When you see delivery trucks on every street corner in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, or anywhere across Missouri, it’s easy to forget how dangerous they can be.
But when a delivery truck driver makes one bad move—running a red light, speeding through a stop, or backing up without looking—the damage can be life-changing.
If you were injured by an Amazon, UPS, or FedEx vehicle, your claim is not a simple fender-bender. You’re up against a billion-dollar corporation with legal teams, investigators, and insurance adjusters whose only goal is to pay as little as possible.
That’s where Sansone & Lauber comes in. We’ve spent decades fighting large transportation and logistics companies across Missouri—and winning.
This guide breaks down what makes these delivery-truck crashes different, what to do right now, and how our truck accident lawyers in St. Louis fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Why Delivery-Truck Cases Are So Different
1. You’re not just dealing with a driver—you’re up against a corporation
When an Amazon or UPS van hits you, the company activates its crisis-response system almost instantly. They may send investigators to the scene, contact witnesses, or start collecting dash-cam footage—long before you’ve even left the hospital. Their goal is simple: protect the company, not the victim.
That’s why acting fast with a Missouri truck accident attorney is critical. The sooner we step in, the faster we can secure the same evidence before it disappears.
2. Drivers may be called “contractors,” but the company often controls everything
Amazon often uses Delivery Service Partners (DSPs)—small local companies that technically “employ” the driver. UPS and FedEx sometimes use similar arrangements. When a crash happens, they’ll claim, “That’s not our employee—we’re not liable.”
But Missouri law looks at control, not titles. If the company sets the routes, tracks the driver in real time, sets performance metrics, and controls uniforms, schedules, and safety rules, that company can still be held responsible.
Our attorneys know exactly how to prove that connection—and hold the parent company accountable for the harm its delivery system causes.
3. The injuries are often severe
Even smaller delivery trucks weigh several tons. That means more force and greater injury. Common results include:
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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Neck and back injuries (herniated discs, spinal damage)
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Broken bones and crush injuries
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Knee, shoulder, and wrist damage
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Internal bleeding or organ trauma
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Severe emotional trauma
Because these injuries can require surgeries, therapy, and long recovery periods, your case must fully reflect the long-term costs—not just the immediate bills.
4. These companies track everything—but they don’t hand it over easily
Modern delivery trucks use telematics, GPS, and cameras that record speed, braking, route timing, and even when a driver opens the door. That data can make or break your case—but only if it’s preserved quickly.
Sansone & Lauber sends immediate preservation letters demanding that companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx keep all electronic data, dash-cam video, driver logs, and maintenance records intact. If they destroy it, we can pursue sanctions for spoliation of evidence.
5. Insurance coverage is complicated—but potentially large
Unlike typical car accidents, these cases may involve:
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The driver’s personal policy
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The company’s commercial auto policy
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An umbrella policy or excess coverage
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Possible third-party liability (maintenance, leasing, or cargo loading companies)
These layers of coverage can make a case harder—but they also mean there’s usually plenty of insurance money available to cover full damages, if your lawyer knows how to pursue it.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Missouri Delivery-Truck Crash?
In Missouri, anyone whose negligence caused your injuries can be held accountable. That may include:
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The driver – for careless, distracted, or aggressive driving.
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The employer or contracting company – for hiring unsafe drivers or failing to train and supervise them.
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Amazon, UPS, or FedEx – if their policies or systems contributed to unsafe practices.
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Maintenance or repair companies – for failing to fix mechanical issues.
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Manufacturers – if a defective part, tire, or brake system caused or worsened the crash.
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Other motorists or third parties – if their negligence started a chain reaction.
We leave no stone unturned. Multiple defendants often mean more potential recovery—but also more complex defense tactics. We’re ready for both.
Missouri Laws That Affect Your Case
Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Under RSMo § 516.120, most personal injury victims in Missouri have five years to file a claim—but don’t let that lull you into waiting. Trucking companies start building their defense immediately. The sooner your attorney begins, the stronger your evidence.
(Note: Certain claims—such as wrongful death—may have shorter deadlines.)
Comparative Fault in Missouri
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system. Even if you were partially at fault—for example, if you were speeding or failed to signal—you can still recover money.
Your compensation is reduced only by your percentage of fault. If you’re 20% at fault and damages are $100,000, you can still recover $80,000. Our goal is to minimize your share of fault through evidence, expert testimony, and a strong case narrative.
Special Rules for Commercial Vehicles
Large delivery trucks must follow state and federal safety regulations, including:
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Proper driver training and rest periods
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Regular vehicle inspections
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Limits on weight and cargo loading
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Maintenance and brake-system checks
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Safe parking and backing procedures
If these rules were ignored, that violation helps prove negligence per se, meaning the company broke a safety law meant to protect people like you.
Common Causes of Amazon, UPS, and FedEx Truck Accidents in Missouri
Through years of litigation, we’ve seen the same patterns again and again:
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Rushed deliveries – Drivers under intense time pressure run lights, speed, or roll through stops.
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Distracted driving – Drivers use GPS, handheld scanners, or phones while behind the wheel.
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Improper parking or backing – Trucks block traffic lanes or reverse without checking blind spots.
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Fatigue – Long shifts and strict quotas cause exhaustion, slower reaction times, and poor judgment.
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Mechanical failure – Old brakes, bald tires, or neglected maintenance.
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Reckless shortcuts – Unsafe lane changes, sudden U-turns, or cutting through residential areas.
When companies push productivity over safety, we make them answer for it.
What You Should Do After Being Hit by a Delivery Truck
Even if you’re in shock or pain, these steps can protect your rights:
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Call 911 and get medical help.
Always report the crash. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked—some internal injuries take hours to appear. -
Document everything.
Take photos of the vehicles, road, skid marks, nearby traffic lights, company logos, and the driver’s ID badge if possible. -
Get witness contact information.
Neutral witnesses are powerful. Jot down names and numbers right away. -
Request a police report.
This helps identify the trucking company and confirms details of the crash. -
Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters.
Politely refer them to your lawyer. Insurers twist statements to minimize payouts. -
Keep all records.
Medical bills, prescriptions, repair estimates, lost-wage documentation, and photos of your injuries. -
Contact Sansone & Lauber immediately.
The earlier we start, the faster we can preserve video, GPS logs, and driver data before they’re deleted.
The Evidence That Wins These Cases
Our team builds every truck-accident case like it’s going to trial. Key evidence often includes:
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Dash-cam and security-cam video from the delivery truck and nearby buildings
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Vehicle GPS and telematics (speed, location, sudden stops)
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Driver employment files (training, hours worked, safety violations)
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Delivery route data showing unrealistic time demands
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Maintenance records proving the truck wasn’t safe
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Witness statements and accident reconstruction
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Police crash reports and diagrams
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Medical documentation linking your injuries to the collision
We also consult accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economic analysts to make sure every dollar of loss is backed by evidence.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Financial (Economic) Damages
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Hospital bills, surgeries, and follow-up visits
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Physical therapy and rehabilitation
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Prescription medication and medical equipment
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Lost income and reduced earning ability
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Vehicle repairs or replacement
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Travel and out-of-pocket costs
Non-Financial (Non-Economic) Damages
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress and anxiety
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Loss of companionship or family support
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Permanent scarring or disability
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Reduced quality of life
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, if a company or driver acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, Missouri law allows punitive damages to punish and deter similar behavior.
How Sansone & Lauber Builds Your Case
We don’t treat you like a file—we treat you like a person whose life was interrupted by corporate carelessness.
Step 1: Immediate Action
We send preservation letters to Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and any subcontractor demanding they keep all data, logs, and video intact. Then we start our own investigation—before their defense teams can spin the story.
Step 2: Gathering Proof
We collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and company documentation. We also secure the truck’s black-box or telematics data whenever possible.
Step 3: Working with Experts
We use expert witnesses in accident reconstruction, biomechanics, and vocational economics to prove exactly how the crash happened and how it’s impacted your ability to work and live normally.
Step 4: Calculating the Real Value
We don’t just total your hospital bills. We measure the long-term costs—rehab, surgeries, job loss, mental health, and chronic pain—so your settlement reflects the true cost of what happened.
Step 5: Negotiation and Litigation
We negotiate hard with the insurer for a full settlement. If they refuse to be fair, we’re fully prepared to take the case to trial.
Insurance companies know Sansone & Lauber are serious about results. That reputation alone often leads to higher offers.
How Long Does a Missouri Truck Accident Claim Take?
Most cases take several months to a year depending on:
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How long your medical treatment lasts
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The number of defendants and insurers
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Whether liability is disputed
- We keep you updated every step of the way. Our goal: recover full compensation as efficiently as possible—without letting the company drag things out.
A Real-World Example (Simplified)
Case Example (based on actual outcomes):
A delivery van operated by a third-party Amazon contractor ran a red light in St. Louis County, hitting our client’s SUV. She suffered serious neck injuries and needed spinal surgery. Amazon tried to deny liability, claiming the driver worked for a subcontractor.We proved Amazon controlled the route, schedule, and safety systems through its DSP program. We subpoenaed route data showing the driver had less than 9 minutes between stops—making speeding inevitable.
Result: a significant six-figure settlement covering medical bills, wage loss, and future care—without the client ever stepping into a courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I sue Amazon, UPS, or FedEx directly?
A: Often yes. If the driver was working on company business, the company may be responsible under Missouri’s vicarious-liability law. Even if they used a “contractor,” you may still hold them liable if they controlled the driver’s work.
Q: What if I was partly at fault?
A: Missouri’s pure comparative-fault system still allows recovery even if you share some blame. Your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
Q: How long do I have to file my claim?
A: In most injury cases, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But evidence disappears fast—so it’s best to start now.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most settle before trial. But Sansone & Lauber prepares every case as if it will go before a jury—because that’s how you get the best settlement offers.
Q: How much does it cost to hire your firm?
A: You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee—we only get paid if we win your case.
Why Choose Sansone & Lauber
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Proven Results: Over $14.2 million recovered in a single motorcycle case and millions more in truck-related claims.
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Trial-Tested Lawyers: Insurance companies know we’ll take cases to verdict when needed.
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Local Experience: We know Missouri laws, judges, and local juries—and how they respond to corporate negligence.
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Client-Centered Service: You’ll have direct contact with your lawyer, not just a case manager.
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No Fees Unless You Win.
We fight for real people—not corporations. And we never stop until you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
What to Do Next
If you or someone you love was injured by an Amazon, UPS, or FedEx truck anywhere in St. Louis, Columbia, Jefferson County, Springfield, or across Missouri, don’t wait.
Call Sansone & Lauber for a Free Consultation
📞 (314) 863-0500
🌐 www.MissouriLawyers.com
You’ll speak directly with an experienced St. Louis truck accident attorney who will:
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Listen to your story
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Explain your rights under Missouri law
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Tell you what evidence we can start preserving today
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And lay out a plan for holding the delivery company accountable
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