The convenience of e-commerce and online shopping in today's age comes with change, and one of those is becoming accustomed to seeing delivery trucks hauling packages all over Texas to people's businesses or homes. One of the largest shipping companies behind delivery trucks in the U.S. is United Parcel Service or UPS. It's easy to spot these brown trucks moving through city streets and neighborhoods on weekdays and weekends. With over 100,000 trucks in their fleet that vary in size, weight, and shape, only a few shipping companies have as many vehicles on U.S. roads as UPS. Even though UPS is an integral part of the e-commerce supply chain network, its delivery trucks are responsible for many auto accidents in Houston, TX. A vehicle crash involving a large UPS truck isn't the same as a collision involving two passenger vehicles. A collision with a UPS truck can cause devastating injuries due to the sheer size of such trucks. Such delivery trucks may haul heavy items, increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries. In many cases, drivers and passengers involved in collisions with UPS trucks may suffer life-altering and permanent injuries. If this is your experience, consider contacting a Texas car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. An experienced lawyer can help you secure appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses after an accident involving a UPS truck. Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 to speak to one of our attorneys and learn what to do if a UPS truck hits your car.
What To Do if a UPS Truck Hits My Car
The complexities and differences in Texas state law make navigating a personal injury claim difficult after being hit by a UPS truck. The legal team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law understands the subtleties of negligence in Texas and can help you fight a large multinational company like UPS. Here are 9 steps that the UPS accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law recommend.1. Survey the Scene
After colliding with a UPS truck, your priority should be to ensure that you and all other occupants are safe and away from danger. Check to find out whether all involved parties — including the UPS driver — are okay. If you are in the path of heavy traffic, try to move to the side of the road. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic, blind curves, and any other potential dangers that may worsen the situation. For instance, a speeding or drunk driver may easily hit your vehicle, causing a multiple-vehicle collision.2. Call the Police
In most situations, this implies calling 911. If you are on a Texas highway, the dispatcher will route your call to the local law enforcement agency. Make sure you inform the dispatcher of how many people are involved in the crash. This helps dispatchers determine how many ambulances are needed at the scene of the crash. Even if the UPS truck accident seems minor, request a police report anyway. This is the best way to secure immediate documentation of the delivery truck accident in Texas.3. Seek Medical Attention
If you don't think you were hurt after colliding with a UPS truck, seek medical attention anyway. You may have suffered severe injuries that may not be immediately apparent, such as a concussion, back injuries, or soft tissue injuries. If you are not evaluated right after the accident and you require medical care later on for such injuries, the defense may argue they aren't accident-related. After being examined by emergency medics at the scene, it's advisable to visit the hospital for a complete medical evaluation. This provides a paper trail of medical procedures, medications, and bills related to the accident.4. Exchange Information With the UPS Driver
To file a UPS truck accident lawsuit in Houston, you need the delivery driver's information. Be sure to gather as much information as possible, including:- The UPS driver's name, address, and telephone number
- Vehicle registration information, make, and model
- Insurance information
- Delivery driver's license number
- Any other identifying information
5. Document the Evidence at the Scene
You should only document the scene if you are uninjured. If it's unsafe to get out of your vehicle, don't risk it. If you are on a busy Houston highway and the police haven't arrived to direct traffic, you shouldn't be wandering around trying to collect evidence. If it's safe to document the scene, take advantage of your phone or camera to capture videos and photos of the scene. Later in your UPS truck accident case, such evidence can help you prove what happened. Make sure you capture the following:- Vehicle damage to your car and the UPS truck
- Glass, vehicle parts, and debris
- Skid marks
- Nearby road signs
- Weather and road conditions
- Visible injuries