FedEx and UPS play a vital role in the daily lives of Colorado Springs residents. Their drivers deliver packages, documents, and goods to businesses and homes across the city. The convenience and efficiency of these delivery services have only increased with the growth of e-commerce. While these delivery services are crucial for the modern economy, they also bring with them the potential for accidents.
FedEx and UPS, as indispensable components of the Colorado Springs community, bring numerous benefits and convenience. However, accidents involving their delivery trucks are a matter of concern, as they can result in injuries, fatalities, and property damage. After a crash, you’re up against these large companies that have large teams and funds at their disposal.
Both FedEx and UPS benefit from on-call, in-house legal teams to protect them. This can make getting fair compensation after an accident with FedEx or UPS a real problem. For this reason, it is invaluable in these cases to have a Colorado Springs delivery truck accident attorney on your side.
How Common Are Accidents Involving FedEx and UPS Trucks?
Naturally, accidents involving FedEx and UPS trucks do happen. These accidents range from minor fender-benders to more severe and potentially fatal incidents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses reported accidents to analyze delivery truck safety. Here’s what the data collected for the 24 months leading up to November of 2023 shows:
United Parcel Service, Inc (UPS)
128,306 drivers on the road, covering 3.5 billion miles
Total accidents: 2,787
Crashes with injuries: 966
Fatal collisions: 64
42,218 drivers on the road, driving over 1 billion miles
Total accidents: 344
Crashes with injuries: 118
Fatal collisions: 9
124,917 drivers on the road, with 3.2 billion miles driven
Total accidents: 2,744
Crashes with injuries: 863
Fatal collisions: 89
What Causes FedEx and UPS Truck Accidents in Colorado Springs?
FedEx and UPS are faced with many daily challenges that can lead to accidents. Whether it’s a fender bender or a serious crash, these large vehicles can have serious repercussions when they strike another vehicle. Collisions both head-on and rear-end, T-bone accidents, or rollovers can all be caused by the following challenges to FedEx and UPS drivers:
High Demand
The increasing demand for fast and reliable delivery services, especially in the age of e-commerce, puts significant pressure on drivers to meet tight schedules. This can lead to fatigue and rushed decision-making.
Weather Conditions
Colorado Springs is known for its unpredictable and sometimes harsh weather. Snow, ice, and heavy rain can create treacherous driving conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Vehicle Challenges
Delivery trucks are very large and have limited visibility. Their lack of side and rear windows means delivery truck drivers rely on side mirrors to see what’s going on around or behind them. These massive blind spots in addition to the oversized vehicle can cause many accidents. Delivery truck blindspots are so dangerous, that FedEx and UPS drivers have been trained to never turn left because it was causing too many fatal accidents.
Traffic Congestion
The city’s traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can make navigation challenging for delivery drivers. Maneuvering large trucks through traffic can be a daunting task. Considering the aforementioned issues driving these large delivery trucks, the chance of an accident in dense traffic is significant.
Driver Turnover
High driver turnover is a common issue in the trucking industry, leading to a constant influx of new and less experienced drivers. As these trucks are not easy to maneuver, new drivers are more likely to make mistakes. They’re also likely driving routes through unknown streets and aren’t yet used to the long and tiring hours behind the wheel.
Road Conditions
The condition of Colorado Springs’ roads and highways can sometimes be less than optimal, with potholes and other hazards that pose a risk to drivers. In fact, El Paso County ranked as the eighth worst city for road conditions in the United States in 2022.
What Kinds Of Injuries Happen From FedEx And UPS Accidents?
Accidents involving delivery trucks can lead to many kinds of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. In the event of an accident, prioritizing medical attention for your injuries is of utmost importance. Seeking prompt medical treatment and maintaining proper documentation will serve as critical evidence to support your personal injury claim.
Furthermore, it is crucial to gather evidence linking your injuries to the accident. Contacting a Colorado Springs delivery truck accident attorney can make all the difference in your case.
The following are some of the primary injuries commonly associated with accidents involving FedEx and UPS trucks:
1. Back and neck injuries
3. Whiplash
4. Spinal cord injury
5. Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
6. Paralysis
7. Broken bones
8. Amputated limbs
9. Damage to internal organs
10. Scarring or disfigurement
11. Cuts, bruises, scrapes, lacerations
Can I Sue FedEx or UPS For An Accident In Colorado Springs?
In Colorado Springs, you may have the right to sue FedEx or UPS for an accident if their negligence caused your injuries or property damage. While it is possible to sue FedEx or UPS for an accident, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified Colorado Springs delivery truck accident attorney who specializes in personal injury cases. They can assess the specifics of your situation, review the evidence, and provide tailored legal advice based on Colorado Springs’ laws and regulations.
How To Determine If You Have A Valid Claim
Negligence
You need to establish that either FedEx or UPS was negligent in some way. Negligence in car accidents is a legal concept. It refers to the failure of individuals to exercise reasonable care while operating a motor vehicle. Negligence can be from violating traffic laws, failing to properly maintain vehicles, or not training drivers adequately.
Evidence
Collecting evidence is crucial in proving negligence. This may include photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, surveillance footage, and any other documentation that supports your claim. This process would be extremely difficult on your own without the resources of a team of Colorado Springs delivery truck accident attorneys.
Damages
You must have suffered damages to be eligible for a claim. This could be physical injuries or property damage as a result of the accident. These damages must be directly linked to the negligence of the delivery driver or company. Costs that can be covered include medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Statute of Limitations
It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Colorado Springs. Generally, you must file your lawsuit within two years after the accident occurs. Consulting with a Colorado Springs delivery truck accident attorney will ensure you comply with the applicable deadline.
Should I Get A Colorado Springs Delivery Truck Accident Attorney?
It is crucial to seek immediate assistance from a competent and experienced attorney after a FedEx or UPS accident. A Colorado Springs delivery truck accident attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and provide crucial support throughout your personal injury claim.
Case Investigation
One of the primary ways an attorney can assist you is by conducting a thorough investigation of the accident. They will gather essential evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, black box data, and surveillance footage to establish liability. This extensive investigation ensures that all responsible parties are identified. Strong evidence like this is critical when going up against large companies. With a wealth of solid documentation, your attorney can build a strong case on your behalf.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Another invaluable aspect of hiring an attorney for your personal injury claim is their expertise in negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize their liability. They may use crafty tactics to undervalue your settlement amount or even deny your claim altogether. Having an experienced attorney who understands how insurance companies operate can significantly increase your chances. They’ll help in obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Evaluating Your Fair Compensation
Furthermore, a delivery truck accident attorney in Colorado Springs can accurately analyze the value of your case. They assess your medical bills, current and future lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related damages. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that no vital aspect is overlooked or undervalued during negotiations or trial preparation.
Advocating For Your Rights
Throughout the entire legal process, your attorney will act as your advocate. They represent your best interests at every stage, fighting on your behalf. This includes handling all communication with opposing counsel and submitting necessary paperwork within set deadlines. They will represent you during court proceedings if litigation becomes necessary, and provide constant updates on the progress of your case.
Reach Out To A Colorado Springs Delivery Truck Accident Attorney For A Free Consultation
In the wake of an accident with a delivery vehicle, our dedicated team of Colorado Springs delivery truck accident attorneys is here to help you. Reach out for a free consultation today and we’ll jump right into examining your case. We can go over all the details and help you understand your rights and options. With care and compassion, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
Our Colorado Springs delivery truck accident attorneys have years of experience in litigation with large corporations. We’re practiced and prepared to battle passionately for your fair compensation in court. We’ve helped many clients have winning outcomes after suffering a delivery truck accident. Reach out today to find out how we can help you.
