Weight of UPS Trucks Make Accidents More Dangerous
UPS Trucks Weigh Tons. UPS trucks operate all across the country delivering products. UPS is a massive corporation. So, when a consumer hits the “buy” button on their mobile device there is a good chance that UPS will be involved in the delivery of those goods.
It is estimated that a UPS delivery truck can weigh between 16,000-24,000 pounds. While a UPS-18 wheeler with a loaded trailer may weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. GVWR stands for gross vehicle weight rating. In other words, the GVWR is the “maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo).”
Regulations for UPS Trucks
UPS Trucks Must Comply With U.S. Department of Transportation Rules. Commercial trucking companies must adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and regulations created by the U.S. Department of Transportation. These regulations on large commercial vehicles are designed to keep Tennessee residents safe. Trucking companies must not only ensure their drivers meet training requirements, but they have to maintain repair and maintenance logs, records detailing hours of service, and have drug and alcohol testing protocols.
Steps to Take After An Accident With a UPS Delivery Truck
- Contact law enforcement immediately. A state-issued crash report is a vital step to ensuring the details of the accident are recorded. Do your best to clearly articulate your version of the accident so the reporting officer(s) understand the accident details. One extra savvy move is to have the police officer record in your statement that you are making a formal request to preserve any and all technological evidence that UPS utilized on the truck, including video evidence.
- Take pictures and video of the vehicles and accident scene. Pictures and video can be invaluable to a potential jury or an insurance company evaluating your case. If there is a liability argument, pictures and video can often make or break the case.
- Obtain identifying information of the UPS driver. Often, the police will obtain this information, but do not rely on law enforcement. They are busy and subject to human errors just like anyone else. At a minimum
- Get the name and phone number of the driver;
- Get insurance information;
- Get the license plate number
Do I Have a Truck Accident Injury Case Against UPS?
If you are injured in an accident involving a UPS truck, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Documenting your injury as close in time to the accident as possible is vital to a successful personal injury claim against UPS. After a UPS truck accident, you may also incur lost earnings, plus noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering and lost enjoyment of life. Winning compensation against UPS for your accident injuries is difficult and requires an effective legal strategy.