Harrison UPS Truck Accidents
UPS trucks are a familiar sight in Harrison, with these large brown vehicles navigating through neighborhoods and business districts. Given their large size, constant stop-and-go action, and the urgency imposed by tight delivery schedules, UPS trucks pose unique hazards on the road.
After being involved in an accident involving a UPS truck, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights to ensure you properly handle any proceedings that follow. Speaking with a truck accident attorney in Harrison can help you understand your options and secure the maximum compensation available after a collision.
Determining Liability in UPS Truck Accidents
Determining who is at fault in a UPS truck accident can be complicated, but it’s absolutely necessary to identify all possible responsible parties so you can recover appropriate damages. Some of the most commonly liable parties include the following:
The UPS Driver
If the UPS driver behaved negligently or recklessly while on the job – ignoring traffic signs or using their phone while driving – they might be held directly responsible for any harm caused.
UPS Corporation
In cases where the accident may have resulted from broader practices beyond an individual driver’s actions, UPS as a corporation could be liable. This would include situations like negligent hiring if they onboarded a driver without a proper background check or failure to train adequately to ensure safe delivery practices.
Third Parties
Sometimes accountability extends further down the supply chain – to manufacturers or maintenance providers – especially when there’s reason to believe equipment failure played a role in causing the accident.
Other Motorists
There are instances when other drivers on the road might share in liability for a UPS truck accident. For example, if another vehicle made a sudden move that required the UPS truck to swerve and cause an accident, that driver could also be held accountable.
Local Municipalities
If poor road conditions – like potholes or uncleared snow – are contributing factors to an accident with a UPS truck, then local city or state governments responsible for maintaining those roads could be partially at fault as well.
Understanding these layers of potential responsibility underscores how complex it can get when establishing liability after these collisions. Working with a legal professional is the best way to make sure you explore all avenues for compensation. They can help determine who may be held liable for a delivery truck accident.
Evidence Needed to Build a Strong Case
To build a strong case after being involved in a UPS truck accident, certain types of evidence will be critical to support your claims. These typically include:
Police Reports: After an accident occurs, law enforcement should arrive at the scene and create an accident report. This usually includes their view of what happened and what caused the accident. It should also include witness information and whether any citations were given to the drivers involved.
Photos and Videos: Visuals documenting the accident site can help everyone understand how things happened. For example, pictures capturing road conditions, skid marks, vehicle positioning, and damage all provide context for how the incident unfolded.
In some cases, there might be video footage of the accident, providing a clear explanation of how the incident occurred. For example, this could come in the form of traffic cameras, dashcam footage, or surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses.
Witness Statements: Accounts provided by those who saw the accident offer insights into what happened and can often highlight details that accident victims might have missed during the chaos of a collision.
Driver Logs and Delivery Schedules: Examining these documents can demonstrate if tight schedules put pressure on drivers or reveal if fatigue due to long hours could have been a factor in causing the crash.
Vehicle Maintenance Records: Service history helps unravel whether neglect in regular upkeep played any part. For instance, you might be able to see that brakes haven’t been changed in years, leading to an inability to stop on time and causing an accident.
This kind of evidence forms a strong foundation for determining fault and securing fair compensation for injuries suffered as well as other losses. If you’re dealing with this situation, contacting legal representation is always a good idea. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.