Accidents involving commercial trucks, such as UPS delivery vehicles, are becoming more frequent as online shopping and delivery services continue to grow. While UPS trucks are crucial in delivering packages to homes and businesses across Charleston, they can also pose significant dangers on the road. When a large UPS truck is involved in an accident, the results can be catastrophic, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
If you are injured in an accident involving a UPS truck, seeking legal representation from a Charleston delivery truck accident lawyer as soon as possible is essential. A Charleston UPS truck accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help you receive the compensation you deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout South Carolina.
Charleston UPS Truck Accidents
UPS is one of the largest package delivery companies in the world, with thousands of trucks on the road at any given time. In Charleston, where traffic congestion and narrow streets can create hazardous driving conditions, UPS truck accidents are a serious concern. These delivery trucks are often larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, making them some of the more devastating crashes our Charleston truck accident lawyers see.
Our Charleston personal injury lawyers know how common these accidents result in catastrophic injuries. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) 2022 Traffic Collision Fact Book, commercial vehicles were involved in nearly 13% of all fatal traffic accidents in the state in 2022. UPS truck accidents are particularly concerning because these trucks constantly navigate urban environments like downtown Charleston, where pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles share the road. The combination of large, heavy vehicles and congested traffic can be deadly when accidents occur.
Common Causes of UPS Truck Accidents in Charleston
UPS truck accidents can happen for various reasons, many of which are related to the unique nature of the job. Delivery drivers face tight deadlines, work long hours, and frequently navigate challenging roads. Some of the most common causes of Charleston UPS truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue: UPS drivers often work long shifts, especially during peak delivery times like the holiday season. Fatigue can lead to slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and a higher risk of accidents.
- Distracted driving: Delivery drivers are constantly checking GPS devices, scanning addresses, and communicating with dispatch. These distractions can take their attention off the road and lead to accidents.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Some UPS drivers may feel pressured to speed or engage in risky driving behaviors like tailgating or running red lights to meet tight delivery schedules.
- Failure to properly load the truck: UPS trucks carry large numbers of packages, and if the cargo is not properly loaded and secured, it can shift during transit, affecting the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: UPS trucks are constantly on the road, and regular maintenance is essential to keep them in safe working condition. If the company fails to maintain the trucks properly, issues like brake failure or tire blowouts can occur.
- Negligence by other drivers: In some cases, the UPS truck driver may not be at fault. Other drivers on the road may cause accidents by engaging in reckless behavior, failing to yield, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Who Can be Liable for a UPS Truck Accident
Determining liability in a UPS truck accident can be a complicated process requiring the help of a skilled UPS truck accident attorney in Charleston. Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Some of the potential parties that can be held liable include:
- The UPS driver
- UPS
- Vehicle maintenance contractors
- Third-party drivers
- Government entities
If a UPS truck accident injures you, contact our Charleston UPS truck accident attorneys as soon as possible. We will investigate your claim and determine who can be sued in a truck accident case. We will work diligently to identify all liable parties and recover compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Steps to Take After a UPS Truck Accident in Charleston
If you are involved in an accident with a UPS truck, it is essential to take specific steps. These steps will help protect your rights and build a strong case. Here is what you should do immediately following the accident:
- Seek medical attention even if you do not feel injured immediately after the accident: This will ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated and provide documentation that may be crucial for your case later.
- Call the police: They will create an official report including details of the accident. This report can be critical evidence needed to prove negligence in your truck accident case.
- Know what you should do at the scene of the truck accident: Take pictures of the vehicles, including any damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signals. Get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Avoid speaking to UPS representatives or insurers: After the accident, representatives from UPS or their insurance company may contact you. These representatives are primarily concerned with protecting the company’s financial interests, so do not give recorded statements or sign documents without consulting a UPS truck accident lawyer in Charleston.
- Contact our Charleston UPS truck accident lawyers: One of the most important steps you can take after a UPS truck accident is to contact our lawyers as soon as possible. We can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
Damages You Can Recover With the Help of a Charleston UPS Truck Accident Lawyer
If you are injured in a UPS truck accident, you may be entitled to recover various damages to compensate you for your losses. We will work to maximize your compensation. The damages you can collect after a truck accident can include:
- Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for any medical bills related to the accident and any future medical care you may need because of your injuries.
- Lost wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for your lost income. This includes wages lost while recovering and future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages are also recoverable in UPS truck accident cases. These damages compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life you have experienced due to the accident.
- Property damage: You can seek compensation to repair or replace your vehicle or other property if the accident damaged it.
- Punitive damages: The court may award punitive damages if the UPS driver or company acted extremely negligently or recklessly. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm Today
UPS trucks are a common sight on the roads of Charleston, but when they are involved in accidents, the consequences can be severe.
If you are injured in a UPS truck accident, contact us as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation. We can help you navigate the legal process, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
