What happens if you’re hit by a UPS truck? If the UPS truck caused the accident, you can claim compensation for your injuries and expenses. Contact a Las Vegas UPS truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. They will follow the necessary steps to show liability and can help you claim all the damages you may qualify for.
Steps to Take if You’re Hit By a UPS Truck
The steps to take after an accident with a UPS truck are similar to what you should do after any road accident. In other words, call emergency services, and if you are well enough to do so, get pictures of the accident scene and record the contact details of witnesses.
Never assume you are not injured. See a doctor. You may have internal injuries. Apart from getting urgent treatment you may not even know you need, getting medical attention strengthens your case if you need further medical care later.
Finally, if you or someone close to you was hurt, and you think the UPS truck was to blame for the accident, be sure to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. They can start building a case and minimize delays in processing your claim.
Liability in Accidents With UPS Trucks
Liability is always an important consideration, and showing it is an important part of what happens if you’re hit by a UPS truck and want to claim compensation. The range of potentially responsible parties in a truck accident can lead to complexity. For instance, UPS typically employs its own drivers, but subcontracting still occurs, which may shift liability.
Assuming that UPS is the driver’s employer, and the driver caused the accident, UPS is liable. They must also take responsibility for any bad decisions that contributed to your accident. For instance, if they should have known a driver had a long history of reckless or negligent driving but still employed them, they may carry additional liability.
The Code of Federal Regulations § 391.23 requires companies like UPS to carry out thorough background checks before hiring commercial drivers. Thereafter, they must take corrective action if a driver shows a tendency towards negligence. If they fail in this responsibility, they open themselves to additional liability.
Types and Value of Damages You Can Claim From UPS’s Insurance
The types and value of damages you can claim vary depending on what happened when you’re hit by a UPS truck. If there is only property damage, you can claim for the value of the property and associated costs, such as the cost of renting a car while you wait for repairs. In injury cases, you may be able to claim for:
- Medical costs, including future costs
- Lost wages, including future lost wages
- Compensation for pain and suffering and emotional distress
- If injuries have long-lasting consequences, loss of quality of life
Naturally, the more badly you were hurt and the longer you will be out of action, the higher the value of your claim. You will need the proceeds during your recovery. A lawyer can help you determine what your compensation should be so that you do not short-change yourself by accepting a low settlement offer.
What Happens if You Were Partly to Blame for the Accident
Sometimes, people worry that they may lose the right to claim compensation if they made a mistake that contributed to an accident. This does not bar you from receiving compensation. Instead, you would receive less compensation than you would if the UPS truck driver were 100% to blame.
In Nevada, NRS 41.141 stipulates that you can still claim compensation, as long as you are not more than 50% to blame for an accident. Suppose evidence shows you are 40% to blame. You can still recover 60% of the damages you sustained.
Accidents can happen quickly, and people may feel as if they have made a mistake when, in fact, they have not. Whatever else you do after a UPS truck accident, avoid making any statements admitting fault. Evidence may later show that you were not to blame after all, but your admission can harm your case.
The Process That Happens if You’re Hit by a UPS Truck and Wish to Claim Compensation
Assuming you have hired a lawyer to assist you, you need not take any further action. They will begin by trying to get you a fair settlement without going to court. That means filing a claim with UPS’s insurance and providing all the supporting documentation they need to process it.
The next step is typically a negotiation process in which insurance company lawyers seek ways to avoid or reduce compensation payments. For example, they may attempt to prove that the accident was your fault or that you are partially at fault for the accident. Your lawyer will be prepared for this.
If they can secure a fair settlement offer for you, the process ends there. If not, your lawyer may recommend allowing a court to decide the matter. Although this will mean a longer wait, it may result in much higher compensation. You can see real-life examples of this on our results page.
UPS’s Insurance Company Can Be a Formidable Obstacle to Compensation
Of all the things that happen after you’re hit by a UPS truck, having to deal with their insurance company is among the most challenging. UPS has thousands of trucks on the road, which exposes its insurance company to a high volume of accident claims.
While it is receiving very high premiums from UPS, the company hopes to profit from the arrangement. People without representation will have a reduced chance of gaining full compensation when facing experienced insurance company negotiators.
Even seasoned lawyers may struggle with UPS’s insurance company. They may need to file a lawsuit on behalf of individuals who have been harmed and wish to be compensated fairly. With the right representation and a law firm with strong courtroom experience, they may nevertheless recover damages.
If You Were Struck By a UPS Truck, Get Advice From Lawyers With a Strong Track Record
Serious injuries can happen if you’re hit by a UPS truck. Even though police reports may show you were not to blame, you should consult our Las Vegas UPS truck accident lawyer. They can help you with your claim, work to maximize your compensation, and will be ready to fight for you in court if necessary.
H&P Law is known for its ability to secure high–value compensation and will pursue a favorable settlement for you. Although companies like UPS have access to vast resources, you have rights, and we can fight for them. Contact us to reserve a free consultation.
