UPS Truck Accidents
Our lawyers fight to help victims recover compensation
UPS, or the United Parcel Service, is one of the largest trucking companies in America. Parcel trucks like those in the UPS fleet carry heavy and sometimes dangerous cargo on roads and highways every day. A serious truck accident involving one of these vehicles could cause life-altering or life-ending injuries.
If you have been in a truck accident involving a UPS vehicle, you are not alone. But recovering compensation can be a complicated process. The UPS truck accident lawyers at Fried Goldberg LLC focus our practice on cases involving trucking litigation. We’ve represented clients nationwide and are ready to help you through this difficult time.
For live statistics on the number of accidents and injuries associated with UPS trucks, see the interactive map on our Safety Statistics page.
Company snapshot
UPS began in 1907 with a $100 loan to two teenagers, James E. Casey and Claude Ryan. Today they have more than 100,000 trucks across the globe, with over 35,000 trucks operating in the United States.
What is the average settlement in truck accident cases against UPS?
The average settlement in truck accident cases against UPS can vary considerably. Claim payouts depend on the severity of the injuries. Catastrophic, or permanent damage, tends to be worth more than recoverable injuries.
At Fried Goldberg, we work hard to understand the full medical picture and how your UPS truck accident has affected you physically and emotionally. We are proud to have recovered maximum compensation for our clients, including:
- $20.25 million: Our truck accident attorneys secured compensation for a woman who suffered multiple fractures. In Georgia, a wheel came off a large commercial vehicle and struck the woman’s car head-on.
- $52 million: Brain injuries can lead to permanent damage. When a large truck ran a stop sign in Atlanta, Georgia, the driver collided with another vehicle. One of the vehicle’s teenage occupants suffered extensive brain trauma.
- $31 million: In a wrongful death lawsuit, our litigation team recovered a settlement on behalf of two children and an adult lost in a rear-end truck accident.
Any UPS truck can cause irreparable harm if you are involved in an accident. When crashes are caused by negligence, UPS should be held fully accountable for the preventable damage their drivers and trucks cause.
UPS Truck Accidents FAQ
- How is fault determined after a UPS truck accident?
- Are UPS truck drivers responsible for damages?
- How long does it take to settle a UPS commercial truck accident lawsuit?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a UPS truck accident?
What determines the amount of UPS truck accident settlements?
The UPS policy through Liberty Mutual carries over $1 million in bodily injury and property damage. However, most accident claims involving serious injuries can easily exceed their liability coverage.
Large commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Passenger cars tend to weigh between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds. The significant discrepancy in weight means passenger vehicles absorb a disproportionate amount of damage.
Truck accident victims often suffer serious injuries that need life-long medical treatment. In addition, serious truck accidents can be a traumatic experience. It is not uncommon for truck accident victims to experience post-traumatic stress, sleep disturbances, and other forms of emotional distress.
A skilled UPS truck accident may be able to help you recover compensation for:
- Full coverage of medical expenses
- Lost wages while you are unable to work
- Loss of future income
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every UPS truck accident is unique, and damages are determined by the circumstances of your case. A qualified truck accident attorney can determine the total damages you have suffered.
What to do after an accident with a UPS truck
When a UPS truck hits your car, it is important to call the police. Be sure to get medical attention as soon as the paramedics arrive. Other steps you should take include:
Document your injuries
Whether or not you believe your injuries need medical treatment, seeking immediate medical care is in your best interests. Adrenaline and other factors may mask the symptoms of some serious injuries. Head and spinal cord injuries are notorious for presenting several hours after injury.
If you delay your medical treatment for days or even hours, it could lead to severe medical consequences.
Documenting medical care right away not only helps your claims case, but it could also detect minor damage before it becomes a major injury.
Avoid signing or verbally agreeing to anything
Insurance and trucking companies employ trained negotiators to minimize any claim payouts. Some tactics may include offering a lower settlement offer that can be paid quickly. These quick settlements involve signing or verbally agreeing to forfeit any right to additional compensation.
Truck accidents are usually severe and involve substantial medical expenses. Most quick settlements will not cover all the medical expenses, let alone any pain and suffering damages the injured party may be entitled to recover.
You have the right to refuse to speak to insurance reps or UPS employees until you speak with your own legal counsel.
Talk to an attorney
By calling an attorney as soon as you’re able, you can ensure your rights are respected. You can refer all communications about the accident to your lawyer, and focus on healing in peace.
We understand the significant impact serious injuries can have on a person’s life. That’s why we have led the industry in reshaping truck accident law to put the victim’s needs first. For example:
- We instruct other lawyers in truck accident law at our seminars
- Our attorneys changed how truck accidents are litigated by making them a separate type of injury case
- Other law firms refer their truck accident claims to our attorneys, and we are often asked to be lead or co-counsel for other firms on truck accident cases
Fried Goldberg is an industry leader in truck accident law, and we always prioritize our clients above all else. We are especially proud of the testimonials we have received over the years, because the individuals and families we’ve helped make whole again are our greatest successes.
How do I file a UPS accident claim?
In a perfect scenario, if a UPS driver hits your vehicle, they should report the incident to their superiors so the company can start the claims process. UPS is insured through Liberty Mutual.
If you have been hit by a UPS truck, it is still important to file a demand letter with UPS’s insurance company stating that you will be pursuing a settlement. It is also advisable to file a police report, a claim with your own insurance company, and a lawsuit to ensure UPS is held accountable for the true cost of your injuries.
One of our attorneys can help you with each of these steps and offer advice based on your best interests.
We can guide you through the truck accident claims process
The truck accident claims process involves many levels, including filing the initial paperwork, navigating the appeals process if your claim is denied, and proving the other party’s negligence.
The elements of filing an injury claim may involve:
- Gathering critical evidence to support your injuries and the defendant’s liability
- Investigating the circumstances of the truck accident
- Sending demand letters to the trucking company to preserve evidence
- Negotiating with the truck and insurance company
- Going to trial if a fair settlement cannot be negotiated due to opposing counsel’s resistance
Once more, an experienced truck accident attorneys can navigate the complexities of truck law on your behalf, and see that your claim is handled in the most efficient and effective manner. Always remember that the work involved in the claims process is your attorney’s job – not yours.
Contact us for a free consultation
UPS is a long-standing delivery company and should have the highest safety standards to prevent all avoidable accidents. When those standards are not met, it is important that the company is held accountable.
If you or a loved one have been hurt in a UPS truck accident, our truck accident attorneys can help. We have decades of experience recovering robust settlements and verdicts for individuals and families.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
How is fault determined after a UPS truck accident?
The following factors determine fault after a UPS truck accident:
- Physical and visual evidence: Physical and visual evidence in a truck crash may include broken pieces of the vehicles on the road, tire tracks, camera footage, and more.
- Documents and logs: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), trucks must keep accurate logs of their hours of operation, service and maintenance records, freight schedules, and more.
- Police report: Every commercial vehicle accident must have a corresponding police report from on-scene law enforcement.
- Witness statements: Many large truck accidents occur on busy highways with witnesses. Law enforcement will collect witness testimony for their report and investigation.
After gathering evidence, a lawyer can help recreate your accident and determine all responsible parties.
Are UPS truck drivers responsible for damages?
In cases of operator error, the UPS driver will be responsible for damages in the event of a truck accident. If the UPS truck driver acted negligently, their employer may also be held accountable for failing to properly train them.
In other instances, a UPS truck accident may be caused by a third party’s negligence, like a careless maintenance worker or the manufacturer of a faulty truck part. In those cases, a thorough investigation by your attorney can document the proof, and help you access further resources for compensation by holding all liable parties responsible.
How long does it take to settle a UPS commercial truck accident lawsuit?
The length of time it takes to settle a UPS commercial truck accident lawsuit depends heavily on the circumstances. If both parties agree on a settlement, the case can be handled in a matter of months. However, claims due to catastrophic and life-changing injuries often go to trial.
A case may take longer when a fair settlement cannot be reached, and the claim must proceed to trial. That being said, trials often result in verdicts far higher than the original offer or negotiated amounts, due to a jury or judge’s ability to award more.
Your attorney from Fried Goldberg will explain your options at every step of the process, and handle your case until it reaches a satisfactory end, no matter how long it takes.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a UPS truck accident?
Each state determines how long you have to file a lawsuit after a UPS truck accident. In Georgia, where Fried Goldberg is headquartered, there is a 2-year deadline for personal injury claims. However, these deadlines vary from state to state, and they are strictly enforced.
Besides the legal deadline to file a lawsuit, there are other important timelines in a truck accident case, so getting an attorney on your side right away is crucial. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, consult a UPS truck accident lawyer immediately.