On any given day there are over well over 130,000 United Parcel Service (UPS) delivery vehicles of varying sizes operating on America’s roadways. What’s even more alarming is the number of motor vehicle crashes involving UPS vehicles. According to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) from 2021 to 2023 there were 2,886 crashes involving UPS vehicles, 1,204 of those involved physical injuries, 67 of which involved fatalities.
Accidents involving UPS vehicles are more common than many people realize, and they can have serious consequences for drivers, pedestrians, and property owners alike. With thousands of trucks on the road every day delivering packages across the country, there’s always a risk of a motor vehicle accident. In this post, our Framingham car accident lawyers explore what you can do and what your legal options are if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being injured in a crash with a UPS vehicle in Massachusetts.
Common Causes of UPS Vehicle Accidents
UPS drivers operate under strict rules and requirements. I’m sure you’ve witnessed on your own, UPS drivers are typically rushing to make their deliveries regardless of weather or location. The cause of many UPS accidents, therefore, is the result of driver error.
Driver errors and common causes of motor vehicle accidents are attributed to driver fatigue, speeding or other traffic violations, as well as overloading and/or poor vehicle maintenance. Additional factors that contribute to accidents are tight delivery schedules and challenging road conditions.
Whether you're a motorist sharing the road with a UPS truck or someone who has been injured in an accident in Massachusetts, understanding your legal rights and the steps to take after a crash is essential to securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and financial losses sustained.
What to Expect After a Crash with a UPS Truck
UPS, like every other large trucking company, have strong investigative and legal teams at the ready. After being injured in a collision with a UPS vehicle, before you even get home from the emergency room, they’ve dispatched representatives to the crash, collecting evidence.
It is also common that a commercial trucking company remove their damaged vehicles as soon as possible to avoid any independent inspection. With such an aggressive approach, if you’re injured in a crash with a UPS vehicle you need to involve a proven and experienced truck accident attorney to represent your interests.
Our Framingham accident attorneys at Mahaney & Pappas, LLP have the necessary skill, experience, and knowledge to help you get the full, complete compensation you deserve. We understand how to investigate a trucking accident, collect evidence, handle insurance companies, their investigators and lawyers, and build a strong case for you.
Here’s What to do if You Were Injured in an Accident with a UPS Vehicle
If you or a loved one was involved in an accident with a UPS delivery truck, the first thing you must do is call 911 or contact the police. It is essential to have a record of the accident from law enforcement. This will generate a Motor Vehicle Crash Report that will detail vital evidence and facts of the accident and any potential witnesses that may be crucial in a personal injury case.
Secondly, seek medical attention as soon as possible after the crash. Don’t wait and hope the symptoms you’re experiencing will go away with time. Seeking medical attention will get you the medical treatment you need for your own health and safety. Additionally, this will document the fact that you were hurt in the accident. Failing to seek medical attention right away will allow the insurance companies to argue that you were not hurt in the accident or that your injuries were not serious. This is a common tactic used by auto insurance companies.
And thirdly, consult with experienced truck accident lawyers before speaking with anyone from an insurance or investigative company. Our Massachusetts accident lawyers at Mahaney & Pappas, LLP, will take the time to educate you on how to build a compelling personal injury case and protect your legal rights to compensation. We will help you understand how insurance companies’ approach and evaluate injury cases and, most importantly, how to communicate properly with your medical providers.
Determining liability in commercial truck accidents, such as an accident with a UPS truck, can be complicated. An experienced attorney will know how to build a strong case to prove the UPS driver was negligent and caused the accident and your injuries. This is vital to ensure you can secure financial compensation for your injuries, lost wages, loss of future income and pain and suffering. Our injury attorneys can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.