Getting hit by a UPS delivery truck can turn your life upside down in seconds. Because of the size of commercial brown vans and tractor-trailers, these collisions often result in severe physical injuries and extensive property damage.
If you have been involved in a collision with a UPS vehicle, you are likely looking for a UPS truck accident lawyer to help you seek compensation. Unlike typical car accidents, filing a claim against United Parcel Service (UPS) involves dealing with a massive corporation that uses a specific insurance and legal defense framework.
Unlike Amazon Flex or independent delivery contractors, UPS employs its drivers directly and owns its fleet. This makes UPS directly liable for crashes caused by their employees.
Why UPS Claims are Different from Standard Claims
Filing a claim against UPS is unique due to the company's size and corporate structure:
- UPS is Self-Insured: Instead of paying a commercial insurance company for coverage, UPS is self-insured. They handle injury and property claims internally through their own claims administrators (typically Liberty Mutual handles their third-party administration). This means they defend their money directly, making them very aggressive in negotiations.
- Direct Liability: Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, UPS is liable for the negligence of their drivers while they are on the job. You do not have to sue the driver personally; you pursue UPS directly.
- Large Commercial Policies: UPS has millions of dollars in liability coverage. While this ensures there is enough money to cover catastrophic injuries, it also means their legal defense teams are highly motivated to minimize your payout.
How to Prove Negligence in a UPS Crash
To recover compensation, your legal team must prove that the UPS driver or the company acted negligently. Common examples of UPS negligence include:
- Negligent Parking: UPS drivers frequently double-park, park in bike lanes, or block intersections to deliver packages quickly. This creates major road hazards that cause collisions.
- Driver Fatigue: Driving long hours, especially during peak holiday delivery seasons, leading to slower reaction times.
- Distracted Driving: Sifting through delivery scanners (DIAD devices), checking GPS maps, or handling packages while driving.
- Lack of Maintenance: Failing to maintain tires, brakes, and headlights on delivery trucks.
Steps to Take After an Accident with a UPS Truck
- Call the Police: Ensure a police officer writes an official accident report.
- Document the Truck: Take photos of the license plate, the truck number (usually printed on the back and sides), and the damage.
- Seek Medical Help: Have a doctor evaluate your injuries immediately to document the medical evidence.
- Consult an Attorney: Do not speak to UPS claim representatives or sign any quick settlement offers before talking to a lawyer who specializes in commercial vehicle accidents.