When people are injured in accidents involving large UPS vehicles, they often sustain serious injuries. They may suffer setbacks, such as job loss or prolonged time away from work, medical expenses they cannot afford, and a painful recovery journey. When someone else’s negligence has harmed you, the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Caruso Law Offices can help you seek justice and accountability.
How Often Do UPS Truck Accidents Occur?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains records of truck accidents and provides statistics for the most recent 24-month period. According to this data, there were 2,641 truck crashes involving a UPS truck, including 71 fatal crashes and 827 injury crashes. Of the 13,116 UPS vehicles that were inspected, 11% were placed out of service for safety violations.
Common Causes of UPS Truck Accidents
UPS employs approximately 240,000 drivers who log a combined 12 million driving miles per day. The business is motivated by money, so the more deliveries it makes, the more everyone stands to earn. This can lead to a culture where safety is ignored in pursuit of the mighty dollar. Common causes of UPS truck accidents include:
- Speeding
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Inexperienced or untrained drivers
- Improperly loaded trucks
- Back-up accidents that occur when drivers miss their stops
- Mechanical problems
Who Is Legally Responsible for UPS Truck Accidents?
Thanks to the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are generally responsible for the negligent actions of their employees. This means you don’t have to file a lawsuit against the careless driver. Instead, you can pursue compensation from the heavy-pocketed UPS.
However, you should expect a fight. UPS has a lot to protect with its billions of dollars in profits every year. It is unlikely to admit fault in an accident, requiring you to show the driver was responsible for the accident with evidence, such as:
- Accident reports
- Onboard camera footage
- Black box data information
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Cell phone records
- Personnel records
- Inspection records
An experienced UPS truck accident lawyer can help secure the evidence you need to prove your claim.
What Should I Do After a UPS Truck Accident?
If you are injured in an accident involving a UPS driver, take these steps to protect your rights:
- Call the police to report the accident. Request an ambulance if you are injured.
- Request the driver’s and insurance information for UPS.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to all involved vehicles, skid marks, debris on the roadway, and your injuries.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Request a copy of the accident report once it’s ready.
- Continue your medical treatment.
- Keep all documents related to the accident.
A local and trusted truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process of filing a claim against UPS. You do not have to do this alone.
Call Caruso Law Offices for Legal Representation
If you were injured in a UPS truck accident, Caruso Law Offices can help. We can investigate the accident, gather evidence to prove liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call or request a free consultation online.