Many United Parcel Service (UPS) truck drivers take their work seriously. However, some UPS truckers choose to ignore safety. If you are involved in a collision with one of these drivers, ask a Columbia UPS truck accident lawyer to review your case and determine if a personal injury lawsuit is warranted.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm backs our legal services and support with a no-win, no-fee guarantee. If you work with a Columbia truck accident lawyer from our team and we do not recover damages in your lawsuit, you owe us nothing. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
Rules That UPS Truck Drivers Must Follow
The Columbia personal injury lawyers at The Shelly Leeke Law Firm team understands the rules that apply to UPS truck drivers. A Columbia UPS truck accident attorney from our team can teach you about these regulations and answer any questions you have about them. Request a free case consultation with our team.
United Parcel Service has a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all of its employees. UPS truck drivers must comply with this code. Otherwise, a truck driver is subject to dismissal or other forms of discipline.
Many federal truck laws apply to UPS truckers. For example, hours of service (HOS) laws limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can spend behind the wheel. A UPS truck driver must follow these laws — if a trucker ignores them and causes an accident, this individual and their employer can be held accountable.
How an Insurance Company Will Treat Your Accident Claim
It is a legal requirement to carry proof of insurance in South Carolina. If you are involved in an accident with a UPS truck driver, notify your insurance carrier about the incident. Next, your insurer can work with the other party’s insurance company to figure out who is liable.
In one of the best-case scenarios following your accident, your insurance company finds you are not at fault. Instead, the other party is liable, and their insurer agrees to cover your accident-related losses. You receive compensation you can use to recover financially from your crash.
Unfortunately, an at-fault truck driver’s insurance provider could blame you for the accident or dispute your claim. Avoid these scenarios and similar ones by hiring a UPS truck accident lawyer in Columbia who has received many positive client testimonials. Your attorney can negotiate with an insurance carrier on your behalf and help you secure a fair settlement.
When to File a Lawsuit Against UPS or Other Liable Parties
If you are wondering if you need a lawyer for your South Carolina truck accident claim, consider what can happen if you go through the legal process on your own. UPS or other liable parties may capitalize on the situation. You could get a lowball settlement offer, accept the proposal, and wind up having to cover most of your accident-related losses by yourself.
A UPS truck accident attorney in Columbia protects your legal rights and best interests. If your attorney believes filing a lawsuit may be beneficial, they will let you know. At this time, you can decide whether to move forward with litigation — but keep in mind that you have only a limited window to sue.
According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is three years. It may be best to meet with a lawyer as soon as you can after your UPS truck crash. Your attorney can submit your lawsuit and gather evidence to help you compel a judge or jury to award maximum damages.
Evidence that Can Help You Recover Damages in Your Lawsuit
In terms of the evidence needed to prove negligence in a truck accident case, your lawyer has you covered. They search far and wide for proof they can use to build a compelling case against the defendant in your lawsuit. Evidence you may use in your argument includes:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
- Statements from witnesses who were present when your accident happened.
- Police report detailing the specifics of your accident.
- Traffic cam footage that shows a UPS truck driver was speeding or violating other laws.
- Medical records highlighting how badly you were injured.
- Employment records that show you had to miss work due to your injuries.
Your proof could help you recover economic and non-economic damages. Typically, a judge or jury awards damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. Your lawyer accounts for the current and future expenses you face due to your accident and includes them in your damages request.
How the Defendant in Your Case Can Try to Blame You for a UPS Truck Accident
You have a strong case against the party responsible for your UPS truck crash, but you still have to prepare for the defendant’s argument. Prior to your trial date, your attorney can provide a breakdown of negligence laws in South Carolina and how they apply to your case. They can explain why it is paramount to prove the defendant is 100% liable.
Based on the South Carolina Contribution Among Tortfeasors Act, you can be partly liable for a personal injury and still recover damages in a lawsuit. In this scenario, you can only get damages if you are 1-50% at fault. If you are found to be primarily to blame for a UPS truck accident and any injuries you suffer, you may be ineligible to recover damages.
Your Columbia UPS truck accident lawyer understands how comparative negligence can impact your lawsuit. They meticulously plan for your trial date. As part of their efforts, they collect evidence to support your argument and make sure you understand what will happen when a judge or jury reviews your case.
Get Help from a Columbia Truck Accident Attorney Who Has Plenty of Legal Experience
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has more than 10 years of experience handling personal injury cases. Our Columbia UPS truck accident lawyers will apply our legal knowledge to your UPS truck crash case and help you achieve your desired case results. Contact us to learn more.
