, crashes near two major FedEx and Amazon warehouses rose by 53% and 48% respectively. A cluster of four East New York facilities also saw a sharp increase in crashes within a half-mile radius.
As far as worker safety is concerned, between 2022 and 2024, 38 of 50 facilities identified by the New York City Department of City Planning reported injuries to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). There were more than 2,000 reported injuries — an average of 678 per year. Injury rates per 100 employees at last mile facilities are more than three times the national average for all private employers, the report showed.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Delivery Vehicle Accident
If you have been injured in an delivery truck or van accident, taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights. First, be sure to seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Truck-related collisions often cause injuries that might not display symptoms right away. Call emergency services and follow all treatment recommendations from your doctor.
Second, document the scene if you are able to do so. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, company logos, damage, road conditions and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver. Be sure to note the delivery company name, vehicle number and any identifying details. Your personal injury lawyer can also help you gather such crucial information at the scene.
Third, report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report. When speaking with officers or insurance representatives, do not admit fault. Fourth, do not give a recorded statement to the delivery company’s insurer. Commercial insurers work to minimize payouts and anything you say can be used against you.
Finally, consult a personal injury attorney experienced with handling delivery vehicle accidents. Delivery truck cases can involve multiple liable parties such as the driver, employer or vehicle owner. An attorney can help preserve evidence, handle insurers, calculate damages and pursue just compensation for your losses.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Victims who have been injured in truck accidents may be able to seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families of deceased accident victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as lost future income, funeral costs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, or if you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. It is in the best interest of injured victims and their families in such cases to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer before contacting the people responsible for the injuries, and definitely before contacting or communicating with any insurance company, or their lawyers, investigators, or adjusters.
For over 54 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and $2,000,000 in a hit-and-run accident, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. We also recovered $1,500,000 for a lady who was hurt by a bus.
We also obtained $295,000 out of a $300,000 insurance policy in compensation for the victim of a bicycle dooring accident (where a car door opens into the path of a bicyclist). One of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases. Also, we got a $1,400,000 verdict in a motorcycle accident.
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