Delivery/Mail Truck Accident Lawyers

To pursue compensation for injuries, victims typically file injury insurance claims with one or more liable parties. To win, a claim must be built on strong evidence and sound legal arguments. If the at-fault vehicle is a United States Postal Service (USPS) truck, there is an added layer of complexity in dealing with the federal government. The rules to recover compensation are different and tend to favor government services. 

A knowledgeable mail/delivery truck accident attorney can determine who is at fault and liable for a victim’s damages. Whether it’s the driver, the truck’s owner, cargo loaders, the manufacturer of a defective part, government, or another third party, a skilled mail and delivery truck accident lawyer can identify them and fight to hold them accountable.

What causes mail and delivery truck accidents?

Mail and delivery trucks cause thousands of accidents every year. Due to the stop-and-go nature of this type of vehicle’s driving patterns, many of the accidents happen at “slow” speeds. However, research shows that even at speeds under 20 mph, serious injuries that cause lifelong damage can occur. There are dozens of factors that contribute to mail truck and delivery vehicle crashes including:

• Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, DUI, DWI.
• Speeding.
• Driving left of center into opposing traffic, drifting, veering into another lane.
• Unsafe turns, improper merging, swerving to avoid a slow or parked vehicle.
• Negligence, failure to check blind spots.
• Driver fatigue.
• Overloaded truck, cargo shift.
• Inexperience, unfamiliarity with the route, lack of training.

When insurance companies try to deny their clients did anything wrong, a mail truck or delivery van accident lawyer with a track record of success knows how to fight back and apply legal pressure for maximum results.

The United States Postal Service is one of the leading courier and parcel delivery providers in the trucking industry, with a fleet of over 230,000 vehicles. Whether it's a semi-truck and trailer, a box truck, or a traditional Grumman LVV light mail truck, these vehicles are a common sight on America's roads.

According to a report to Congress, USPS motor vehicles were involved in over 26,000 crashes in a recent year, averaging more than 70 crashes per day.

The First Steps After a USPS Accident

If you have been injured in a mail truck accident, the first step is to seek medical attention. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is best to have a medical professional evaluate your condition as some injuries may worsen over time.

It is also important to document the accident, if possible. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle to establish the extent of the impact. If necessary, contact law enforcement and file a police report, as this documentation can be valuable if you decide to pursue a claim.

Once you feel ready, reach out to an experienced accident lawyer who can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process. Pursuing a claim related to a mail truck accident can be complex, and having a knowledgeable attorney by your side is crucial.

Intersections, highways, expressways, rural routes, and driveways are locations most frequently associated with mail and delivery truck accidents. Common crash configurations include:

• Rear-end collisions.
• Sideswipes.
• Angle or T-bone accidents.
• Backing up accidents.
• Left-turn crashes.

Common types of mail and delivery truck accident injuries

Mail truck or delivery vehicle accidents may result in severe injuries. Injuries most frequently associated with mail and delivery truck accidents include:

• Cuts, lacerations, contusions, and severe burns.
• Neck injuries, whiplash, chronic back pain, herniated disc.
• Multiple bone fractures, collarbone, face, shoulder, thigh, foot, wrist, and upper arm.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), concussion, brain hemorrhage.
• Paralysis.
• Organ damage, spleen, lungs, liver, heart.

A quality truck accident attorney can calculate a compensation package that places the highest value on their client's health and comfort.

In general, you can sue the postal service for damages resulting from an accident that caused injury or harm to a motorist, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian. However, the process can be more complex due to the involvement of a federal vehicle.

Lawsuits for damages involving a USPS vehicle fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The FTCA allows private citizens to sue the U.S. government in certain circumstances when a federal employee or contractor, acting within the scope of their duties, is at fault for causing harm. Filing a claim under the FTCA requires adherence to specific protocols, and having an experienced accident attorney is essential for navigating this process.

Filing a Mail Truck Accident Lawsuit

Claims filed under the FTCA must follow a specific protocol. The first step is to file a Standard Form 95, which covers property damage, personal injury, or wrongful death. It is recommended to seek legal assistance in this process, as there are potential pitfalls associated with filling out the form correctly.

Additionally, it is important to file the claim within two years of the accident. The form must include a specific amount claimed for injury, death, or property damage. USPS has six months to respond to the claim after it is filed. Most FTCA claims are resolved administratively, but if no settlement is reached, the claimant has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the USPS in federal court. It is crucial to file the lawsuit within six months of receiving the federal agency's denial to initiate an FTCA lawsuit; otherwise, the claimant may be barred from pursuing the case.

Depending on the circumstances, a mail truck or delivery van accident settlement could be worth anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some cases result in million-dollar recoveries. Settlements address damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among others. The main factors that determine the size of a truck accident settlement are injury type, injury severity, fault, and negotiation skills. A lawyer can explain claim value during a free case consultation.

Can I file a lawsuit after a mail van or delivery truck collision?

In general, yes, injured accident victims have the right to file lawsuits seeking compensation for economic damages. However, only an attorney can tell you whether it’s in your interest to file a lawsuit.

How a mail and delivery truck accident attorney can help

After a mail or delivery truck accident, victims must take fast action to protect their health, rights, and finances. Mail or delivery truck accident attorneys handle the complicated claims process while their clients focus on healing and the people and things that matter to them most.

If you were injured or a loved one died in a delivery or mail truck accident, contact a trusted truck accident lawyer in your area for a free case consultation. They can answer your crash-related legal questions, explain the statute of limitation that applies to your specific case, and help you decide what to do next.

Lawyers who handle mail and delivery truck accidents typically work for a contingency fee. That means there are no upfront payments or out-of-pocket charges. And if your attorney doesn’t win, you don’t owe them a fee. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain by consulting an experienced mail and delivery truck accident lawyer. Contact one today.