The United Parcel Service (UPS) familiar brown trucks deliver tens of millions of packages to both homes and businesses every day. This means that residential and commercial areas alike welcome the recognizable vehicles weighing between 5 and 10 tons. Unfortunately, it also means that the rush to meet delivery deadlines can lead to serious accidents.
Most UPS deliveries are accident-free. However, when an accident does occur, it can result in injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic. The resulting disability, pain, suffering, medical bills, and lost wages can be devastating for the victim and their family. If you have suffered severe injuries because of an accident, choosing an experienced UPS truck accident lawyer is the first step to getting back what you have lost.
Who is responsible for a UPS delivery truck accident?
California is a fault-based state which means a party is legally responsible for injuries that their negligence caused. This is a significant difference from no-fault states, where most injuries are paid by the injured party’s own personal injury protection insurance policy. However, since UPS drivers work for UPS, the company is usually liable for their negligent or reckless actions.
A defendant is only liable for the injuries that their mistakes caused. A Los Angeles truck accident lawyer will look at factors surrounding a UPS truck accident for evidence of the truck driver’s negligence. They will also look at anything that may shift responsibility to another entity, like a truck part manufacturer or maintenance company.
Some of the careless actions of drivers that could lead to UPS responsibility include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Failing to secure package load
- Skipping crucial truck maintenance or inspections
Unfortunately, company policy can contribute to some of these dangerous actions. For example, tight delivery schedules may influence a driver to speed, leading to a delivery truck or UPS semi-truck accident. Lack of training can leave drivers unprepared for obstacles they will face on the road. Nailing down the factors that contributed to the accident is an integral part of proving the case.
What to do after an accident with a UPS truck
If a crash with a Los Angeles UPS truck left you with serious injuries, it is essential to act quickly. You only have two years to file a lawsuit, and that may seem like a lot of time, but it can pass quickly as your attorney investigates the claim and lines up a team to support you.
For your physical well-being and to protect your rights, take these steps as soon as possible after the crash:
- Seek medical attention. Go to an emergency room if the injuries are immediately apparent. See your doctor within 24 hours if you are not sure whether you were injured; some potentially serious injuries might not be apparent right away However, early identification and treatment can improve outcomes.
- File a police report. In California, a report is required if anyone was injured or property damage exceeds $750.
- Document the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles and location. Obtain identifying information for other drivers involved, witnesses, and the UPS vehicle involved.
- Speak with a lawyer. An insurance adjuster or someone else representing the UPS driver or company may rush to take a statement that can be used against you or pressure you into a quick, undervalued settlement, so speak with a delivery truck accident lawyer before anyone else.
Effects of UPS truck accident
In the United States, for the 24 months ending in mid-2021, UPS reported more than 2700 crashes, with 58 involving fatalities and nearly 1,000 involving other injuries. UPS truck accident claims can involve:
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Lacerations
- Bruising
- Broken bones
- Death
An accident involving a UPS truck can leave an individual or family responsible for bills and lost income, as well as decreased quality of life. California law recognizes the right of personal injury victims to be compensated for the total value of their economic and non-economic losses.
This means you may be entitled to receive payment for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Current and future lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional damage
- Disability or disfigurement
- Funeral and other expenses related to a wrongful death
All of your losses must be accounted for before resolving your case. An experienced Los Angeles attorney will make sure that your demand does not leave out any damages, ensuring you receive the compensation that you need to rebuild your life.
Speak with a UPS delivery truck lawyer
Every car accident is unique, but delivery truck accidents like UPS, FedEx, or Amazon can be catastrophic. Large corporations whose bottom line depends on quick delivery are more likely to put up a fight even when their liability is conclusive.
At Salamati Law, we offer tenacious yet compassionate service. Our team works hard to get the results you need. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a delivery truck accident in Southern California, call today to schedule a free consultation.
Resources:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Safety Measure System: UPS Ground Freight Inc, https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS/Carrier/121058/Overview.aspx
- California Department of Insurance, So You’ve Had an Accident, What’s Next? https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/hadaccident.cfm
