Brooklyn UPS Accident Lawyers
Many UPS drivers are under pressure to make deliveries in a timely manner while they are performing a physically demanding job. If you have been injured in an accident with a UPS driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation if you prove negligence. Contact a Brooklyn UPS accident lawyer at Rubenstein & Rynecki today to learn more about your legal rights.
What Dangers Do UPS Trucks Pose?
The large brown trucks you see on the road can present a great danger to everyone else in their vicinity. First, a UPS truck can weigh up to 24,000 lbs. when it is fully loaded, whereas the average passenger car weighs roughly 3,000 lb. Thus, a large amount of force is transferred from the UPS truck to a passenger vehicle, resulting in a serious crash.
Although UPS claims that it pays drivers well to hire only the most experienced operators, these are still humans under incredible pressure. UPS drivers must make many deliveries each day in an unfamiliar area. They may be tired from the physical labor of their job while dealing with traffic. UPS trucks are notoriously difficult to drive because of their center of gravity, and even the most experienced operators may struggle to control the vehicle.
How Do I Win a UPS Accident Case?
To have a successful lawsuit, you would need to show that the driver was negligent in the circumstances that caused the crash. Usually, this means that you are able to prove that they did something that would be considered unreasonable under the circumstances. For example, evidence that the UPS driver made an illegal lane change and sideswiped your car would be considered proof of negligence. Your Brooklyn UPS accident lawyer will work to gather the evidence you need in the days after the crash after you hire them to represent you.
In addition, UPS can also be liable in several ways. One common legal theory that injured accident victims use against UPS is that they were negligent in hiring or retaining the truck driver. UPS needs to perform an adequate background check and take steps to terminate a proven unsafe driver behind the wheel.
How Much Is My UPS Accident Worth?
The value of your UPS accident case depends on the facts and circumstances of your injuries. Your compensation is personal to you, as is the extent of your injuries and how they affected you. Elements of your UPS accident compensation include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
Given that a UPS truck outweighs your passenger vehicle by many multiples and there could be a considerable amount of insurance coverage, your compensation could be considerable. First, your attorney would need to fight for you to receive every dollar you get because the insurance company does not want to settle for the total value of your case.
Can I Sue UPS for My Accident Injuries?
Whether you can sue UPS depends on the driver’s status who caused your injuries. UPS employs drivers, and they hire independent contractors for their roots. If the driver involved in the accident was an employee of UPS, you can sue the company for your injuries. Any employee is an agent of their employer for purposes of liability, so long as their actions occurred on the job. If a UPS driver injures you, the company will be liable. This is a favorable outcome for you because UPS carries a large insurance policy and has assets you can go after in a lawsuit.
If the driver was not an independent contractor, you must sue the driver directly. They are not UPS employees, and the company would not be liable for what they did. However, just because UPS calls someone an independent contractor does not mean that they are in reality. Your attorney will review the situation to determine whether you can still go after UPS directly.
What Type of Insurance Does UPS Have?
UPS covers accidents in which its drivers are involved when they are company employees. Independent contractors may have insurance coverage to pay for any damages they cause. UPS purchases insurance coverage from Liberty Mutual. The insurance giant covers UPS for up to $1 million for each accident. Unfortunately, Liberty Mutual is known for its slow claims process and hardball tactics when people file claims. You would need an experienced attorney who can handle insurance companies to represent you throughout the process.
When you can sue UPS directly, you may even be able to pursue the company’s assets if there is not enough insurance coverage. A large company like UPS has substantial money to pay for your damages, but you must first vigorously pursue it.
How Can a Brooklyn UPS Accident Lawyer Help?
The attorneys at Rubenstein & Rynecki have been fighting for the rights of accident victims for over 50 years. Our Brooklyn UPS accident lawyers have a demonstrated track record of success, and we can put our skills to work for you when you hire us for your case.
Our attorneys can do the following for you in a UPS accident claim:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence that can be used to prove liability.
- Estimate the value of your damages by reviewing your case.
- Work with UPS’s insurance company to help you reach a settlement.
- Put legal pressure on UPS or the insurance company to do what is right by you in a settlement agreement.
- Litigate your case in court if necessary.
Contact the Brooklyn UPS Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki After a Crash
The Brooklyn UPS accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki know how to take on large companies for our clients. You can schedule a free initial consultation by calling us today at 718-522-1020 or contacting us online. Our office is in Brooklyn, and we work with clients throughout New York City, including The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
