Were you hurt in a truck accident involving a United States Postal Service (USPS) vehicle or a USPS driver in St. Louis? Are you reeling from painful injuries and mounting financial strain?
Sumner Law Group, LLC, wants to help. Our St. Louis USPS truck accident attorneys stand ready to support you in this tough time, offering guidance and dedicated legal representation every step of the way in your personal injury claim. We understand the unique challenges of USPS mail truck accident cases and are committed to fighting for your rights.
Reach out to us now for a free consultation with a St. Louis truck accident lawyer to learn how we can help you demand the total compensation you need for your recovery after a crash with a USPS mail truck.
Common Causes of USPS Truck Accidents in St. Louis
Common factors that contribute to USPS truck accidents in St. Louis include the following examples:
- Driver fatigue – USPS drivers often have demanding schedules, which can lead to exhaustion. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, which increase crash risks.
- Distracted driving – Distractions such as using a mobile device, eating, or looking at navigation systems can divert a letter carrier’s attention from the road and lead to accidents.
- Mechanical failure – Regular maintenance is crucial for vehicle safety. If USPS trucks are not well-maintained, issues like brake failure or tire blowouts can result in accidents.
- Inexperienced drivers – New or less experienced drivers might not be fully familiar with USPS trucks’ handling and size, potentially leading to preventable accidents due to driver error.
- Rushing to meet delivery deadlines – The pressure to meet tight delivery schedules can sometimes encourage drivers to speed or take other risks, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Poor road conditions – Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and inadequate signage can pose significant risks for USPS trucks, especially those carrying heavy loads.
- Traffic violations – USPS drivers who violate traffic laws by running red lights, speeding, or not adhering to traffic signs can contribute to truck accidents.
Types of USPS Trucks and Types of Truck Crashes
USPS has a diverse fleet of vehicles ranging from massive tractor-trailers to small vans to manage its vast mail and package delivery operations nationwide. These commercial vehicles vary in size, design, and function to meet different delivery needs. Common examples include the following:
- Long life vehicles (LLVs)
- Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs)
- Minivans (MVs)
- Two-ton trucks
- Promaster vans
- Metris vans
- Seven-ton trucks
- Step vans
- Mailsters
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
- Cargo vans
USPS truck drivers can be involved in all types of truck accidents, such as:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Side-impact collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle collisions
- Vehicle malfunction accidents
- Hazardous materials accidents
- Hit-and-run crashes
- Parking lot accidents
- Intersection collisions
- Lane change accidents
Filing a Claim Against the USPS
The USPS is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government, meaning it is a government entity. That distinction is important because there are certain procedures under the Federal Tort Claims Act for filing claims against the federal government, including those involving the USPS.
Specifically, you will need to complete and submit the SF95 “Claim for Damage, Injury, or Death” form. The form formally notifies the federal government of your claim and allows you to provide the necessary details about the incident. That includes information like the nature and extent of your injuries, property damage, and any other losses.
Strict time limits and other rules apply for bringing claims against government entities, so you should contact our St. Louis truck accident lawyers for help if you have this type of claim.
Proving Liability for St. Louis USPS Truck Accidents
Our St. Louis truck accident attorneys can gather various types of evidence to prove liability and support your claim. Here are some key types of evidence we might use in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Photographs of the scene – Photos from the accident scene showing the positions of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and vehicle damage
- Witness statements – Testimony from people who saw the accident occur
- Police report – Important details about the traffic accident contained in the responding officer’s report
- Medical records – Documentation of your injuries, treatment plans, and medical expenses
- Surveillance footage – Videos from nearby security cameras, traffic cameras, or dashcams
- Truck’s black box – Many large commercial trucks are equipped with electronic data recorders
- Expert testimony – Testimony from specialists in fields like accident reconstruction or medicine
- Vehicle damage reports – Assessments of the damage to the vehicles involved in the accident
- Your personal account – Your own description of the accident and its effects on your life
- Employment records and wage loss documentation – Proof of your employment status and any accident-related income losses
- USPS vehicle maintenance records – Records showing recent USPS truck maintenance or issues
Compensation for USPS Truck Accident Injuries
In a USPS truck accident injury case, you have the right to claim financial compensation for the harm you have suffered due to the accident. Depending on the circumstances, you could recover compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Future healthcare costs
- Lost income
- Decreased future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitation costs
- Long-term care expenses
- Property damage
How Can an Experienced USPS Accident Lawyer Help Me?
An experienced personal injury lawyer from Sumner Law Group, LLC, can protect your rights and work tirelessly to maximize your compensation in a USPS truck accident case. Here are some specific ways we can help:
- Investigating the USPS truck accident to identify liable parties and helpful evidence
- Gathering and organizing medical records to document your injuries
- Consulting medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries
- Calculating the total cost of your medical treatment needs, both current and future
- Determining lost wages due to your inability to work
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the accident
- Working with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case
- Filing all necessary legal paperwork within relevant deadlines
- Advising you on your legal options and potential claim strategies
- Communicating with the USPS and its legal representatives
- Negotiating with the USPS to maximize the value of your settlement
- Preparing and filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties
- Representing you in federal court if the case goes to trial
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
Get Help from Our St. Louis Postal Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Are you looking for legal help after a USPS truck accident in St. Louis? The truck crash lawyers at Sumner Law Group, LLC, are ready to fight for your interests and demand the maximum amount of compensation for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation and get the compassionate and attentive support you deserve from our law firm.