Despite UPS's safety record, accidents involving their trucks still occur almost daily. Those accidents result in fatalities far too often.
And while UPS may do its best to prevent accidents, many times this multi-million dollar company does not step up to the plate and compensate injured victims. A company the size of UPS has its own attorneys that work to deny or minimize accident claims.
Common Causes of UPS Truck Crashes
Over the years, federal and state authorities have put in place measures to reduce the number of collisions and truck accident fatalities. These regulations have not resulted in a large reduction in accidents.
Here some of the most common causes of UPS truck accidents.
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Drugged driving
- Speeding
- Unsecured load
- Blind spots
- Traveling Too Fast For Conditions
- Maintenance issues
- Improper turns
- Parking illegally
Types of UPS Truck Collisions
Understanding the different types of collisions involving UPS trucks is important for accident victims. UPS truck accidents of all types lead to some of the most severe wrecks seen on American roadways. Due to the sheer size alone, UPS trucks can cause considerable property damage and cause catastrophic injury on a number of innocent victims.
These are some of the most common types of UPS truck collisions:
- T-bone collision. When a truck driver runs a red light or blows through a stop sign, there is a good chance it will result in a T-bone collision.
- Head-on collision. If a truck driver goes over the center line and collides with another vehicle, the crash will almost always result in serious injury or death.
- Underride/override. If a passenger vehicle crashes underneath a truck, or a truck rear-ends another car, the wreckage is usually severe.
- Rollover accident. Trucks that tip over on highways may crash down and hit other vehicles.
- Left-turn accidents. Trucks must make sure they have enough room to safely make a left turn, otherwise, vehicles may crash into the trailer.
- Jackknife accident. When a truck driver brakes hard and fast, it causes the trailer to shift outward at a 90-degree angle in front of the cab.
- Backing accidents. Truck drivers that don’t take the proper precautions while backing may cause injuries.
Damages Recoverable After a UPS Truck Accident
Your personal injury attorney should be aware of all the potential damages recoverable in a UPS accident case. While some may be obvious — medical bills, rehab, etc. — others aren’t. Only an experienced attorney can maximize your claim and put the most money back in your pocket.
Damages in a truck accident case may include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages/Earning Capacity
- Loss of Essential Services
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Affection/Consortium/Quality of Life
- Property Damage
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Accident Reconstruction Experts In UPS Cases
At Davis Law Group, attorney Chris Davis works with the top trucking experts in UPS truck accident cases. Many accident lawyers make the mistake of retaining experts later in the case, only to realize too late that experts should’ve been brought in right after the crash.
Experts may be used on your case for a variety of reasons, including to determine fault and make a valuation of your damages. UPS and its insurance company is sure to contest parts of your case, and it’s important that you have experts on your side fighting for you.
Potential experts include:
- Accident Reconstructionist
- Economist
- Medical Expert
- Mental Health
- Vocational expert
- Roadway Design Expert
- Truck Maintenance expert
- Forensic Toxicologist (drugs)
- Safety Expert
- Transportation Investigator
- Metallurgist
- Engineer
- Pathologist
United Parcel Service's Circle of Honor
UPS drivers who make it through 25 years of service without an "avoidable" accident are honored with a ceremony, a patch on their sleeve documenting the number of accident-free years and a bomber jacket. While this is an impressive distinction, only 7 percent of UPS's 102,000 drivers on the road are members of this elite group.
The award-winning car accident lawyers at Davis Law Group has handled several serious injury cases involving delivery truck companies including UPS and others. Our attorneys have the necessary expertise and experience to take on large corporations when their drivers make life-changing mistakes behind the wheel.
Contact a UPS Trucking Crash Attorney
After you’ve been involved in a crash with a UPS-owned vehicle, the odds are immediately stacked against you. But hiring an attorney with experience going up against UPS and the big corporate insurance companies can make all the difference.
Contact Davis Law Group today to begin your road to financial recovery. Call (206) 727-4000, use the chat feature below or fill out the form on this page to get started.