The demand for doorstep delivery has never been higher. After a decade of steadily rising reliance on online retailers, online ordering and UPS truck deliveries skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, more consumers than ever now enjoy the convenience of doorstep delivery. However, the general increase in traffic congestion and the large size and weight of UPS vehicles increase the number of traffic accidents and the severity of injuries in accidents.
How are UPS Trucks Creating More Truck Accidents?
UPS and other delivery services expect a great deal from their drivers. Often, unrealistic daily delivery goals cause drivers to take chances or drive recklessly to manage their overwhelmed delivery schedules.
UPS drivers must navigate unfamiliar urban areas, rural routes, and communities and may be inexperienced or undertrained. Due to the steady rise in demand, UPS may rush to hire new drivers and place them under unreasonable scheduling requirements, increasing the number of accidents not only by adding to daily traffic congestion but also by increasing the risks of serious collisions.
What Are the Common Causes of Accidents Involving UPS Vehicles
The overall increase in traffic on the roadways and the higher likelihood of inexperienced drivers meeting unrealistic delivery goals contribute to rising accident numbers. Common causes of UPS truck accidents include the following:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Frequent reverses and stops and starts
- Improper merging
- Unbalanced loads
- Reckless driving
- Drowsy driving
- Intoxicated driving
New Jersey’s no-fault accident laws require injury victims to file claims against their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policies. Fortunately, exceptions to this regulation apply to commercial vehicle accidents when an injury victim suffers damages that far exceed the limits of their policy.
What Damages Can I Recover In a UPS Truck Collision Claim?
Injuries from damages in UPS accidents are often serious, with economic and non-economic consequences—the “damages” in an accident claim. Common damages include the following:
- Property damage for vehicle repair or replacement
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future income loss
- Diminished future earning capacity due to disability from the accident
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Compensation for other non-economic damages like PTSD, loss of one of the senses, loss of limb, reduced quality of life, or disfigurement.
If a loved one died in a UPS accident, a representative of the family may recover damages for close surviving family members through a wrongful death claim against the at-fault UPS driver or UPS company.
How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help?
Unlike accidents with Amazon drivers who may not be direct employees of their companies, making liability and insurance coverage complex, UPS delivery drivers are typically covered under a policy provided by the UPS company. Still, navigating this unique type of insurance claim under New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system is often challenging. It’s critical to have experienced representation through a semi-truck accident attorney in Cherry Hill with years of successful results in this unique area of law. Call Cuneo & Leonetti today so we can make a compelling claim for the maximum compensation available to you.