Injured in a Pittsburgh Delivery Van Accident? Here’s What to Do Next
By Ben Gobel on June 17, 2026
If you were injured from being hit by a commercial delivery van, you may have the right to seek compensation from the delivery driver, the company they work for, or both. Our Pittsburgh commercial delivery van accident lawyers at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky can help you understand your legal options and fight for the money you deserve.
Delivery vehicles are on Pittsburgh roads all day long. From large national carriers to local courier services, these vans share our streets with everyday drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. When one of these vehicles causes a crash, the injuries can be severe, and the legal process can be complicated.
Why Commercial Delivery Van Accidents Are Different
Unlike a typical car accident between two private drivers, a delivery van crash often involves corporate defendants with large legal teams and insurance policies. This changes how you need to approach your claim.
Multiple Parties May Share Liability
In a commercial vehicle accident, more than one party could be held responsible. Depending on the facts of your case, liability may fall on:
- The delivery driver, if they were negligent, distracted, or fatigued
- The delivery company, under the legal theory of respondeat superior, holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees while on the job
- A third-party contractor, if the driver was an independent contractor rather than a direct employee
- A vehicle maintenance company, if faulty upkeep contributed to the crash
Corporate Defendants Have Resources
Large delivery companies carry significant insurance and employ claims adjusters whose job is to minimize what they pay out. Going up against them without experienced legal representation puts you at a serious disadvantage.
Pennsylvania Law and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Pennsylvania’s Motor Vehicle Code, found at 75 Pa.C.S.A. Section 3101 et seq., governs the operation of all vehicles on public roads, including commercial delivery vans. Violating a provision of this code may constitute negligence per se, meaning the violation itself could serve as evidence of fault in your civil claim.
Pennsylvania also follows the doctrine of respondeat superior. This means that if a delivery driver causes an accident while acting within the scope of their employment, the company that employs them may be held legally responsible for resulting injuries and losses.
Additionally, 75 Pa.C.S.A. Section 1574 prohibits vehicle owners from allowing someone without a valid driver’s license to operate their vehicle. If a company knowingly allowed an unlicensed or unqualified driver behind the wheel, this could strengthen a negligent entrustment claim against them.
It is also worth noting that Pennsylvania law prohibits the use of interactive wireless devices to send, read, or write text messages while driving, under 75 Pa.C.S.A. Section 3316. If a delivery driver was texting at the time of your crash, this violation may be relevant to your case.
What We Do for Delivery Van Accident Victims
When you come to us after a commercial delivery van collision, we move quickly to protect your rights. Here is what that process may include:
- Investigating the accident scene, driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and company policies
- Identifying all potentially liable parties, including the driver, the employer, and any contractors
- Working with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to build a strong claim
- Handling all communications with the insurance company so you do not have to
- Pursuing full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
What Compensation Could Look Like
Every case is different, but injured victims in commercial vehicle accident claims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Property damage to your vehicle
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the company’s conduct was especially reckless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after being hit by a delivery van in Pittsburgh?
First, seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Then, report the accident to police, document the scene if you can, and avoid giving a recorded statement to the delivery company’s insurer before speaking with an attorney.
Who is liable in a commercial delivery van accident in Pennsylvania?
Liability depends on the specifics of the crash. The driver, the delivery company, a contractor, or a maintenance provider could each be responsible. A thorough investigation is often needed to identify all liable parties.
Can I sue a company if their delivery driver hit me in Pittsburgh?
In many cases, yes. If the driver was an employee acting within the scope of their job at the time of the crash, the company may be held legally responsible under Pennsylvania’s respondeat superior doctrine. If the driver was an independent contractor, the analysis may be different.
How much compensation can I get from a commercial vehicle accident in Pennsylvania?
The amount varies based on the severity of your injuries, your lost income, medical costs, and other factors. There is no guaranteed outcome, but working with an experienced attorney gives you the best chance of recovering the full compensation your case may support.
How a Pittsburgh Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney Can Help
At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, we have over 40 years of legal experience and success in recovering compensation for our clients and changing their lives. We are dedicated and committed to meeting our clients’ needs as they navigate the often complex legal process.
Our Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys are willing to sit down with you and listen to you tell your story. This way, we can begin to formulate your civil claim strategy and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Contact Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, we will sit down with you, hear your story, and help you understand your legal options.