Between February 2020 and February 2022, FedEx drivers were involved in a total of 388 truck accident, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. With UPS drivers, there were 2,850 accidents during the same period. The FMCSA’s “SAFER” program collects accident information from trucking companies and publishes it. Additionally, the organization provides insights into the causes of driver accidents and violations that exist. It finds two common violations: hours of service violations and driver fitness violations. There are also a few cases that involve drugs or alcohol. When UPS and FedEx drivers are in accidents, they often hit smaller cars that sustain more significant damage, and the occupants of the cars are often injured. Knowing what to do next is essential if you were hit by a UPS or FedEx truck.
Necessary Steps After a UPS or FedEx Truck Hits You
First, remember never to admit fault as you go through these steps. If the other party tries to talk to you about fault, you wait for first responders to arrive.
Seek Immediate Medical and Law Enforcement Help
Call 911 first, and provide your name and location. Do this even if you think you are ok. People are often in a state of mental shock right after a crash, and they may not immediately feel their injuries. Many highway patrolmen and safety experts recommend that you remain in your vehicle after an accident until help arrives. If you have injuries, moving could worsen them. Also, you are at a greater risk of being hit by another car if the accident is on a highway. Only move your vehicle or get out if it is unsafe to remain where you are. For instance, if your car is on fire, it is safer to get out of the vehicle. Police usually arrive at accident scenes quickly, and ambulances accompany them to provide emergency care. Be sure to seek a complete medical examination to ensure that any potential injuries are documented.
Collect Information
While you are waiting for help to arrive, take a photo of the truck that hit you and the license plate if you can do so. If the driver decides to leave before first responders arrive, you will have photos to help police find the person. You can also try to take pictures of any witnesses present if they try to leave. Ask for a copy of the police report to get the name of the FedEx or UPS driver who hit you. If you can, try to take several clear photos with your smartphone. It is helpful to have pictures of your vehicle’s damage and to create a visual depiction of the accident scene.
If there are any witnesses at the accident scene, try to obtain their names and contact information for an attorney. You can also write down any important details about the accident. Alternately, you can create a voice memo of important accident details with your smartphone. Include descriptions of any involved people or vehicles, the time, the weather, and any other observations you make. Be sure to keep your voice memo secure.
Contact an Attorney
Once you are finished seeking medical care, call an attorney immediately afterward for advice on the following steps to take, such as insurance reporting and more. It is normal to feel overwhelmed during the hours following an accident, and many people think that they may not be able to afford an attorney when they must deal with the expenses that arise from a car crash. Many people need to take time off work due to injuries and medical appointments, resulting in lost income. The good news is that delivery truck accident attorneys only collect money after settling. Since there is no upfront cost, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. If you wait, you are more likely to forget important details about the accident, which could impact your case’s outcome. There are several benefits of working with an accident attorney and advocating during such a difficult time.
What To Do After You Hire a Truck Accident Attorney
After a UPS or FedEx delivery truck driver hits you, the correct steps do not stop after you choose an attorney. Although working with an attorney alleviates many burdens and stress, there are still several things you must remember to do.
Contact Your Insurer
It is vital to report the accident to your insurer correctly. The benefit of hiring an attorney first is that you have guidance about handling conversations with your car insurance company and what to say.
Keep Your Medical Appointments
Your attorney may refer you to a specific medical practice handling accident injury cases. It is important to keep all appointments made with your doctor, who monitors your injuries. Those appointments are essential for updating any prognoses and reporting any other changes.
Report New Problems Immediately
In some instances, secondary problems develop from injuries. For example, imagine a person suffering a complicated fracture after an accident. The original prognosis is that the fracture will heal over time, and the injury is temporary. Soon after, the person quickly develops an infection. If the infection is not promptly reported, it can worsen and cause severe complications. It is critical to report new problems or sudden changes, especially for your safety, but crucial for your legal case.
How Does a Delivery Truck Accident Attorney Help You?
Your attorney is the one who handles all the hard work of the compensation process. There are essential procedures, and your attorney works as your advocate to make the process as smooth as possible.
Handles All Related Correspondence
Attorneys know how to correspond and protect your interests correctly. For example, another party involved in the accident may try to contact you and get you to admit fault or partial fault. When your attorney handles all the correspondence, other parties must speak to your attorney instead of you. This gives you the protection and peace of mind you need while focusing on coping with life after the accident.
Handles Documents and Paperwork
Your attorney may collect documents from you, medical facilities, insurance companies, and others as necessary. Attorneys know which documents they need to build a strong case in your favor and determine fair compensation for your injuries. If you need to obtain a document or sign papers, your attorney will contact you. Be sure to watch for correspondence from your attorney, and respond promptly.
Negotiates and Fights for Fair Compensation
Once your attorney has the necessary documentation that shows the extent of your injuries, your prognosis, any property damage, and related information, negotiations take place. Attorneys have the knowledge, training, and experience to negotiate with involved parties effectively. Some victims mistakenly skip hiring an attorney and accept a direct settlement from the responsible party. The settlement is usually a low amount that is not enough to compensate people for their total losses, including lost income, future medical costs from injuries, and more.
Represents You in Court
First, it is essential to note that most cases do not go to trial. Most delivery truck accident claims are settled outside of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached out of court, your attorney prepares the case for trial. This may involve hiring experts, developing visual aids, and more. Your attorney can advise you whether it is better to accept a settlement offer or take the case to trial. When your attorney suggests you receive a settlement, it means that you are unlikely to have a better outcome in court. Trials are typically reserved for when an attorney believes that the other party’s offer is unreasonably low, that a jury will likely be sympathetic to you, and that you have a good chance of a better award in court. Since delivery truck companies’ legal representatives are familiar with injury cases where their drivers are at fault, they are uncommon to offer unreasonably low settlements to attorneys of victims.
Learn More About UPS and FedEx Truck Accident Claims
If you were recently injured in an accident with a delivery truck driver, you need a legal advocate who can negotiate a fair settlement for you and help you protect your future. Learn more about the process and what to expect. A truck accident attorney will consult with you for free to determine if you have a case.