The number of parcel delivery trucks on the nations roadways has increased significantly in recent years due to the popularity of consumer online purchasing. Along with the increase in delivery trucks the number of delivery truck accidents has also increased. Although not as dangerous as their larger counterparts – dump trucks and semi-trucks – these step vans still weigh between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds. Vehicles of this size can cause substantial damage to smaller vehicles and serious injury to the occupants.
How Parcel Delivery Truck Accidents Happen
A very familiar sight in every neighborhood at any time of day, these delivery trucks keep businesses flowing. Delivery services employ over 1 million drivers, per a 2008 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The trucks that are the most familiar are the large step-vans from UPS and FedEx and the smaller vehicles of the U.S. Postal Service. They are commonly seen delivering parcels to homes and businesses, often parking precariously, before suddenly pulling out or backing up without warning. They will suddenly appear from blind driveways, small streets or parking lots. The drivers are often rushed to make deliveries before a scheduled time, causing them to speed, tailgate or pass stop signs and signals. They work long hours, especially around the holidays. These factors contribute to the high number of parcel delivery truck accidents involving other vehicles or pedestrians.
In addition to those mentioned, other factors also may contribute to parcel delivery truck accidents including:
· Untrained or improperly trained drivers
· Driver distraction from GPS and hand held package tracking devices and cell phones
· Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
· Improper warning lights
· Driver fatigue
Filing a Claim
If you are injured in an accident involving a delivery van from UPS, FedEx or another common carrier, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit against the trucking company. If the accident was caused by a vehicle from the U.S. Postal Service, you may still file a claim but the rules are much different. You cannot sue the USPS or the driver. A suit must be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act. To properly pursue your case, Form 95 must be filed through the United States Post Office which states a “sum certain” or nature of your claim. There is a two-year window, from the date of the accident, for which to file a claim. Then it is required that you try to resolve the claim administratively, by working with the agency. It is important that you have an attorney to help you avoid all the traps and barriers that lie ahead. Before the attorney can file an actual suit, a six-month period from the date of the initial claim must have elapsed. That period may be extended, depending upon the time spent on your administrative claim.
Large delivery companies, such as UPS and FedEx will wage a tough battle to defend themselves against any suit. They are represented by high profile law firms with infinite resources to minimize settlements. Vititoe Law Group has the resources and experience to fight vehemently to recover the compensation that you deserve. Whether it is tenaciously fighting a corporate giant, like UPS or FedEx, or untangling the nest of red tape from U.S. Postal Service, Vititoe Law will recover the true value of your case.
It you were injured in an accident with a parcel delivery truck, call and speak with a truck accident attorney today. Vititoe Law is ready to fight for your rights, but hurry, the time to file a suit is running out. Call 818-851-1886 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
