Box Trucks and Last-Mile Delivery Vans Accident Lawyer

Michigan has seen an explosion in last-mile delivery traffic—Amazon Rivian vans, UPS trucks, FedEx step vans, DHL vehicles, and independent contractor cargo vans now crowd our neighborhoods, highways, apartment complexes, and rural roads every single day. With the surge in online shopping, these commercial vehicles have become a constant presence on Michigan streets—and with them, a rising number of devastating crashes.

These vehicles move fast. They stop suddenly. They whip in and out of driveways. And they’re operated by drivers who are often racing impossible delivery quotas, navigating unfamiliar areas, or learning to handle oversized commercial vans with little training. Add in blind spots, heavy cargo, and the pressure to meet strict deadlines, and the risk of serious injury skyrockets.

If you were hit by a box truck or delivery van, you may be facing life-changing injuries, overwhelming medical bills, emotional distress, and lost income—all while the delivery company denies responsibility or hides behind layered contractor networks. You’re not alone. And you don’t have to fight them alone.

At Marko Law, we take on the biggest corporations in America—and win. We have the experience, firepower, and proven courtroom results to go after Amazon, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and national logistics companies. When these corporations put profits over safety and their drivers cause harm, we step in and hold them accountable. We fight hard, and we don’t back down.

Who May Be Liable in a Box Truck or Delivery Van Accident

Major Delivery Companies (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, DHL)

These corporations often claim their drivers are “independent contractors” or subcontracted through third-party delivery service partners. But if the company:

• Sets delivery requirements
• Controls routes
• Monitors performance
• Imposes deadlines

…they may be held liable under Michigan law.

Third-Party Delivery Contractors

Many last-mile routes are subcontracted to small companies operating under Amazon DSPs, FedEx Ground contractors, or private fleets. These companies may be liable for:

• Negligent hiring
• Inadequate training
• Unsafe delivery quotas
• Poor supervision

Fleet Leasing & Maintenance Companies

Some corporations lease vehicles from outside companies. If mechanical failure—like brake failure or worn tires—causes a crash, the fleet owner or maintenance vendor may share responsibility.

Retailers & Logistics Firms

Big-box retailers and freight companies coordinating deliveries may also be liable if their scheduling, logistics decisions, or routing practices contribute to unsafe driving conditions.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers

If the crash was caused by:

• Brake defects
• Tire blowouts
• Steering system failures
• Electrical or mechanical malfunction

Government Entities

If the crash involved:

• Dangerous intersections
• Missing signage
• Neglected road maintenance
• Faulty lighting or visibility hazards

Michigan Laws That Impact Box Truck & Delivery Van Accident Cases

Michigan No-Fault Insurance Law

Michigan’s No-Fault system provides certain automatic benefits if the delivery vehicle involved qualifies as a “motor vehicle” under state law. This determination matters because:

• When No-Fault Applies
  Victims may receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP), covering:
  
  • Medical treatment
  • Wage loss
  • Replacement services
  • Mileage and attendant care
• When No-Fault Does Not Apply
  Certain commercial vans or specialty vehicles may fall outside Michigan’s definition of a motor vehicle, requiring victims to pursue other forms of compensation.
• Vehicle Classification Matters
  Some large cargo vans and box trucks clearly qualify as motor vehicles. Others—depending on design, use, and insurance classification—may trigger different coverage rules.

Third-Party Negligence Claims

Even with No-Fault coverage, injured victims can pursue a third-party lawsuit for:

• Pain and suffering
• Excess medical expenses
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Long-term disability damages

Employer Liability (Respondeat Superior)

Under the principle of respondeat superior, companies may be held liable for their drivers’ negligence when the driver was performing work duties at the time of the crash.

This becomes especially important with last-mile delivery services:

• Amazon’s DSP (Delivery Service Partner) Model
  Amazon often argues that its drivers are employed by third-party contractors—not Amazon.
  But if Amazon controlled routes, timing, quotas, technology, or performance standards, liability may still attach.
• FedEx, UPS, DHL Contractor Models
  Similar contractor systems exist, each requiring investigation into hiring practices, supervision, and corporate safety policies.

Michigan Wrongful Death Act

When a delivery vehicle crash is fatal, surviving family members may claim:

• Funeral expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Emotional damages
• Medical bills incurred before death

Comparative Negligence Rules in Michigan

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence system.
This means:

• Your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault.
• If you’re more than 50% at fault, you may lose the ability to recover certain damages.

Federal Laws That Affect Delivery Truck Cases

FMCSA Safety Regulations for Commercial Carriers

Some delivery vehicles and contractors must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, including:

• Hours-of-Service Rules
  Limit how long drivers can operate without rest—critical in fatigue-based crashes.
• Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection Requirements
  Carriers must perform routine inspections and keep detailed records.
  Violations can prove systemic corporate negligence.
• Cargo Securement Regulations
  Shifting or unsecured cargo can destabilize vans or box trucks, leading to rear-end, rollover, or jackknife-type collisions.

DOT & SAFER System Records

The Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System provides:

• Company safety ratings
• Crash history
• Inspection results
• Violation patterns

SMS (Safety Measurement System) Scores

SMS scores track categories such as:

• Unsafe driving
• Fatigue
• Vehicle maintenance problems
• Hazardous materials compliance

Commercial Licensing Requirements

Not all delivery drivers need a CDL—but some do, depending on:

• Vehicle weight
• Cargo type
• Commercial use

How Marko Law Investigates Box Truck & Delivery Van Accidents

Immediate Preservation of Critical Evidence

From the moment you call us, we act to preserve data that can disappear within hours:

• Onboard telematics revealing speed, harsh braking, acceleration, and route compliance
• GPS and route tracking data used by Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and third-party contractors
• Vehicle maintenance logs showing brake issues, worn tires, or ignored repairs
• Dispatch instructions and delivery routing that expose unsafe quotas or pressure
• Driver performance metrics (e.g., Amazon “Mentor” scores, scanner timestamps, delivery speed)

Securing SAFER, SMS, and FMCSA Safety Profiles

We obtain:

• FMCSA safety ratings
• SAFER reports documenting past violations, crashes, and compliance failures
• SMS scores flagging patterns of unsafe driving, fatigue violations, or poor maintenance

Accident Scene Reconstruction

We work with experts to:

• Measure skid marks, debris fields, and vehicle rest positions
• Evaluate sight lines and neighborhood road conditions
• Reconstruct vehicle movement, backing maneuvers, or sudden stops
• Analyze dashcam or doorbell camera footage when available

Subpoenaing Corporate Policies & Delivery Quota Records

Large delivery companies often impose unrealistic demands that lead to dangerous driving. We subpoena:

• Delivery quotas
• Driver monitoring systems
• Safety manuals and training materials
• Internal communications and performance metrics

Investigating Driver History, Hiring Practices & Training Failures

We uncover:

• Prior collisions
• Driving complaints
• Safety violations
• Inadequate training
• Improper vetting of independent contractors

Interviewing Witnesses, Neighbors & Local Businesses

Many delivery crashes occur in residential areas. We gather statements from:

• Eyewitnesses
• Neighbors who observed speeding or reckless behavior
• Business owners with exterior cameras
• Anyone who interacted with the driver or saw the crash unfold

Partnering With Experts Across Multiple Fields

We collaborate with:

• Accident reconstruction engineers
• Human factors specialists
• Commercial vehicle safety experts
• Medical professionals for long-term injury projections

What to Do Immediately After a Box Truck or Delivery Van Accident

Call 911 and Report the Crash

A police report creates an official record and prevents the delivery driver—or the company—from rewriting what happened.

Collect Photos and Videos

If you’re able, gather evidence of:

• Vehicle damage
• License plates and company markings
• Road conditions
• Your injuries
• Skid marks, debris, and resting positions

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Even if you “feel okay,” many injuries surface hours or days later. Prompt medical records help establish the seriousness of your injuries.

Avoid Speaking With Delivery Company Representatives

Corporate reps or supervisors may appear at the scene or contact you afterward. Their goal is to protect the company—not you.

Do Not Give Recorded Statements to Insurers

Insurance adjusters are trained to twist your words to reduce payouts. Politely decline until you have an attorney.

Contact Marko Law Immediately

Delivery companies often attempt to:

• Delete telematics data
• Alter maintenance logs
• Coach drivers
• Hide corporate policies

Justice for Delivery Truck & Van Accident Victims

Delivery truck and last-mile van accidents leave real people facing unthinkable challenges. The physical pain. The emotional trauma. The medical bills. The lost income. The disruption to your family, your routine, and your future. These crashes are not minor fender-benders—they are life-changing events caused by corporations that put speed, quotas, and profits ahead of community safety.

At Marko Law, we refuse to let Amazon, UPS, FedEx, DHL, or any corporate delivery giant bully victims into accepting lowball settlements. These companies deploy rapid-response teams and corporate legal departments to minimize responsibility. We meet them head-on—with experience, firepower, and a courtroom reputation that makes them take your case seriously.

If you’ve been injured, the most important step you can take right now is to protect your rights. Evidence fades. Companies delete data. Witnesses move on. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case becomes.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

📞 Phone: +1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com