Motor vehicle accidents are often at fault for severe injuries and death in the United States. The larger the vehicles are, the more dangerous the collisions. Large vehicle accidents can cause significant injuries, and if someone’s negligent behavior caused the accident, they can be held accountable via a truck accident lawsuit.
The United Parcel Service has a massive fleet of trucks that travels around the country every day. UPS truck accidents are sometimes the fault of the truck drivers, but other factors may also contribute to these crashes. If a UPS truck hits your car, you may face economic and non-economic losses that impact your life.
UPS Truck Accident Statistics
As one of the largest carriers in the United States, UPS is frequently involved in motor vehicle accidents. In the two years leading up to October 2024, there were 2,559 crashes involving UPS trucks, 69 of which were fatal. 874 of these crashes resulted in significant injuries [1].
This staggering number highlights the risks posed by commercial carriers operating under intense delivery pressures and strict deadlines.
Determining Liability in a UPS Truck Accident
If you get hit by a UPS truck and suffer legal damages, you may have the right to file a legal claim against the at-fault party. In this case, it may be the UPS driver, another driver, the carrier company, or another entity. Identifying who is legally responsible for a UPS truck collision is crucial for securing fair compensation for your damages.
The UPS Driver’s Negligence
UPS drivers often work long hours and have tight schedules, which can lead to mistakes or negligence. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, improper lane changes, or failing to yield could cause an accident.
UPS’s Vicarious Liability
Vicarious liability is a principle that holds one entity accountable for the actions of a related entity. In this example, the carrier service may be held vicariously liable because of the actions of the UPS truck driver they employed. This statute often applies when one entity has a supervisory role over the at-fault party, making them partially liable for the damage caused.
Third-Party Liability
Third-party liability may extend beyond the UPS driver when other entities share responsibility for the accident. These potential parties include truck manufacturers if defective parts played a role, maintenance companies responsible for vehicle upkeep, other drivers involved in the collision, or government entities accountable for road conditions.
Types of Injuries in UPS Truck Accidents
A UPS delivery truck accident can be devastating. These vehicles are much larger than the average car, so colliding with one could result in dangerous injuries. Here are some injuries that may occur during UPS truck accidents.
Common Injuries
Injuries in a car accident are often severe, but due to the size and weight of UPS trucks, these collisions are even more dangerous. Victims may suffer from whiplash, back injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and crush injuries.
The Severity of Injuries
Injuries in a UPS truck accident could be life-altering or even fatal. Due to the size and weight difference, passenger vehicles are more likely to get crushed or violently thrown when hit by a UPS truck. As a result, there could be permanent consequences such as brain damage, limited mobility, paralysis, amputation, or even death.
Steps to Take After a UPS Truck Accident
To protect your health and your financial future, you must take the proper steps if a UPS truck hits your car. These steps are essential for ensuring your long-term health and preserving your hopes of winning compensation from personal injury claims.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
No matter the severity of the auto accident, you should seek medical treatment immediately after the collision. If first responders are at the scene, ensure they examine you for injuries.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor for a physical examination in the following days, as many internal injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. Plus, medical care will be essential in supporting your injury lawsuit.
Gather Information at the Scene
Evidence is necessary to support your side of the claim. You can start gathering evidence the moment the UPS vehicle hits your car. Stay at the scene and collect as much information as possible, including witness contact information, insurance details, photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, and the UPS driver’s employee ID and truck number.
Report the Accident to the Police
Every car accident should be reported to the police, and UPS truck accidents are no exception. The police will investigate the scene to determine the cause of the accident, which will be vital for determining fault in insurance or injury claims. The police report will become an official record that you can use as evidence to support your claim.
Ask the police for a copy of the accident report before you leave the scene. A lawyer can help you secure this report if the accident occurred a while ago.
Contact Your Insurance Company
While still at the scene, contact your insurance company as well. You must notify them of the accident and answer questions they may have about a potential claim. However, be cautious about giving official or recorded statements without a lawyer present. The last thing you want to do is admit fault to anyone and ruin your chances of winning fair compensation in an insurance claim or injury lawsuit.
Consult an Experienced Attorney
A personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation after a UPS vehicle collision. Whether you are struggling with lost wages, medical bills, emotional distress, physical pain, or loss of enjoyment of life, a UPS truck accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can guide you through the claims process and increase your chances of success.
Whether your claim is against truck drivers, trucking companies, large delivery companies, or third parties, a Chicago personal injury lawyer from our team will protect your rights, negotiate with the insurance company, gather evidence, and support your claim.
Secure Expert Legal Representation!
If you are concerned about the claims process or don’t know what your legal options are after getting hurt in an accident, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help. Being involved in an accident can lead to lost income, high medical expenses, and other financial concerns. You may also be facing a long physical and emotional recovery.
A Chicago truck accident attorney from our team will level the playing field when you file a claim against a large company like UPS.
Call us today at 888-424-5757 or complete the online form to book a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer.
Resources: [1] FMCSA