UPS is a truck company that operates a massive fleet of delivery vehicles across the United States. The company was started in 1979 and has since grown into one of the largest parcel delivery services in the world.
UPS truck accidents, unfortunately, do occur, and determining legal fault can be a complex process. While the majority of studies on truck drivers’ occupational non-traffic accidents are epidemiological and lack definitive causal factor information, there are several other factors that can contribute to UPS truck accidents and hold the company or driver liable.
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Common Causes of UPS Truck Accidents
In light of the extensive distances UPS drivers cover annually, it is unsurprising that a significant number of truck/car mishaps result in severe injuries for other individuals sharing the roadway. Notably, whilst an ordinary UPS delivery van weighs somewhere between 16,000 and 24,000 pounds on average.
The common causes of UPS truck accidents include driver fatigue, overloading of trucks, distracted driving, drug or alcohol use while operating the vehicle, speeding or reckless driving, and vehicle maintenance issues.
The operation of UPS delivery trucks in the US involves 9,260 drivers and 6,298 vehicles. Over the course of two years, there have been approximately 1,500 incidents involving UPS trucks. Out of these accidents were included a total of 548 collisions resulting in serious injuries and also encompassed commercial vehicle accidents with fatalities adding up to 36 cases.
Analyzing the Role of UPS Drivers and Company Policies
Among the causes of UPS truck accidents, driver fatigue is particularly concerning. According to estimates, a significant percentage of accidents involving commercial trucks are caused by driver fatigue. With so many deliveries to be made on a regular basis, UPS drivers have to adhere to tight schedules that lead them to work extended hours. This can put them at risk of experiencing fatigue and drowsiness, which is a major factor in truck accidents.
Legal Remedies for Victims of UPS Truck Accidents
In the event of a UPS truck accident, those affected may be eligible to receive compensation for damages and injuries. Establishing legal liability in such cases can be challenging and usually entails a careful examination of the driver’s conduct leading up to the collision.
Although accidents can occur despite the driver’s best efforts, those injured in a UPS truck accident may have legal options to recover compensation. If it is determined that negligence on the part of the UPS company or its driver was responsible for causing the accident, victims might be able to bring forth a lawsuit and claim damages for their medical expenses as well as lost income and earning potential, physical pain, emotional trauma, and other costs associated with the incident.
Hiring an Attorney for Your UPS Truck Accident Case
Don’t hesitate to consult a skilled lawyer if you or your dear one are ever in an accident with a UPS truck. A legal professional well-versed in handling cases related to truck collisions can carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your incident and ascertain whether carelessness contributed to it.
They can further assist you by collating proofs, liaising with insurance providers, and constructing a sound argument for redressal. Given that determining liability is intricate when it comes to crashes involving UPS trucks, seeking experienced legal assistance becomes imperative.
Preventing UPS Truck Accidents: Safety Tips and Best Practices
It is important to hire an experienced attorney to receive compensation after a UPS truck accident. However, it is equally crucial to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.
To ensure safety on roads, the responsibility rests with UPS as they should prioritize the safety of both their drivers and other motorists. Nevertheless, there are certain precautions that can be taken by drivers and other users of roadways so that the chances of any mishap involving a UPS truck can be minimized.
Ensuring the safety of both truck drivers and other road users is our top priority. Therefore, it’s essential to stay vigilant for signs of driver fatigue which have been shown in studies to be a leading cause of truck accidents. Long hours on the road without proper rest, tight schedules, and extended periods behind the wheel can significantly contribute to this issue.
Additionally, reckless driving behaviors like speeding or ignoring braking systems pose risks as well. Wintery conditions, such as those involving precipitation or icy roads must be monitored to ensure safe driving while being extra cautious at intersections.
To prevent such devastating outcomes from happening, exercise caution when you see UPS trucks and keep a considerable distance between your vehicle and theirs at all times!
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.