What Happens When You Get Into an Accident with a UPS Truck in Colorado?

We’ve all seen them. The big, brown UPS trucks with the iconic logo are everywhere. With so many delivery trucks on Colorado roads and streets, the risk of an accident increases. But what happens when you get into an accident with a UPS truck? For one, you can pursue an injury claim if the UPS driver is responsible for your injuries. 

Understandably, if a UPS truck hits your car, you might be unsure how to proceed. Fortunately, our skilled legal team at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. can help guide you through the claims process. Please get in touch with our office and schedule a consultation to learn more.

What to Do After a Car Accident with a UPS Truck 

The steps you take following a collision can impact the viability of your personal injury claim. Here are some helpful tips to remember. 

1. Ensure everyone is safe. After any accident, your immediate safety and the safety of others involved should be your first concern. Check for any injuries and call for help if necessary. 
2. Call the police. Always report an accident to the local police or highway patrol, especially if a UPS driver hit your car. That official report can become an important piece of evidence.
3. Exchange information with all parties. Collecting pertinent information at the scene can significantly aid your potential claim. Ensure you get the UPS driver’s information, license plate, truck number, and contact information for any witnesses.  
4. Document the scene. If you can do so safely, take scene photos, including damage to the UPS truck and your vehicle, debris, skid marks, and other details that might be important in a claim. 
5. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, and having a record of medical treatment can support your case if you pursue a claim.
6. Contact your insurance company. Always report the accident to your insurance carrier. Be honest and provide all the relevant facts. Don’t embellish or try to guess at things you are unsure of.  
7. Hire a Colorado personal injury lawyer. Don’t attempt to pursue an injury claim involving a UPS truck without first speaking to an experienced lawyer. 

Car accidents involving UPS trucks can be more complicated than those involving another personal vehicle. UPS trucks are commercial vehicles, meaning there’s an added layer of complexity due to corporate policies, commercial insurance, and the potential involvement of multiple parties.

Common Causes of Accidents Involving UPS Trucks 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration tracks accidents involving UPS trucks. In the last 24 months, over 60 fatal accidents and nearly 1,000 accidents with injuries involving UPS trucks have been reported. UPS trucks are delivery vehicles, so drivers may be pressured to make deliveries on time. This added pressure puts other motorists at risk. 

Some of the most common UPS truck accident causes include: 

• Speeding,
• Distracted driving, and
• Driving while fatigued. 

In other instances, the accident might not solely be the driver’s fault. For example, if UPS fails to maintain the truck properly, something could malfunction and lead to an accident. Cargo is also a concern. If the truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it could also contribute to an accident. 

Can I Sue UPS for an Accident with a Truck?

Alternatively, you might be wondering if you can sue UPS directly. The answer is yes in most cases. As the employer, UPS can be liable for its employee’s actions if the driver was acting within the scope of their employment when the accident occurred. 

UPS is a major corporation with a robust legal team. The defense attorney’s primary goal is to protect the company’s bottom line. Navigating a lawsuit against such a large entity is daunting and takes legal skill if you want to succeed in getting a fair settlement or award. At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we know how to negotiate with commercial insurance companies and corporations. It might not be necessary to file a lawsuit to resolve your claim. 

We always attempt to negotiate a fair and just settlement before we take your case to court. But sometimes, especially if you do not have a lawyer, UPS might offer a small amount of money to try to make your claim go away quickly and cheaply. While it might seem tempting to accept it, it’s likely much less than your claim is worth. But if you have a lawyer, they know you won’t fall for such lowball tactics. Put us to work for you and gain the leverage you need.

Contact Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. 

If you suffered injuries in a UPS truck accident, we can help. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, and there’s no need to go through it alone. With decades of combined experience, we know what it takes to pursue a commercial claim against UPS. If you have questions about what happens when you get into an accident with a UPS truck, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through the steps and explain your best course of legal action.