How Common Are UPS Truck Accidents?

Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) show that more than 130,000 UPS vehicles are registered in the United States. While most UPS trucks are of panel van size, others come as tractor-trailers. These trucks deliver over 20 million packages daily across various locations worldwide.

Given the high demand for UPS truck services, accidents can occur when least expected. The FMCSA reports an average of 2,000 accidents annually. Getting into an accident that involves a UPS truck can have devastating consequences. If you were injured in a UPS truck accident, consult a San Antonio 18-Wheeler Collision Lawyer for counsel.

What Are the Common Causes of UPS Truck Accidents?

While UPS drivers undergo intense training to minimize the risk of accidents, mistakes still happen, leading to accidents. Some of the most common causes of accidents involving UPS trucks are:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Speeding
  • Disregard for the company’s safety protocol
  • Mechanical failure
  • Bad weather conditions
  • Negligence by other drivers on the road

Whatever the cause of a UPS accident, the consequences can be life-threatening. Victims deserve compensation for their harm, and negligent drivers should be held liable for their mistakes. If you were involved in a UPS truck accident, contact experienced San Antonio truck accident attorneys to help you determine liability.

What Should I Do After Getting Involved in an Accident with a UPS Truck?

The steps you take following an accident can significantly affect the case outcome when you file a compensation claim. Depending on the severity of the impact and if you’re physically able, do the following:

  • Report the accident and injuries to law enforcement and the emergency medical response team by calling 911
  • Document the scene by taking photos and recording videos of the vehicles involved, the injuries, road conditions, signage, and other contributing factors.
  • Exchange contact information with the UPS truck driver and note down their name, phone number, and name of their insurance company
  • Talk to any witnesses at the scene and obtain their contact information. Ask for any videos or photos they may have taken.
  • Seek medical attention regardless of how severe or minor you think the injuries are, as some internal injuries may not show any symptoms until hours or days later.

Most importantly, hire truck accident lawyers in San Antonio. They can investigate the case and help you build a strong compensation claim. Working with them significantly enhances your chances of recovering the total compensation your case is worth.

Procedures UPS Follows After a Truck is Involved in an Accident

The company makes a full report of the accident according to its insurance company policies. Depending on the circumstances, a district manager may travel to the accident scene to document the case.

UPS also conducts an independent investigation involving talking to the truck driver and witnesses and reviewing the accident report. Once the assessment is complete, it helps determine if the driver or another party was at fault for the accident. If the company contacts you for a statement, you may decline to say anything without your San Antonio truck accident attorneys.

Who May Be Held Liable for a UPS Truck Accident?

As with other types of accidents, determining liability for the crash is a crucial step toward helping you pursue compensation for the injuries. Your San Antonio truck accident attorneys can investigate the accident. They may even hire accident reconstruction experts to critically analyze what happened during the crash.

Some parties who may be potentially liable for the accident include:

UPS Drivers

All drivers must maintain control of their vehicle, regardless of the type. If an accident happens, they will be the first point of liability unless there are circumstances beyond their control, such as brake malfunction. If the driver is an independent contractor, they must carry liability insurance to cover an accident.

UPS Company

The UPS company may be held liable if it is found to have disregarded safety rules concerning working hours. Sometimes, companies use poor judgment when hiring truck drivers, which can be why an inexperienced driver causes an accident. The company may also be at fault if it fails to maintain the vehicle properly.

Another Driver

Investigations may reveal that another driver was liable for the accident. For example, a distracted driver may have tailgated and struck the UPS truck or made a wrong turn, causing the truck to crash into another car. In such a case, the driver who caused the first crash may be held liable for the accident.

How Can I File a Claim for a UPS Truck Accident?

Filing a claim for accidents involving commercial trucks can be complex, but skilled truck accident lawyers in San Antonio can help you. They can defend you against insurance companies that may try to shortchange you by offering the least compensation amount possible.

An attorney can help you file a claim in the following steps:

  • Gather the necessary evidence, such as medical and police reports, property repair bills, witness statements, photos, and treatment records.
  • Call a UPS representative about your intent to file a claim.
  • Send a demand letter and supporting documents.
  • Calculate the overall value of your compensation claim.

An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Helping You Compensation After a UPS Truck Accident

UPS trucks are everywhere on the roads, and while they are easy to spot, sometimes you can miss them and get into an accident with them. If you have been injured in a UPS truck accident, seeking compensation can be challenging. Experienced personal injury attorneys in San Antonio can help you file a compensation claim.

At the Law Office of Matthew S. Norris, we have skilled and aggressive truck accident lawyers who can evaluate your truck accident case and help you pursue a claim. We can investigate the circumstances leading to the accident, help you determine liability, and collect the relevant evidence to build a strong case. Call us at (210) 361-3393 to schedule a FREE case evaluation.