Who Pays for My Injuries in a UPS Truck Accident?

In Oregon, drivers are financially responsible for any accidents that they cause. These rules also apply to accidents involving UPS vehicles. If you are injured in a collision with a UPS driver, you have the right to file a lawsuit or insurance claim and recover compensation for the losses that you sustained.

However, it can be difficult to know who pays for your injuries after a UPS accident in Portland. Depending on the cause of the accident, several parties could be financially liable, including the driver and UPS itself. 

What Damages Are Available in UPS Accident Claims?

Because UPS trucks are larger and heavier than the average passenger car, collisions involving these vehicles can be traumatic. You may suffer serious injuries and financial losses as a result of your accident.

Filing a UPS accident claim allows you to recover compensation for the losses that you suffered, such as the following:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disability accommodations

Who Is Liable for a UPS Truck Accident?

Multiple parties could be liable for a UPS truck accident, depending on the cause of your accident. In most cases, the party responsible for paying for your accident is the UPS driver, often through UPS’s internal insurance policy. 

If the UPS driver’s negligence caused your accident, you could file a claim against him or her. Examples of UPS driver negligence include running a red light, driving while intoxicated, or distracted driving. UPS is liable for any accidents that their employees cause. If the driver was an employee of UPS, you could file a claim against the company as well. 

If UPS’s own negligence is responsible for the accident, you could also hold the company accountable. Examples of delivery company negligence include improper training, violations of hours-of-service regulations, and failure to maintain their vehicles. 

Some UPS accidents occur due to defective components inside of the vehicle. If a defective vehicle part caused your accident, you could file a lawsuit against the manufacturer, retailer, or distributor of that defective product.

Steps to Take After a UPS Truck Accident

If you are involved in a UPS truck accident, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and preserve evidence for your future case. After the collision, take action by following these steps:

• Call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement. Ask for the responding officer’s information so you can find the police report later.
• Seek medical attention, even if you do not feel injured. Save all records pertaining to your injuries and the treatment that you receive.
• If you can, take as many photographs and videos of the area around the UPS accident as possible. Make sure to capture your injuries, vehicle damage, and any debris, traffic signs, or skid marks.
• Briefly exchange license, insurance, and contact information with the UPS driver. Do not say anything to the driver about your injuries or how the accident occurred.
• If any other people are in the area, approach them and ask if they saw the accident happen. If they did witness the accident, ask for their contact information.

Once you receive medical attention for your injuries, contact a Portland truck accident lawyer to discuss your case. Do not speak to any UPS or insurance representatives until you speak to an attorney. Your lawyer can assess your case and strategize your optimal path to compensation.