If a UPS truck hits you, you have a right to file a claim for damages against the driver, the delivery company, or both, depending on who caused the crash. While the crash may involve just you and the driver on the surface, these cases are rarely simple when determining fault.
Delivery truck accidents typically involve large vehicles, company insurance policies, and strict corporate rules that can delay your recovery. Many people turn to our firm because we know how to handle major companies like the United Parcel Service (UPS).
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale delivery truck accident lawyers will lead your case and handle everything while you heal. Call us for a free consultation to learn how we can help you.
The Risks of UPS Truck Accidents on South Florida’s Roads
Delivery trucks are everywhere on Florida’s roads, especially in busy areas like Fort Lauderdale and other parts of South Florida. The drivers of these trucks may have a lot on their minds, including keeping up with demanding schedules and tight deadlines.
Unfortunately, this can lead to accidents caused by speeding, sudden stops, and unsafe lane changes.
Common causes of UPS truck collisions include:
- Driver fatigue or distraction
- Improper truck maintenance
- Overloaded or unbalanced cargo
- Unsafe backing or turning
- Failure to yield
Not all crashes happen at high speeds. Even a slow-speed collision with a delivery truck can cause serious injuries that can put someone in the hospital for weeks or months. In other cases, they can be fatal. After any commercial truck crash, quick action matters.
Our truck accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale will determine who’s responsible for the collision and build a strong case that demands your full damages.
Who Can You Hold Responsible if a UPS Truck Hits You?
Identifying who’s at fault in a UPS truck collision depends on who caused or contributed to the accident. If more than one party is at fault, we can seek damages from each one.
Liable parties can include:
- The UPS driver: A driver engaging in careless behavior behind the wheel (e.g., speeding, texting, or driving while under the influence) may be at fault.
- UPS or another delivery company: The company may be liable if poor hiring practices, training, or maintenance routines contributed to the crash.
- A third party: Another driver or a repair shop may share liability if their actions or the quality of their work contributed to the accident.
We will identify all parties involved who may owe you damages. Once we have determined who is liable, we will explain how Florida’s insurance system and fault rules can affect your case.
Your Claim and Florida’s No-Fault and Comparative Fault Laws
Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance must cover certain costs, such as your medical bills and part of your lost wages up to $10,000. This coverage applies no matter who caused the crash. You won’t be able to recover pain and suffering or long-term losses under a PIP claim.
If your losses meet Florida’s “serious injury threshold,” you can go outside of the state’s no-fault system and file an injury lawsuit against UPS, the driver, or another liable party. The “serious injury threshold” includes permanent injuries, disfigurement, or loss of an important bodily function, per the law.
If your case reaches that stage, Florida Statutes § 768.81 applies. This law outlines Florida’s comparative fault rule. Under the rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% responsible for the collision, your total damages would be reduced by 20%.
Damages You Could Get for a Florida UPS Truck Crash Injury
After liability is clear, we will look at the losses you can claim. This compensation can help cover what you have already lost in the accident and what it may cost you in the future.
People who have been in these accidents can recover:
- Medical expenses and future care costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage (the repair or replacement of a vehicle or damaged belongings)
We will carefully review your losses and ensure we include every aspect of your recovery in the damages we request.
We Will Lead Your UPS Truck Accident Claim From Start to Finish
Delivery truck accident cases can take time to resolve. Each stage of a case can take weeks or months, depending on the severity of your injuries and the company’s response.
While you focus on healing, we will take care of everything else, including:
- Reviewing the crash to determine what happened: This includes collecting driver logs, service repair records, and black box electronic data.
- Listing all liable parties: We will determine who’s responsible for the collision.
- Building your insurance claim for damages: We will gather your medical records, proof of how much income you have lost since the accident, and reports from experts who study these crashes.
- Manage talks with the insurance company: We will negotiate with UPS’s insurers to protect your claim and prevent you from feeling pressured to accept an offer that is less than what you deserve.
- Prepare for court if necessary: Sometimes, cases must be resolved at trial. If that happens in your situation, we will present your case to a judge or jury if we cannot reach a fair award outside a trial court.
Legal support from our team can help you safeguard your interests and protect your future.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Did a UPS Truck Hit You? Take These Steps Now
Getting hit by a large, heavy truck can be devastating, and you may have questions about what to do next. Below are some steps you should start with:
- Get medical help now: No matter how minor your injuries may seem, get a complete exam. Some injuries take time to show up, and early treatment helps document a link between the crash and the physical harm you suffered.
- Call the police: File an official crash report and make sure to get a copy of it for your records.
- Gather information: This includes the UPS driver’s name, the UPS vehicle number, insurance information, and contact information for witnesses.
- Take photos and/or video footage: Capture images of the truck, damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and anything else that shows how the crash happened.
- Do not sign anything: Don’t sign any forms from UPS or its insurance company without consulting with an attorney first.
- Get legal help from our firm: Our lawyer handling delivery truck accident cases will look out for you and avoid any missteps that can hurt your claim. As soon as we hear from you, we can start reviewing your situation.
Our Delivery Truck Crash Lawyer Will Stand Up for You
If you or a loved one has been hit by a UPS truck, we are ready to represent you and fight for the damages you are owed. Blakeley Law Firm’s attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $250 million for people across South Florida.
People know us as South Florida’s most well-known personal injury lawyers because we care deeply about the people we represent. We represent everyday Floridians: hard-working people who deserve someone in their corner when facing big companies like UPS.
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will speak with you directly from day one, update you regularly, and return every phone call. We will move your case forward quickly without sacrificing quality. Call our team today to learn how we will fight for you.
