The United Parcel Service (UPS) is one of the most widely used parcel delivery companies in the United States today. Accordingly, there is a high volume of large UPS trucks on state highways and freeways, as well as on residential roads. This creates a heightened risk for other motorists or pedestrians of traffic accidents involving delivery vehicles.
If you recently sustained bodily harm in a UPS truck accident in Marietta, you could seek to recover monetary damages for your losses. A Marietta truck accident lawyer in your area could help with legal nuances of filing of an injury claim.
Common Causes of UPS Truck Collisions
Like with any motor vehicle accident, there are various ways a UPS delivery truck crash could occur. Some of the most common causes of these types of collisions in Marietta include:
- Traffic infractions (e.g., speeding, failing to yield properly, etc.)
- Operator error (e.g., the driver is fatigued, intoxicated, inexperienced, etc.)
- Hazardous driving conditions (e.g., poorly maintained roads)
- Low visibility (e.g., driving at night or in poor weather conditions)
Regardless of the contributing circumstances, if the operator of a UPS truck is responsible for colliding with a motorist or pedestrian, they may be liable for the resulting losses of the injured parties. A skilled civil litigator can go over the facts of any specific case to help injured victims determine who may be held accountable for their damages.
Determining Liability in UPS Oversized Truck Accidents
If a motorist or pedestrian is physically injured due to a UPS truck driver's negligent conduct, the UPS corporation may also be held vicariously liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. However, the employee must have been acting negligently during the course of their employment (i.e. “on the job”) for an employer to be held responsible for the damages incurred in a delivery truck accident. In other words, if a UPS delivery truck operator causes a traffic wreck while doing their job (i.e., delivering packages for the company), then any parties injured in the crash could seek to recover damages from the UPS corporation.
Negligence Laws in Marietta
In Georgia, if plaintiff contributes to the accident that caused their injuries, they may be restricted or barred from recovering monetary damages from an at-fault party under §51-12-33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. For example, if a jury finds an injured party to be somewhat responsible for causing their injuries, their compensation award will be reduced proportionately to their percentage of fault. However, if the jury finds the party to be 50 percent or more at fault for their injuries, they may not be able to recover damages at all.
Call a Law Firm with Experience Handling Cases of UPS Truck Accidents in Marietta
Depending on how severe the collision, UPS delivery truck accidents can cause devastating physical harm requiring extensive treatment. Injured victims may be left with hefty medical bills and rehabilitation costs on top of the emotional trauma of their experience.
If a traffic collision with a UPS delivery vehicle has recently injured you or your loved one, the driver or the UPS corporation may be included in a personal injury claim for compensation. To discuss your legal options for financial recovery, call today. Our dedicated Marietta personal injury attorneys are experienced with cases involving UPS truck accidents in Marietta, and we are ready to assist you.