Mark Roman | March 25, 2024 | Truck Accidents
Getting into any vehicle accident can be frustrating, especially if you suffer injuries and property damage. However, when your accident involves a federal entity, such as the United States Postal Service, it can make matters more challenging.
If you’re involved in a collision with USPS, you should discuss your situation with a qualified accident attorney right away. A lawyer can review the details of your case and provide information regarding legal options to get you the financial recovery you deserve.
What Causes Accidents With USPS Mail Trucks?
Accidents with USPS mail trucks can occur similar to other types of car and truck collisions. Some of the most common causes of these crashes include but are not limited to:
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Failure to follow road signs and rules
- Improper turns and lane changes
- Inclement weather
- Driving under the influence
Determining the cause of your collision is necessary in order to prove fault. An experienced car accident attorney can help establish cause and liability to aid in your pursuit of compensation for your accident-related injuries and losses.
What To Do After a Collision With a USPS Mail Truck
You should treat an accident with a USPS mail truck like any other collision. Therefore, following your accident, you should:
- Call 911 and report your accident to law enforcement
- Exchange information with the USPS mail person
- Obtain evidence, including photos and witness contact information
- Seek medical attention right away
- Report your accident to your vehicle insurer, even if you are not at fault
- Follow through with your medical treatment as recommended by your physician
Additionally, you should schedule a consultation with a Tampa car accident lawyer as quickly as possible after your crash. Getting into an accident with a USPS mail truck can cause confusion, and you may not know what to do next. An attorney can provide much-needed guidance and assist you with your claim.
The Claims Process for Accidents Involving USPS
If you’re involved in a collision with a USPS mail truck, it’s not as simple as filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your losses. Instead, there are steps you must follow to successfully seek monetary recovery.
A claim against the United States Postal Service is essentially a claim against the federal government. Therefore, the Federal Tort Claims Act governs personal injury claims and property damage cases.
Filing a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act involves the following:
- Filling out Form 95
- Documenting your losses, including injuries, property damage, and lost earnings, caused by your accident
- Substantiating your claim against the USPS driver by providing details regarding their fault in your collision
- Demanding proper damages
- Attaching any supporting documentation, including medical bills, photos, and copies of your police report
Once you submit your claim, USPS has six months to review your claim and respond. If they accept your claim, they will promptly remit payment. Should USPS deny your claim, you have an additional six months to file a lawsuit.
Completing and submitting a claim against USPS can be particularly difficult. Therefore, having the assistance of a seasoned car accident attorney can significantly increase your chances of success.
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Skilled Tampa Car Accident Attorney
After a truck accident with a USPS mail truck, you only have two years to file a claim for damages in most cases. While this may seem like a long time, it is not. If you miss the deadline, this could result in a forfeiture of potential compensation.
Following your USPS mail truck collision, consult with a Tampa car accident lawyer who can evaluate your case and begin working on your claim.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442