When a UPS delivery vehicle is involved in a truck accident, the consequences for those involved are often severe. These are large, heavy commercial vehicles that share the road with everyday drivers; a collision with one can cause significant damage to both your vehicle and your body. Oklahoma law allows you to pursue compensation from whoever was responsible for the crash, but filing a claim against a major corporation like UPS is rarely simple.
Learning about how the process works and who you may be able to hold accountable is a critical first step. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the details, but the information below should give you a solid starting point.
How Does the UPS Accident Claims Process Work?
Most UPS accident claims start with an insurance claim. UPS carries commercial liability insurance in high amounts, which could be beneficial to your case in terms of its potential value. Keep in mind, however, that this insurance company is not looking out for your interests. Their goal is to pay as little as possible.
Your attorney can send a demand letter to the insurer laying out your injuries and financial losses. From there, settlement negotiations typically begin. Many cases do settle at this stage, but if the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, filing a lawsuit may become necessary.
Who Can I Hold Legally Responsible After a UPS Delivery Accident?
Determining fault in a UPS accident isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, several parties could bear responsibility:
- The UPS driver, if they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise driving recklessly at the time of the collision
- UPS as a company, under a legal principle called “respondeat superior,” which holds employers accountable when their workers cause harm during the course of their job duties
- The company responsible for maintaining the truck, if a mechanical failure like bad brakes played a role
- A parts manufacturer, if a defective component contributed to the crash
A truck accident lawyer can help you determine your best course of action during a free consultation.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover in a UPS Accident Case?
If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover your direct financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages account for losses that are harder to assign a dollar amount to, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Mental anguish caused by the accident and its aftermath
In rare situations, punitive damages may also be available if the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly irresponsible.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Filing an accident claim against UPS is not something you should try to handle without a lawyer on your side. A company that size has significant legal resources at its disposal, so going up against them without representation puts you at a serious disadvantage.
Gorospe Law Group can review your case at no cost and can help you understand what your claim may be worth. Contact us today at 918-393-5487 to schedule a free initial consultation.