USPS Truck Accident Lawyer
Filing a claim after a USPS accident involves a multistep process that can be more difficult and complex than the claims process following a regular motor vehicle accident or even a commercial FedEx or UPS accident. The USPS is a government entity, so when you bring forward a USPS auto accident claim, you are bringing it against the United States. You are still entitled to compensation for your damages; however, getting the settlement or verdict you deserve will be a challenge.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with USPS truck, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Brothers® for a free, confidential consultation. We can provide you with a comprehensive about your legal options for recovery and answer any questions you may have about your USPS accident claim. To speak with a qualified USPS truck accident lawyer, call us now.
Common Causes of USPS Truck Accidents
Serving around 155 million addresses within the United States and its territories, the USPS fleet consists of more than 200,000 vehicles, including a variety of small and large trucks and vans, along with smaller vehicles. Every year, drivers cover millions of miles, making their deliveries as fast as possible. The pressures of the job can contribute to fatigue, intoxication, and distraction—and these, in turn, can lead to negligent driving practices which cause crashes.
The most common causes of USPS postal vehicle accidents include the following:
- Slow speeds and irregular stops. Due to the nature of their work, mail delivery truck drivers often must drive at slow speeds and stop infrequently to drop off mail. Unfortunately, the unpredictability of their driving patterns can cause surrounding motorists to get confused, which is often why post office vehicle accidents occur.
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo. It’s important for loaders and drivers to ensure that all letters and packages as well as the truck’s doors are secured, or else, loose cargo can fall out of the truck and causes chaos on the road.
- Wrong-side driving. Surprisingly, wrong-side driving—whether it’s on the wrong side of the road or the truck itself—is a not an uncommon practice, more so in rural areas than cities. Carriers who drive on the wrong side of the road can never predict when another vehicle may show up, and this can lead to devastating head-on collisions. And carriers who drive from the passenger seat may be more comfortable, but they sacrifice reaction time and control, which are necessary for safe operation.
Not all USPS accidents are caused by drivers, some can be attributed to acts of negligence that take place even before the vehicle is started. For instance, lack of proper inspection and maintenance can cause dangerously dysfunctional trucks to be out on the road, and these trucks can break down in disastrous ways, causing harm not only to the driver, but also to motorists and pedestrians who are unlucky enough to be around at the time.
Filing a Claim with the USPS
It cannot be emphasized enough that USPS auto accident claims should be taken on with help from a knowledgeable, qualified Los Angeles truck accident lawyer who has experience in cases against the federal government. These cases present unique challenges and only an exceptional attorney can help you get maximum compensation for your losses as soon as possible.
When you are injured in a collision with regular motor vehicles, you usually file a claim with the liable driver’s insurance company. When you are injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you usually file a claim with the employer’s insurance. However, when you are injured in a USPS truck accident, you must file a claim with the USPS directly because the government acts as a self-insurer. The process can involve a lot of official paperwork and complex legal processes, so it’s best to consult a USPS truck accident lawyer who can help get your claim approved.
With United States Postal Service Accidents, Time is Critical
Unlike most other types of personal injury claims, injury claims against a government entity (such as the USPS) have a very strict time limit and must be filed immediately after the injury or loss. After you file a claim, the government will respond with a decision along with the amount they are willing to provide as compensation, if any compensation is provided at all.
If the government’s decision is not satisfactory, you may dispute it by filing a lawsuit within six months. Again, it is highly advised that you seek an attorney to assist with this complicated process.
Value of USPS Accident Cases
The value of your USPS accident claim depends on many factors, including, but not limited to, the following:
- The severity of your injuries
- The distribution of fault
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages, if applicable
How Can an Experienced USPS Accident Lawyer Help Me?
If you were injured in a USPS accident, our experienced USPS truck accident attorneys can help you:
- Get your medical bills and vehicle repair expenses paid.
- Get a rental vehicle.
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the government or take them to court.
To learn more about your legal rights and best options for recovery in a free consultation, contact the Law Brothers® today. Our line is open 24/7 and we are willing to come to you, whether you’re at home, in the hospital, wherever.
