The increase in online shopping has led to a boom in the delivery industry, but with more trucks on the roads, the chances of an accident increase too. If you are involved in an accident with a truck and driver working for a company like UPS, who is at fault? Who do you contact for compensation? The process is a little more complicated than a typical traffic accident, and legal representation makes the issue easier and less stressful to resolve.
More Trucks Equals More Accidents
The United Parcel Service (UPS) has become a dominant force in package delivery and supply chain management. In 2020 alone, UPS successfully delivered 6.3 billion packages and documents. With the increasing presence of their distinctive brown trucks on the roads, the rate of accidents involving UPS vehicles has also seen a slowly climbing rise.
Some years have recorded accident rates as high as 8.95 accidents per 100,000 miles driven. Between March 2020 and March 2022, this translated to 2865 accidents, of which 68 were fatal. These statistics demonstrate the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and training for UPS drivers as the demand for package deliveries continues to grow.
The Common Causes of UPS Truck Accidents
UPS drivers face immense pressure to meet tight delivery schedules. This urgency, combined with the challenges of driving large vehicles through different terrains and traffic conditions, can often lead to accidents. One of the primary causes is the failure to adjust driving according to weather conditions, which can make roads slippery or reduce visibility. Inadequate training and experience can also play a significant role, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with specific routes or vehicle handling.
Distractions, whether from dispatch communications or searching for directions, can momentarily divert a driver’s attention and lead to accidents. Fatigue from working long hours and demanding delivery schedules impairs judgment and slows driver reaction times. Other factors include violations of hours-of-service regulations, speeding, driving under the influence, and poor cargo loading. Even seemingly minor issues, like discomfort from a lack of air conditioning, can distract drivers enough to cause an accident.
Liability In UPS Truck Accidents
When an accident involves a UPS truck, determining liability can be a complex process. UPS is a large corporation, and victims often find themselves negotiating an intricate legal process. One of the primary challenges is identifying the liable party. While it might seem straightforward to blame the UPS driver, various factors come into play. Was the driver adhering to company protocols at the time of the accident? If a driver was off-duty or on a personal errand, UPS might argue against their liability.
The condition of the vehicle itself can also be a factor in the truck accident. If an accident resulted from inadequate maintenance or a mechanical failure, a third party responsible for the truck’s upkeep might share some of the blame. Lawyers often have to collaborate with accident reconstruction experts and investigators and review company records to pinpoint the cause and determine who is at fault. This thorough investigation process helps to ensure that the victims of an accident can pursue justice and get the acknowledgment and compensation that they deserve.
How Technology Monitors UPS Drivers
UPS trucks are equipped with advanced sensors that meticulously monitor every action of the driver. From the moment a seatbelt is unbuckled to the instant a truck door is opened, these sensors capture data, providing a detailed account of the driver’s behavior. This continuous monitoring is part of UPS’s commitment to safety, ensuring that drivers adhere to best practices and company protocols.
The data collected can be invaluable in understanding the circumstances leading up to an accident. If a driver frequently brakes hard or makes abrupt turns, it could indicate aggressive driving or lack of attention. The data this technology generates not only promotes safety, but it also provides investigators with critical information that can help determine liability in an accident.
Injuries from UPS Truck Accidents
Accidents involving UPS trucks can lead to a wide range of injuries, given the size and weight disparity between these vehicles and regular passenger cars. Minor accidents might result in cuts, bruises, or soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains. More severe collisions can lead to devastating consequences.
Occupants of smaller vehicles are particularly vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal injuries, and compound fractures. Facial injuries, including dental and eye damage, are also common, as are injuries to extremities like hands, arms, legs, and feet. In the worst accidents, victims might suffer crushing injuries or even fatalities.
It is crucial for accident victims to seek immediate medical attention, even if they feel fine initially. Some injuries, especially TBIs, might not show symptoms immediately but can still be life-threatening if left untreated. Prompt medical evaluation can also provide crucial evidence for legal claims.
The Medical Costs of a UPS Truck Accident
The aftermath of a UPS truck accident can lead to significant financial burdens for the victims, especially when it comes to medical expenses. Depending on the severity of the injuries sustained, initial costs can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and consultations with specialists.
A spinal cord injury can range from tens of thousands to over a million dollars in the first year of treatment alone. Beyond immediate medical care, victims might require ongoing treatments, like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling to cope with the trauma. Medical devices, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics, might also be necessary and expensive.
Providing for future medical needs, potential surgeries, and long-term care must also be factored into claims. It is essential for victims to consider the totality of these expenses, both present and future, when seeking compensation, to make sure that they are adequately covered for the long road ahead to recovery.
If you have been involved in an accident with a UPS truck and driver, or a driver and vehicle belonging to any other delivery service, you should talk to one of our lawyers today. With our help, you can get the compensation you need to cover your ongoing medical expenses and get the recognition you deserve from the delivery service. Do not delay, contact us today.
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