United Parcel Service (UPS) is a global package delivery and supply chain management company known for its extensive logistics network and reliable delivery services. UPS offers a range of delivery services to cater to different customer needs. These services include ground shipping, express shipping, international shipping, freight services, and specialized services for industries like healthcare and retail. They offer various delivery speed options, including next-day, second-day, and standard ground services.
UPS has three types of vehicles. The trucking giant owns 98,485 straight trucks, 27,164 truck tractors, and 96,285 trailers. Together, these vehicles travel billions upon billions of miles across the country every year, including right here in Miami.
What to Do After a UPS Truck Accident
If you’re involved in an accident with a UPS truck, it’s essential to follow certain steps to ensure your safety, gather information, and properly handle the situation. Here’s what you should do:
#1 Ensure Everyone’s Safety
In this way, it’s no different than any other collision. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 for medical assistance immediately. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries might not become apparent until later.
#2 Move to a Safe Area
If possible and if it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe location to prevent further accidents.
#3 Call Law Enforcement
Regardless of the extent of the damage, it’s a good idea to call the police to report the accident. This can help establish an official record of the incident. You’ll need this when you move forward with your UPS truck accident lawsuit.
#4 Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance information with the UPS truck driver. Be sure the information you exchange includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and vehicle information.
#5 Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any other relevant details. These photos can be valuable evidence for insurance claims and legal purposes.
#6 Get Witness Information
In a busy area like Miami, it’s quite possible that others saw the accident occur. If there are any witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information. Their statements can provide additional perspective on what happened.
#7 Report to UPS
If the UPS driver is cooperative and provides contact information, inform them about the accident and exchange relevant details.
#8 Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the accident and provide them with accurate information.
A Few Tips When Dealing With a UPS Truck Accident
Whether or not you were at fault for this accident or not, there are a few things you can do to ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible. Accident legal experts advise the following:
Avoid Admitting Fault: When talking to the UPS driver, police, witnesses, or anyone else, avoid admitting fault for the accident. Stick to providing factual information. Even saying something like “I’m sorry” can be construed as admitting fault. If the driver has been negligent, perhaps due to distracted driving or inattentive driving, they may be held liable. It’s also important to scrutinize their driver training, as inadequate training can often lead to accidents. The role of UPS itself cannot be ignored. If it’s found that the company failed to adhere to regulations, neglected vehicle maintenance, or engaged in any form of negligence, they can be held accountable.
Preserve Any and All Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident. This could be items such as your vehicle damage, personal injuries, medical bills, and repair estimates.
Consult an Attorney: This is certainly not something you want to deal with on your own. If there are significant injuries, disputes about liability, or challenges with insurance claims, consider consulting a Miami personal injury attorney who specializes in these types of accidents. A truck accident law firm can provide legal guidance and protect your interests.
Remember that each situation is unique, even multiple UPS truck accidents won’t be exactly the same. The steps you take after an accident with a UPS truck can have legal and financial implications for days, weeks, months, and even years to come. It is important that you stay calm, collect information, and prioritize safety while ensuring you follow the necessary procedures to handle the aftermath of the accident appropriately.
Contact a Miami Accident Attorney for Help
You don’t want to go up against a giant like UPS alone. Hire a truck accident law firm to be by your side, fighting on your behalf every step of the way. The fact of the matter is that liability in UPS truck accidents is not always straightforward. At Nunez Law, our experienced truck accident attorneys understand that several factors can contribute to these accidents.
