New Jersey drivers see them every day: those brown trucks with the gold lettering. With all the miles UPS drivers travel in a day, it’s not surprising that they experience their share of collisions. While most deliveries go off without a hitch, some result in catastrophic accidents, leaving victims with expensive medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Since the damages in UPS accidents are often extensive, victims can secure settlements in the hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars. Because the stakes are so high, it is best to contact one of our experienced Jersey City UPS truck accident lawyers if you are injured so you can pursue the full value of your claim.
Representation for Victims of UPS Accidents
If you were harmed in a car accident with a UPS truck in New Jersey, you have the legal right to pursue compensation from the negligent party. Whether the driver or UPS directly caused the accident, you might be able to file a claim against the company itself.
This is because commercial vehicles are subject to regulations pertaining to their maintenance and use, as well as rules that both the driver and the owner of the truck must follow. When either a driver or a company fails to follow these rules, they can be held responsible for the resulting accident.
You may be able to file an accident claim against UPS to receive restitution for various losses that resulted from the collision, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of income. These cases can be complex, so it’s crucial to speak with an attorney experienced in successfully representing victims of commercial vehicle crashes.
What To Do After a UPS Truck Accident
After any motor vehicle accident, your safety and that of your passengers should be your first concern. Always look around before exiting your vehicle and, if you are physically able to do so, relocate to a safer location. If possible, snap a photo of the location of your car before someone moves it. You may need this evidence later.
Next, follow these steps:
Call 911
After a serious accident, you should immediately dial 911. Let the dispatcher know if anyone at the scene is seriously injured so they can send out the appropriate emergency services.
Exchange Information
If you are physically able, get the information of the other driver. Exchange names, addresses, telephone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. If there is anyone around who witnessed the accident, try to obtain their contact information as well.
Take Pictures
Photograph anything at the scene that shows how the accident happened. This includes vehicle damage, traffic signs, signals, and road conditions. The more photos you take at the scene, the easier it will be to prove what factors may have contributed to the accident.
Get Treated for your Injuries
Once you have taken the above measures and have spoken with law enforcement, it is crucial that you seek medical attention. Even if you don’t see any visible wounds, you may have sustained serious Injuries to your head, neck, or back that could cause you serious issues down the road.
Contact Our UPS Truck Accident Lawyers in New Jersey
Be careful when talking to witnesses, other drivers, and law enforcement. It’s normal to feel regret about what happened, but avoid making statements such as “I‘m sorry” or “I didn’t see them” since the insurance company could use these statements against you to try to mitigate the amount of the insurance payout.
When you get a phone call from the other party or their insurance company, it’s best to refer them to your attorney. As soon as you are stable or get home from the hospital, you should contact our local truck accident team, which handles accidents between delivery trucks and other vehicles.
When one of our UPS truck accident lawyers in NJ takes your case, we can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Jersey City UPS Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Liable Parties in a New Jersey Truck Accident
If you were involved in an accident with a Jersey City UPS truck, you might be wondering who is liable for a truck accident in New Jersey. In many cases, both the truck driver and the company can be liable.
Driver Liability
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial vehicle drivers must complete regular inspections of their vehicle and may not drive unless they are “satisfied that its parts and accessories are in good working order.”
If a driver does not complete the required inspections or ignores a problem and drives anyway, that individual could be found at least partially at fault when an accident happens. Of course, drivers can also be held liable for driving recklessly or negligently and causing a collision.
Company Liability
A driver’s employer can be held responsible for a commercial vehicle accident for several reasons, including “negligent entrustment.” Negligent entrustment is a legal term that means that the truck’s owner (UPS) is liable for an accident when they allow an unqualified or negligent driver to operate their vehicle.
Another legal doctrine, “respondeat superior,” states that employers can be deemed liable for the actions of their employees if the negligent act was unintentional on the employee’s part. It is also possible that the company might have directly contributed to the accident in some way.
For these reasons, UPS might be at least partially responsible for an accident caused by a negligent employee who they entrusted with one of their trucks.
Contact a Jersey City UPS Truck Accident Attorney Today
Like other major delivery companies, UPS is heavily insured. Insurers of large companies retain powerful attorneys who try to reduce the amount of compensation they pay out. In order to secure the settlement you deserve, it is crucial that you are represented by an aggressive New Jersey UPS truck accident attorney.
If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of a UPS driver or the company itself, do not be intimidated by the size of UPS. The accident lawyers at the Morelli Law Firm have the experience and resources to go up against big companies like UPS and their insurers. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.