California UPS Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our UPS Truck Accident Lawyers Provide Legal Help That Puts You First
Americans rely on the trucking industry for its benefits to the national economy and their personal needs. United Parcel Service, Inc., or UPS, is one of the leading delivery companies in the country. UPS operates over 120,000 vehicles, including delivery vans, tractor-trailers, and box trucks. Given the prevalence of UPS delivery trucks on our roads and highways, accidents with them are expected to happen. While the company conducts annual safety driver training, some delivery drivers might engage in negligent actions that lead to crashes. Call our UPS truck accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 if you’re injured in one.
At Arash Law, we consider your well-being. In addition to helping you seek compensation for your injuries and property damage, we can also refer you to the doctors in your area to help with your treatment. We can handle the legal process, including gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and negotiating with insurers on your behalf. This way, you can focus on healing rather than stressing about your personal injury claim.
Why Hire Our UPS Truck Accident Attorneys For Your Legal Claim
The UPS truck accident attorneys at Arash Law offer more than just legal advocacy. Here are some ways our team can support your claim:
We Have Years Of Experience In Personal Injury Law
Our team has handled different types of injury cases, including truck accidents. Our UPS truck accident lawyers apply their knowledge and experience to each case they take on. They work to seek compensation on behalf of their clients.
We Advocate For Clients
We’ll work to pursue damages on your behalf. Our aim is to protect your interests at the negotiation table or in court.
We Offer A Contingent Fee Payment Structure
Arash Law, under the guidance of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., uses a contingency fee structure. Our clients don’t need to pay any legal fees upfront. We’ll only get paid if we are able to recover compensation for you. Our attorneys can explain this fee structure, including other potential costs, during your consultation.
We Have A Multilingual Team
Our personal injury law firm can help you even if English isn’t your first language. Our multilingual staff can communicate with you using your first language. Some of our team members can speak Spanish, Korean, Filipino, Italian, Farsi, and other languages. They can help translate and interpret correspondence, such as medical appointments and depositions.
Are UPS Truck Accidents Dangerous?
Similar to other truck accidents, collisions involving UPS vehicles can result in significant losses and injuries. UPS trucks travel thousands of miles daily in the United States alone, shipping packages from one location to another. Hundreds of UPS vehicles travel on US roads and highways at any given time. Given their prevalence, it makes sense to think that UPS truck accidents could occur — and they do.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) latest annual reporting period, UPS trucks traveled around 3.3 billion miles within and between the United States and Canada. In the 24 months leading up to September 8, 2025, 2,395 accidents involved UPS vehicles in the country. Among these incidents, 71 were fatal, and 825 resulted in injuries.
For our UPS truck accident lawyers, these data are not merely numbers. They represent injured victims and lives that were taken way too soon. Our injury law firm in California stands by injured victims and their families in this difficult period. We will provide the support and guidance you need to pursue compensation.
How Can UPS Truck Accident Lawyers Help Injured Victims?
If you were injured in an accident with a UPS truck, turn to our injury lawyers for help. Here are some things we can assist you with:
Clarifying Your Rights
The laws and regulations involving truck accidents and personal injury claims can be complex for some people. If you have concerns about your rights as an injured victim, a knowledgeable lawyer can answer your questions.
During your initial consultation, they can review your situation and tell you if your claim is valid. Our personal injury lawyers have the background and skills to handle UPS truck accident claims. They can also inform you about your legal options as an injured victim and what you can potentially receive from the responsible parties.
Determining Your Case’s Worth
A case involving an accident with a UPS vehicle is more complex than an average car collision case. Still, the underlying principle remains the same — injured victims may be able to seek financial compensation. Our UPS truck accident attorneys can provide an estimate for valid claims. They will consider your medical-related expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our lawyers will substantiate these with solid proof (such as receipts, payroll invoices, and others), which will be included in your demand letter.
Investigating The Accident
Once you sign your case with us, our personal injury attorneys will launch an in-depth investigation into your UPS truck accident. They will collect available key evidence, which may include:
- Photos and videos
- CCTV, dash cam, or traffic footage
- Eyewitness statements
- The truck’s travel and cargo logs
- Black box data
- The truck’s maintenance records
- Company records
- Warehouse records
- Police report
- Medical reports
Furthermore, they can collaborate with professional accident reconstructionists, financial consultants, and medical experts. Their expert opinions may help establish fault and liability in your UPS truck accident case.
Establishing Liability
As mentioned earlier, truck accidents are inherently more complex than other types of traffic collisions, especially when huge companies like UPS are involved. They are unlike crashes involving smaller cars, where you can usually tell from the get-go who was at fault. UPS truck accidents often involve numerous variables to consider when establishing liability.
Your UPS truck accident attorney will use the evidence gathered during the investigation to connect the dots about your accident. They will analyze the data piece by piece, carefully examining all available evidence to identify potentially responsible parties for your injuries and losses.
Handling All Communications
When recovering from a traumatic accident, the last thing you need is to be bombarded by calls from UPS representatives and insurers. Our lawyers can take over this aspect of the process for you. When you hire our UPS truck accident attorneys, they can handle all communications regarding your case moving forward. This will not only help you focus better on healing, but it will also help you avoid saying or doing anything that can hurt your case.
Negotiating With Insurers
Negotiations are an integral part of the claims process and are usually the most stressful. You can expect that negotiations with them will not be a walk in the park, especially when you’re by yourself. UPS truck accident lawyers can help review the details of your claim and communicate with the insurer on your behalf. They will consider all relevant information during these discussions.
Representing You In Court
Most personal injury cases are resolved through out-of-court negotiations. However, if negotiations are unsuccessful or other issues arise, our UPS truck accident attorneys can explore legal action as a viable option for your case.
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Most Common Types Of UPS Truck Accidents
Each UPS truck accident is unique, which means that the resulting injuries, losses, and other damages can vary depending on the nature of the accident. Here are some of the most common types of accidents that involve trucks:
Delivery-Related Accidents
UPS trucks make numerous stops to deliver packages. When they have to make a stop, some drivers illegally park in inappropriate spots, such as near fire hydrants, on driveways, or even in bike lanes. This negligent practice can obstruct traffic and may result in accidents.
While they are expected to act with the utmost care, some delivery drivers remain careless when loading packages. Packages not properly secured inside might fall off while the truck is moving, especially if the door is not properly closed. A falling object can cause nearby drivers to swerve suddenly, potentially leading to a collision.
Trailer Sways Or Fishtailing Accidents
UPS also uses tractor-trailers for large-scale deliveries between its distribution centers. Compared to typical passenger vehicles, these UPS trucks have a much higher center of gravity when fully loaded. Trailers with high central gravity are more prone to swaying when driving through winding roads or steering away from an obstacle at the last second. These unexpected movements can cause nearby drivers to react suddenly, potentially resulting in an accident. Trailer sway can lead to catastrophic injuries, especially on high-speed highways.
Cargo Shifts
When cargo is not properly distributed or secured, it can move suddenly if the truck makes a sharp turn, accelerates, or brakes suddenly. Unbalanced trucks are more likely to roll over or jackknife in these situations. These types of accidents can be prevented through regular inspections and compliance with loading regulations.
Our UPS truck accident lawyers can handle cases with complex liability issues. In some instances, liability can fall on the driver and/or the company itself. Both have responsibilities to prevent cargo-related accidents. UPS warehouse employees must load and secure their cargo to prevent shifting during transit. Before hitting the road, UPS and its drivers are responsible for ensuring the cargo is properly loaded, balanced, and within legal weight limits.
Blind Spot Collisions
Larger trucks, such as those used by UPS, have significantly larger blind spots than the average passenger car. Their blind spots can extend several feet along the side and behind the vehicle. Trucks are usually equipped with technologies to give drivers better visibility, but truckers must still be extra careful.
Truck drivers should be cautious of smaller vehicles driving on either side to avoid a potential accident. Changing lanes or merging without checking these blind spots can result in collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes. Reversing in a blind spot, such as in a driveway, is particularly dangerous, as drivers might not notice someone in their path.
Intersection Accidents
Many traffic accidents occur at intersections due to right-of-way and traffic violations. UPS truck drivers can significantly increase the risk when they run a red light or fail to yield. They could also cause an accident if they brake too late, as the truck’s size makes it challenging to stop quickly. These can also occur if the driver is distracted, fatigued, or in a hurry.
If such large vehicles are involved in intersection accidents, serious consequences may follow. Injuries can lead to medical costs, property damage, and other losses. A UPS truck accident attorney can explain your legal options and potential ways to seek compensation.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. These are relatively common with UPS trucks, as their larger size and weight require a longer stopping distance compared to smaller vehicles. If they are following another vehicle too closely, they might not be able to stop in time in sudden situations. Furthermore, brake failures can aggravate these risks, making it even more difficult for drivers to avoid collisions.
These accidents can be extremely dangerous due to the impact of a large truck on a smaller vehicle. The occupants could sustain serious injuries. In these cases, UPS truck accident lawyers can assess the extent of damages and help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation.
Lane Change Accidents
UPS truck drivers are often under significant pressure to meet tight delivery schedules. This urgency might lead them to zip through traffic and change lanes recklessly. Some drivers might neglect to properly check their blind spots or signal their intentions when they are rushing, increasing the chance of colliding with another vehicle. Unfortunately, even a slight misjudgment can have severe consequences when UPS trucks are involved.
Pedestrian And Bicycle Accidents
The potential for accidents is high in residential and urban areas where UPS trucks frequently share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists. Quick stops and sharp turns can catch nearby road users off guard. The size and elevation of these trucks also make it challenging for drivers to see people walking or biking nearby. As a result, a UPS truck accident can happen in a matter of seconds. For example, if a driver backs out of a driveway without a clear line of sight, they may fail to see a pedestrian or bicyclist and cause a tragic accident.
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Factors Leading To Accidents Involving UPS Trucks
Our UPS truck accident attorneys have handled different personal injury claims, including those that involve commercial vehicle collisions. In certain cases, UPS truck accidents can be attributed to similar variables, which include:
Driver Errors
Similar to car accidents, UPS truck collisions occur most commonly due to human error. According to the Safety Measurement System, there are over 128,000 active UPS drivers in the USA. These drivers undergo rigorous training to become certified and authorized to operate a UPS delivery vehicle. While most of the company’s truckers drive defensively, some are negligent and cause accidents that result in injuries.
Many delivery drivers exhibit risky driving behaviors due to stressors related to their jobs. Whether it’s physical fatigue caused by handling heavy packages all day or mental exhaustion caused by strict deadlines, both situations could lead a driver to drive negligently, resulting in accidents. Risky driving behaviors commonly observed among delivery truck drivers include:
- Overconfidence — Drivers who work for UPS come out of training with the knowledge they need before operating a delivery van. However, some drivers overestimate their abilities and commit errors while driving.
- Tailgating — Drivers tailgate for various reasons, including “beating the traffic,” road rage, distraction, force of habit, and others. However, driving too closely to another vehicle is never a good idea. Larger vehicles like UPS trucks need to have ample distance between other vehicles in front of or behind them so their drivers can easily maneuver.
- Distracted Driving — UPS drivers are just as likely to be distracted while driving as regular drivers. They are also always on the lookout for landmarks while driving. To find the correct delivery address, the driver focuses on surrounding buildings instead of the road.
- Aggressive Driving — Being pressed to meet deadlines can sometimes result in rushed decisions or errors in judgment, which can lead to aggressive driving or road rage.
Violations Of Traffic Rules And Regulations
Rules and laws are implemented to ensure the safety of everyone on the road at all times. However, some drivers think that they are above these rules and choose to ignore them instead by:
- Speeding — UPS drivers are usually assigned specific routes, which they become familiar with over time. This familiarity allows them to navigate the roads easily. However, the same familiarity can sometimes lead to a false sense of security. With the pressure of tight delivery schedules, some drivers might be tempted to exceed the speed limit, potentially increasing the risk of speeding accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence — Driving under the influence (DUI) is completely illegal, regardless of whether the impairment comes from alcohol or medication. Some UPS truck drivers don’t realize how prescription medications or a small swig of liquor during mealtimes might affect their driving abilities.
- Drowsy Driving — Falling asleep behind the wheel has been a persistent issue among overworked truck drivers. Research shows that fatigued driving leads to slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, coordination problems, and distorted vision — symptoms similar to driving under the influence. HOS regulations help prevent this risk, but some drivers may violate them to meet tight schedules.
Possible Negligent Practices Of The Company
If UPS played a part in causing your injuries, our truck accident lawyers can gather evidence to prove it. We have experience litigating cases against companies and possess the resources to pursue compensation that may be available for our clients. Corporations like UPS often have dedicated legal teams, and our attorneys are ready to handle such cases. Here are some potential negligent practices that companies like UPS could engage in:
- Poor Hiring and Retention Practices — Inadequate hiring and retention policies can contribute to truck accidents. High turnover rates may result in a workforce that is not adequately trained or motivated to prioritize safety. If neglect of safety regulations or employee well-being is found to have contributed to an accident, the company could be held responsible.
- Unresolved Mechanical Problems in the Truck — Regular maintenance and inspections of delivery trucks are essential for ensuring the safety of drivers and other road users. Failing to address potential mechanical issues can lead to accidents for which the company may be held accountable.
Nature Of UPS Trucks
UPS’s big brown delivery trucks are much bulkier and heavier than any other passenger car. Due to the additional weight of the cargo they transport, these commercial trucks will need a longer braking time and will be harder to maneuver than, say, a smaller SUV. They also have larger blind spots, which can pose an accident risk if the driver fails to pay attention to what’s around them.
Common Types Of Injuries In UPS Truck Accidents
Truck accidents involving large commercial vehicles, such as those operated by UPS, often result in a range of injuries. Some of these include:
- Minor lacerations (cuts and bruises)
- Minor burns (first and second-degree burns)
- Sprains and strains
- Soft tissue injuries (e.g., torn ligaments, muscle strains)
- Whiplash and neck injuries.
- Eye injuries (minor, such as corneal abrasions)
- Psychological trauma (e.g., anxiety, emotional distress)
- Back injuries (including vertebral fractures)
- Face injuries (including fractures and disfigurement)
- Broken bones (e.g., fractures in limbs, collarbones)
- Herniated discs
- Nerve damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Infections (from open wounds or surgical sites)
- Eye injuries (from debris or impact)
- Chest injuries (e.g., broken ribs, punctured lungs)
- Pelvic injuries
- Head trauma (including skull fractures)
- Severe lacerations (with risk of blood loss or infection)
- Burns (especially third-degree burns)
- Crush injuries (from being trapped or pinned)
- Amputations (loss of limbs)
- Internal injuries (e.g., organ damage, internal bleeding)
- Spinal cord injuries (including paralysis)
- Traumatic brain injuries
It may take hours or even days for an injured victim to realize the extent of their injuries. Adrenaline and shock can numb pain, resulting in a delayed onset of symptoms. Untreated injuries are likely to worsen and become more challenging to treat. Therefore, it is crucial for victims to seek immediate medical attention following a collision with a truck.
Additionally, delaying medical care can make it harder to prove that injuries are directly related to the accident. It is common for insurance companies to argue that victims were injured in unrelated events rather than during the collision. UPS truck accident lawyers can help address these concerns by confirming that medical documentation clearly reflects the nature and cause of your injuries. Connecting with medical professionals promptly allows for a thorough assessment and appropriate treatment.
Regulations For UPS Trucks In California
The FMCSA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) impose safety regulations that shipping companies should follow. Commercial trucks, including those owned and operated by UPS, are subject to these regulations, which cover:
- Truck Maintenance Requirements — The FMCSA mandates that truck operators regularly inspect, maintain, and repair their fleet. UPS drivers must ensure their trucks’ parts are in working order before hitting the road.
- Cargo Requirements — The FMCSA enforces rules on axle load, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and overall truck dimensions to prevent overloading, which can cause accidents and road damage.
- Driver Hiring and Training Requirements — Shipping companies, like UPS, have to adhere to these requirements from the DOT and FMCSA:
- Drivers must be 21 or older.
- Drivers must pass a driver’s road test or equivalent.
- Drivers must be able to speak and read English satisfactorily to:
- Communicate with the general public.
- Identify and understand traffic signs and signals.
- Answer questions from officials.
- Ensure that reports and records are legible.
- The driver must operate the vehicle safely and be physically fit to do all the driving-related duties.
- Drivers must have only one valid commercial motor vehicle operator’s license issued by one state or jurisdiction.
- Drivers should not be disqualified from driving under 49 CFR 391.15.
- Hours of Service Requirements — Truck drivers must strictly adhere to regulations surrounding on-duty and off-duty hours. In general, they are only allowed to drive for a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour period.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing — Driving under the influence is prohibited for any driver. UPS drivers and other truckers must follow much stricter guidelines and undergo routine drug and alcohol tests.
These rules and regulations helped improve traffic safety. However, that does not eliminate the fact that accidents can still happen, especially when drivers and trucking companies blatantly neglect to follow the guidelines.
The purpose of complying with truck regulations is not just to follow the law. It is also to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users. If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a UPS truck accident, our lawyers can look into the case to determine potential liability for the resulting losses.
Determining The Responsible Party For A UPS Truck Accident
Delivery truck accidents, especially those involving major companies like UPS, often result in catastrophic consequences. In these situations, victims would want to know who is responsible for their pain and suffering. Unfortunately, truck accidents are inherently more complex than other road collisions, and determining liability is one reason.
When you sign with us, our UPS truck accident attorneys will investigate your accident and assess if any of the following parties are potentially liable for your injuries and other losses:
The UPS Truck Driver
Regardless of a UPS driver’s tenure or employment type, they may be liable for accidents if they are found to have been:
- Exceeding the posted speed limit.
- Driving while distracted.
- Operating without proper credentials (Truck drivers are required to have a specific amount of training and experience before they can legally operate a large truck.).
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Ignoring traffic rules.
The Company: United Parcel Service, Inc.
UPS can be held liable for accidents if it fails to inspect and repair its trucks since regular maintenance is required by law. Unlike most delivery companies, UPS hires its own drivers. The vicarious liability theory can be used to prove liability as well. This legal doctrine holds that when an employee acts within the scope of their employment, an employer is liable for the employee’s negligent actions.
In order to establish vicarious liability, you need to prove the following:
- UPS failed to perform a proper background and criminal record check before hiring a driver.
- UPS can also be liable for negligent training if it fails to fill gaps in a driver’s skills to operate one of its trucks. This includes drivers who have handled other delivery trucks but were not trained to handle UPS trucks properly.
- UPS failed to monitor its employees and take appropriate action if any of them got a DUI, speeding ticket, or other moving violation on or off the job.
Our UPS truck accident attorneys can assist you in navigating the complexities of vicarious liability and help gather evidence to support your case.
Third Parties
Besides the driver and trucking company, other parties may also be liable for a UPS truck accident.
- A truck parts manufacturer may be held responsible if it sells defective products that contribute to an accident.
- An automotive service or repair shop could be liable if it fails to meet industry standards in maintaining or repairing a UPS truck.
- A highway agency, construction company, or government entity could be at fault if it fails in its duty to keep roads reasonably safe.
- Freight loaders may be held responsible if they fail to secure or load cargo according to industry standards.
Proving Negligence In A UPS Truck Accident Case
When dealing with accidents involving major delivery companies like UPS, proving negligence is key to building a case that can help you seek damages, but it can be challenging. Establishing negligence requires demonstrating that the truck driver owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused the accident, which resulted in damages.
Due to the numerous federal regulations governing commercial vehicles, building a case against UPS is more challenging than building a case against a typical car accident. However, if a truck driver violates these regulations, it can serve as crucial evidence of their negligence. You must prove your case with evidence such as:
- Details About the Driver and the Truck — Get the driver’s name, license plate number, driver’s license details, and information about the truck’s insurance.
- Police Report — If you plan to file a claim against UPS, this report is essential proof that you took the right legal action.
- Witness Accounts — The testimony of eyewitnesses can greatly support your claim. Your UPS truck accident lawyer can interview witnesses to confirm their accounts of the accident.
- Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene — Images captured from the site provide hard proof of your injuries and the degree of harm done to your car or property. These can even solidify the negligence of the other party.
Other evidence might be necessary to strengthen your claim further. Given the complexity of federal trucking regulations and the resources available to a large company like UPS, consulting a lawyer can help clarify your options after an accident.
What Compensation Can I Recover After A UPS Truck Accident?
Damages or losses after an accident come in many forms. Compensatory damages aim to pay the victim for their injuries and suffering. On the other hand, the purpose of punitive damages is to deter future accidents similar to the one involved. Punitive damages, however, are rarely awarded.
Depending on the details of the case, injured victims can file a personal injury claim after a UPS truck accident to recover the following:
- Medical Bills — Hospital fees, doctor’s fees, the costs of medication, treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and other medical-related expenses fall under compensatory damages, specifically within economic (actual) damages.
- Income Loss — Victims may also be entitled to compensation if they sustain injuries that prevent them from working. When the accident leaves them with a temporary or permanent disability, they may be able to recover lost wages and reduced earning capacity. This can be substantiated with previous paychecks or any documentation showing the potential earning capacity of the victim.
- Property Damage — Victims can also file for property damage if the accident directly destroyed their belongings. Our UPS truck accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for the repairs or replacement of your car and other valuable items that were damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering — We know the emotional toll and distress an accident can have on its victims. Our UPS truck accident lawyers consider emotional and mental suffering when calculating your damages.
If you lost a loved one in a UPS truck accident, we provide legal support to assist family members. Our UPS truck accident lawyers can help eligible family members file a wrongful death claim, which may cover funeral and burial costs, loss of expected household income and benefits, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, and other related damages.
What To Do If A UPS Truck Hits You
It is important to follow these steps after being involved in an accident involving a UPS truck:
Stay Calm
UPS truck accidents can immediately cause a great deal of emotional distress to those involved. However, it is a good idea to remain calm and think objectively right after a collision. Instead of panicking, turn your focus to checking yourself for injuries. If it is safe to do so, move to the side of the road away from oncoming traffic.
Call 911
Accidents with delivery trucks often constitute an emergency, so after checking if you’re okay, immediately call 911 for help. Explain the situation to the dispatcher and provide them with any necessary information. Stay at the scene until help arrives.
Cooperate With The Authorities
Once the paramedics arrive, have them assess and provide preliminary treatment for your injuries. Even if you feel “okay,” make sure you get medical help at the scene of the accident. Furthermore, cooperate with the police during the initial questioning.
Document The Scene
Exchange driver’s license and insurance details with the other party. If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information from them as well. Photograph your car and any other vehicles involved in the accident, your injuries, and any other significant details around the area that might be useful for a potential claim.
Reach Out To Your Insurance Company
After an accident, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information you have gathered, and be honest about what happened. Refrain from making any assumptions or speculations about liability.
Get Medical Attention
Regardless of the injury you sustained after a UPS truck accident, you need to get to a hospital and get an assessment from a qualified doctor. Ensure that you keep all records related to your medical bills.
Consult UPS Truck Accident Lawyers
A California UPS truck accident lawyer can assist you with navigating the legal process and initiating your personal injury claim. In addition to advising you on your legal rights, they can also assist you with obtaining compensation for your injuries and damage to your property.
When Should I Hire An Attorney For My UPS Truck Accident?
After an accident, you might wonder, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” It is advisable to have one. Claims against large companies like UPS can be complicated and risky to handle without legal guidance. A personal injury lawyer can provide valuable assistance with your case. UPS truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal costs unless they obtain compensation for you.
If you’re stuck in a legal crisis after an accident with a UPS truck, it’s essential to consult with an attorney before making any decisions. Remember, there’s a need for urgency when it comes to filing a claim. You may lose evidence and miss filing deadlines if you wait too long. UPS truck accident attorneys can review your claim, explain your legal rights, and answer your questions, providing valuable information to help you decide how to proceed.
Statute Of Limitations For UPS Truck Accident Claims
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that establishes the maximum period of time that victims are allowed to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. In California, personal injury claims, including those resulting from UPS truck accidents, normally have a two-year deadline. You’ll generally lose your right to seek reimbursement for injuries, medical costs, lost income, and other losses if you fail to submit your claim within the two-year time frame.
After an injury, it is important to take prompt action and consult a UPS truck accident attorney. They can help review your case, handle communications with insurance providers, and prepare for potential court proceedings if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UPS Have Insurance For Accidents?
UPS’s general liability insurance would cover claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and potentially personal injury resulting from the accident. For example, a UPS truck collides with another vehicle, leading to injuries or damage to the other vehicle’s occupants. The company’s general liability insurance would help cover medical expenses, repair costs, and any legal fees or settlements up to $1,000,000. However, it is important to remember that while this is the maximum amount covered, the coverage will only cover the actual amount of losses victims incurred.
Who Pays For My Injuries In A UPS Truck Accident?
California is a “fault-based state,” which implies that the person who caused the accident is liable for the damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses associated with the accident.
To establish your case, you and your UPS truck accident attorney must determine who caused the collision and prove their liability. Once this step is done, you can pursue compensation through a personal injury claim against the responsible party’s insurance. If the UPS driver is found at fault, either the driver’s insurance or UPS’s insurance may cover your injuries.
Does UPS Contract Independent Drivers?
Most of the time, big courier companies hire smaller companies to do their transport work. In the event of an accident, the courier company may shift blame to the smaller trucking company they hired. Likewise, if an independent contractor is in an accident, a courier business may claim that the driver is not an employee.
UPS, however, hires its truck drivers directly rather than contracting them. As their direct employer, UPS bears responsibility for the actions of these drivers. However, the company is only responsible for what the workers do as part of their job, which means doing what they are supposed to do during their set hours.
The trucking company might try to dodge responsibility by claiming the driver wasn’t working for them at the time of the accident. When these situations arise, experienced UPS truck accident lawyers can investigate and gather evidence to support your claim.
Can I Sue UPS For A Truck Accident Caused By One Of Its Drivers?
It depends on the situation. In general, the commercial trucking industry involves a complex system where one person owns the truck and another individual drives it, or the truck is leased to another company. However, UPS owns its trucks and employs its own drivers. Even so, the company may not always be liable for accidents caused by its employees.
Here are a couple of scenarios to consider:
UPS Might Be Responsible
Vicarious liability holds employers responsible for the negligence of their employees if the employees were acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident. For instance, UPS may be held liable if a UPS driver hits and injures someone while delivering packages. Additionally, you and your UPS truck accident attorney may be able to pursue a case against the company if it failed to properly train its employees or was negligent in its hiring practices.
The Driver Might Be Solely Liable
A driver’s actions can significantly impact liability in a UPS truck accident. If the driver was at fault for failing to yield to a pedestrian, they could be solely liable. This situation is different from collisions caused by factors like mechanical issues with the truck. Another example is if a truck driver working for UPS causes an accident after their shift due to a DUI. In this case, the driver could be held solely responsible for the accident.
What If UPS Denies Your Claim?
If UPS denies your claim after an accident, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It may be beneficial to hire UPS truck accident lawyers to guide you through the next steps. Here’s how the process usually goes:
- Review the reasons for the denial.
- Gather additional documentation and evidence to strengthen your claim.
- File an appeal and submit new evidence.
If push comes to shove, our litigation attorneys can file a lawsuit if it is a viable move for your case. We will handle the whole process, from submitting the necessary paperwork to presenting a compelling case before the judge and jury. Our UPS truck accident attorneys can protect your rights through the entire process.
What Happens If I Am Partially At Fault In A UPS Accident?
You can still file a claim for compensation even if you’re partly to blame for a UPS truck accident. California follows pure comparative negligence laws, which allow all victims to seek reparation even if they share up to 99% liability. These rules also determine how fault is assigned to all parties involved.
For example, you are found to be 24% responsible for the crash, while the UPS truck driver is 76% to blame. In this scenario, the compensation will be reduced by 24%.
This system ensures all involved parties are held accountable for their respective contributions to the accident. In such cases, there could be disputes and other challenges. UPS truck accident lawyers can support victims by gathering all relevant information and evidence, demonstrating the other parties’ liability.
How Much Is My UPS Truck Accident Settlement Worth?
The value of each UPS truck accident case varies widely. Some minor accidents might result in a smaller settlement, while extreme cases could settle for substantial payouts.
If you’re injured in a UPS truck accident, we can assist you in seeking the appropriate compensation. When you hire our lawyers, we gather and analyze evidence to determine the value of your claim.
What Factors Can Affect A UPS Truck Accident Settlement Amount?
The value of a UPS truck accident settlement depends on specific factors, such as the nature and severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life. It may also include any future losses in certain cases.
For example, if the accident results in a disability, it can significantly change your life in many ways. You might be unable to perform specific tasks, engage in your previous hobbies, or return to work. In this case, aside from covering the costs of treatments, rehabilitation, and medications for the disability, the settlement amount could also include:
- The costs of hiring a nurse or caretaker.
- Diminished potential earnings.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of consortium.
Your case has to prove these losses when seeking compensation. Talk to our lawyers who handle UPS truck accident cases. We can gather evidence and work to present a settlement that considers your current and potential future needs.
How Long Does A UPS Accident Claim Take To Resolve?
Without knowing the specifics, no one can accurately estimate how long it takes to settle a UPS accident claim. While some claims may be settled within a few months, others can take much longer, especially if complications arise.
Delays in the process or disputes over liability may occur. The length of negotiations is another critical factor. If UPS or its insurers are uncooperative, multiple rounds of discussions may be necessary to reach a fair settlement.
Nevertheless, our UPS truck accident attorneys can provide guidance to help you make informed decisions. If litigation becomes necessary, they can assist in pursuing it when appropriate.
Seek Legal Advice From UPS Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a UPS truck accident, you may have options to pursue compensation. Our UPS truck accident attorneys can provide guidance on the legal process and help review the circumstances of your case.
Arash Law proudly serves clients throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, and surrounding counties such as Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa. We also offer free initial consultations. Call (888) 488-1391 to discuss your situation and learn more about your potential legal options.
