Is UPS Liable for My Injuries If a Delivery Truck Hit Me?

 Posted on September 13, 2024 in UPS Accidents

In August, a UPS driver reported being ill due to the extreme heat in his delivery truck. His heat-related illness caused him to pass out while driving on the Sam Rayburn Tollway in TX, crashing his truck into some trees. The driver was briefly hospitalized, and the crash did not involve other vehicles.

However, this accident could have been much worse. The delivery truck could have hit nearby cars, injuring occupants. If a UPS delivery truck hits you, is the company liable? Will your claim be complicated? A knowledgeable lawyer from Delivery Driver Accident Attorney, Operated by the Law Office of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. can investigate your accident, establish liability, and help you get maximum compensation for your damages. Call us now for your free consultation.

Why Do UPS Accidents Happen?

Like any other kind of motor vehicle collision, UPS accidents can happen for various reasons, including distracted driving, tailgating, running red lights, and failing to yield the right of way. However, the nature of delivery jobs can put tremendous pressure on drivers:

• Too many deliveries in a short timeframe

• Trying to find destinations in unfamiliar areas, potentially using GPS devices while driving

• Speeding to finish delivery routes before deadlines

• Searching for addresses in the dark

Regardless of why they happen, UPS accidents injure people, and they deserve compensation.

Who Is At Fault in UPS Delivery Truck Crashes?

UPS owns and operates its fleet of delivery vehicles, employing the drivers. These are important distinctions because determining liability when third parties are involved differs. Potentially at-fault parties when employees are driving UPS-owned vehicles include:

• The driver

• UPS, both as the truck’s owner and the driver’s employer

• Truck maintenance personnel or companies

• Parts manufacturers

Before your attorney can determine who was at fault, we must investigate your accident to find out why and how it happened. The evidence we find should point us to all liable parties.

Many accidents have multiple causes and liable parties; in fact, you may share the blame. In Texas, the modified comparative negligence law allows you to seek damages from other at-fault parties as long as your degree of fault is not greater than 50 percent. However, your settlement will be reduced according to your degree of fault.

In the instance mentioned above, a UPS supervisor allegedly told the driver to cease his deliveries and drive his truck back to the UPS facility. According to a union representative, the supervisor should have told the driver to pull over and call 911. If the truck had injured other motorists, UPS would have likely been liable.

How Can Extreme Heat Affect Drivers?

Heat can cause multiple impairments that may lead to collisions, such as:

• Dehydration

• Confusion

• Vomiting and nausea

• Passing out

• Extreme drowsiness

• Mood swings

If the Texas heat is too much for you while driving, pull over, rehydrate, and do not continue driving unless these or other heat-related effects have passed. If necessary, call 911.

Call Now To Speak With Our Experienced Dallas County, TX UPS Accidents Lawyer

Last-mile delivery accident claims can be challenging, but you do not have to handle yours alone. Delivery Driver Accident Attorney, Operated by the Law Office of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. has a well-earned track record of successfully recovering compensation for our clients, and we look forward to serving you. Call us at 469-461-4870 for your free consultation with our dedicated Dallas, TX delivery accident attorney.