Who this guide is for
If you were walking or biking near King, Meeting, or Market Street and were hit by a delivery van or box truck, this page explains what to do next, which evidence proves fault, and how claims work when the at-fault vehicle is a commercial truck (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, grocery, or local last-mile fleets).
Need help now? Our Charleston truck accident lawyers can start preservation letters today.
Why Charleston’s Historic District is risky for last-mile trucks
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Tight streets & loading zones: Drivers often double-park or encroach into crosswalks to unload near King/Meeting/Market.
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Sightline problems: Parked vehicles, delivery carts, and crowds can block views of people entering crosswalks or bike lanes.
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High foot & bike volume: Tourists and workers move through narrow sidewalks and cycle routes, especially at peak hours.
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Schedule pressure: Delivery windows can lead to rushed turns, rolling stops, and unsafe backing.
First steps after a delivery-truck collision (checklist)
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Call 911 and request police and EMS. Make sure the report lists the commercial carrier name and unit number.
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Photograph everything (or ask someone to help): the truck (door logos, USDOT/MC numbers), plates, driver ID if available, street signs, lane markings, delivery zone signs, skid marks, debris, and your injuries.
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Look for cameras: hotels, garages, storefronts, restaurants, and city/traffic cams. Note exact locations and request copies ASAP.
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Collect witnesses: names, phone numbers, and where they were standing.
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Get medical care the same day and follow up. Document pain, mobility limits, and any head impact symptoms.
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Do not negotiate on the spot. Direct the driver/dispatcher/insurer to your attorney.
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Call a truck-accident attorney quickly to send spoliation letters for dashcam, ELD/ECM data, and dispatch logs.
How liability works in delivery-truck pedestrian & cyclist claims
Delivery fleets can be complex. The at-fault driver might be an employee or an independent contractor. Liability can involve:
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Motor carrier/employer (negligent driving; negligent hiring/training/supervision).
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Contractor fleet (common with Amazon DSPs or local subcontractors).
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Vehicle owner (if different from the carrier).
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Loader/shipper (rare for last-mile, but relevant if cargo blocks views or falls).
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The municipality or property owner (only if road/sidewalk hazards contributed).
Insurers may include a primary auto policy plus excess/umbrella coverage. Determining coverage early helps pace medical bills and settlement strategy.
Evidence that proves fault (the sooner, the better)
From the truck/company
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Dashcam footage (front/side/back).
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Telematics/ELD/ECM: speed, braking, GPS coordinates, idle time, stop/start.
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Dispatch/route data: delivery windows, time stamps, and route changes.
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Driver qualification & training: driving history, safety policies, hours worked.
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Maintenance logs: brakes, lights, mirrors, backup alarms.
From the scene
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Business/garage cameras along King, Meeting, Market, East Bay, etc.
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Parking/loading-zone signs and photos showing crosswalk encroachment.
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Witness statements (staff at hotels/restaurants are often excellent witnesses).
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City/traffic cam references to help time-sync the event.
We can send immediate preservation requests. Start here: Charleston truck accident lawyers.
Pedestrian & cyclist damages you can claim
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Medical costs (ER, imaging, specialists, therapy).
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Lost wages & reduced earning capacity.
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Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
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Property/gear (bike, helmet, phone, clothing, medical devices).
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Scarring/disfigurement and future care for long-term injuries.
Proving specific fault patterns downtown
Crosswalk encroachment & blocked sightlines
Photos showing the truck stopped over the crosswalk or too close to an intersection support negligence, especially alongside witness statements.
Unsafe backing and loading-zone exits
Backups into lanes or sidewalks without a spotter are common. Dashcam and telematics can confirm backing paths and speed.
Bike-lane intrusions and dooring
Where bike lanes exist, footage and paint transfer help show failure to yield or improper lane use.
What to do in the first 72 hours (step-by-step)
Day 0–1
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File the police report and get the incident number.
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Photograph injuries and damaged bike/gear.
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Start a symptom diary.
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Contact an attorney to send spoliation letters for dashcam/ELD data.
Day 2–3
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Follow up with your primary care or specialist.
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Provide witness list and camera locations to your lawyer.
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Keep receipts for all out-of-pocket costs (pharmacy, Uber, splints, etc.).
How Roden Law builds downtown delivery-truck cases
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Rapid evidence playbook: Same-day spoliation to the carrier/contractor for dashcam, telematics, and dispatch logs.
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Witness & camera sweep: We canvass hotels, garages, and storefronts around the crash block.
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Medical documentation: We help coordinate records and ensure injuries are fully captured.
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Negotiation & litigation readiness: We prepare as if your case will be tried, which often drives stronger settlements.
Free Case Review — We’ll start your preservation letters today.
When property damage is your only loss
If you were not injured but your bike or personal property was damaged, you still may recover repair or replacement and related costs. See our PD-only guide (coming soon):
/blog/downtown-charleston-semi-hit-parked-car-guide/
Resources
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Primary: Charleston Truck Accident Lawyers
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Evidence hub (coming soon): /blog/south-carolina-truck-crash-evidence-eld-dashcam-spoliation/
FAQs
Do Amazon/FedEx contractors carry different insurance?
Often, yes. Some drivers work for local contractors (DSPs) with their own commercial policies, plus potential excess/umbrella coverage. We identify all carriers involved early.
Can a parking or loading-zone violation help prove fault?
Yes. Stopping over a crosswalk, double-parking, or blocking sightlines can support negligence when paired with witness statements and video.
How do I get nearby business footage?
Note the exact storefronts, garages, and hotels facing the crash area and request footage quickly. We handle formal requests and follow-ups; many systems overwrite within days.
What if the truck left the scene?
Collect plate digits, fleet branding, and any witness photos. Business cameras often capture logos or plates. We also request telematics and route data when a carrier is identified.
I was wearing dark clothing—can the insurer blame me?
They may try. Our job is to counter with lighting conditions, driver speed, lane position, and camera evidence. Pedestrians and cyclists still have rights even when visibility is disputed.
Will my health insurance or MedPay affect my claim?
It can. Health insurance may have subrogation rights; MedPay (if applicable) can help early bills. We’ll coordinate so you don’t pay twice.