UPS Truck Accident Attorneys | Pennsylvania & Tri-State Area
United Parcel Service (UPS) operates one of the largest commercial vehicle fleets in the world, with over 125,000 delivery vehicles on the road daily, including package cars, tractor-trailers, and freight trucks. While UPS has a generally strong safety record, accidents involving UPS vehicles cause serious injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. At Siddons Law Firm, our attorneys have the experience to take on UPS and its corporate insurers. Call 610-255-7500 for a free consultation.
Types of UPS Vehicle Accidents
UPS Package Car (Brown Van) Accidents
The iconic brown UPS delivery truck is a common sight on every street in America. These vehicles weigh up to 16,000 pounds and make frequent stops, often double-parking or blocking traffic lanes. Common accidents include rear-end collisions when UPS trucks stop suddenly, pedestrian and cyclist strikes during delivery stops, backing accidents in driveways and parking lots, and intersection collisions when drivers rush to meet delivery schedules.
UPS Tractor-Trailer Accidents
UPS operates thousands of tractor-trailers (“feeder” trucks) that transport packages between sorting facilities. These 80,000-pound vehicles travel primarily on highways and interstates, and accidents involving them can be catastrophic. UPS feeder drivers are subject to all FMCSA hours-of-service regulations and CDL requirements.
UPS Freight (TForce Freight) Accidents
UPS’s freight division (now operating as TForce Freight after being sold to TFI International) handles less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments using large commercial trucks throughout the region.
UPS Liability: Direct Employment Advantage
Unlike Amazon, which uses independent contractors, UPS directly employs most of its delivery drivers. This is actually advantageous for accident victims because the legal doctrine of respondeat superior clearly applies — UPS is directly liable for the negligent acts of its employee drivers committed within the scope of employment. There is no independent contractor defense for UPS to hide behind.
UPS carries substantial commercial auto liability insurance, typically well in excess of the FMCSA minimum requirements. This means more insurance coverage is available to compensate accident victims.
Common Causes of UPS Accidents
Our investigation of UPS accident cases commonly reveals driver fatigue from long shifts (especially during peak holiday season), pressure to meet delivery quotas and time commitments, distracted driving while using handheld delivery scanners (DIAD), improper vehicle maintenance, failure to properly secure cargo, unsafe backing and turning maneuvers, and failure to use proper safety protocols during deliveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UPS liable when their driver causes an accident?
Yes. Because UPS drivers are employees (not independent contractors), UPS is directly liable under respondeat superior for accidents caused by their drivers during work hours. UPS also carries substantial commercial insurance coverage.
What if I was hit by a UPS truck during the holiday season?
Holiday season (October through January) is the most dangerous time for UPS accidents. UPS hires thousands of seasonal drivers with less training and experience, while simultaneously pushing longer hours and higher delivery quotas. These factors create a perfect storm for accidents.
Contact Our UPS Accident Lawyers
Contact Siddons Law Firm at 610-255-7500 for a free consultation about your UPS truck accident case.
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