USPS mail trucks are a regular sight on the streets of El Monte. While the United States Postal Service plays a vital role in keeping communities connected, these large vehicles also bring risk.
Accidents involving USPS trucks are not uncommon, and the damage caused by these crashes can be severe. After an accident, an El Monte USPS truck accident lawyer can help.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a USPS vehicle, an El Monte USPS truck accident attorney at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to help.
Our legal team has years of experience holding government entities accountable. Schedule a free case review with an experienced El Monte truck accident lawyer today to understand your options.
USPS Legal Duties and Driver Regulations
The United States Postal Service operates one of the largest vehicle fleets in the country. This massive delivery network is governed by strict federal and state laws, in addition to internal USPS safety protocols.
Every USPS driver, whether operating a mail truck, box truck, or long-distance tractor-trailer, is held to high standards to minimize danger on the road.
Key legal and operational responsibilities for USPS and its drivers include:
- Proper licensing and training: USPS drivers must hold the appropriate commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for the type of vehicle they operate. They must also complete federal safety training and adhere to ongoing performance reviews.
- Vehicle maintenance and inspections: Regular inspections and timely maintenance are critical. The USPS is required to maintain safe vehicles in working condition, including brakes, tires, lights, and steering systems. Mechanical failures due to neglected upkeep can have catastrophic results.
- Adherence to driving time regulations: Although USPS is not subject to FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules in the same way as private trucking companies, internal scheduling guidelines exist to prevent driver fatigue. Overworked or exhausted postal workers are a significant factor in many USPS-related accidents.
- Safe cargo loading: Postal vehicles must be loaded in a balanced, secure manner to prevent shifting loads that could impair vehicle control. Improperly loaded trucks increase the risk of rollovers and other dangerous incidents.
When these safety protocols are ignored, whether due to time pressure, staffing shortages, or administrative oversight, the consequences can be devastating.
If you suspect a breach in USPS safety procedures played a role in your crash, an experienced El Monte personal injury lawyer can help uncover the truth.
An Experienced USPS Truck Accident Attorney in El Monte Can Help You Prove Liability
Unlike private carriers, USPS is a federal government agency. This means that personal injury claims involving postal trucks are handled differently from those involving delivery corporations like UPS or FedEx. The most important legal distinction is that claims against the USPS must follow the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
Under the FTCA, individuals can sue the federal government for personal injury or property damage caused by the negligent actions of government employees, including USPS drivers, acting within the scope of their duties. However, FTCA claims come with their own set of rules, restrictions, and deadlines.
Parties that may be liable in a USPS truck accident case include:
- The USPS and the U.S. Government
- The USPS driver
- Other motorists involved in the crash
- Vehicle or equipment manufacturers
- Third-party maintenance providers
- Government entities responsible for road design or maintenance
At Omega Law Group, our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties. We work with crash reconstruction experts, forensic specialists, and medical professionals to build a case that supports your claim for full and fair compensation.
As we proceed with your case, we will ensure that all of your paperwork is filed in accordance with California’s personal injury statute of limitations and the specific regulations for claims against the government.
Taking on the Government After a USPS Truck Accident
Suing a government agency like the USPS isn’t as simple as filing a standard insurance claim. These cases are governed by the FTCA, which imposes strict procedural requirements, including:
- Filing an administrative claim within two years of the accident
- Waiting for a response from the USPS before filing a lawsuit
- Handling challenging legal doctrines related to government claims, which limit the types of claims that can be brought
Additionally, USPS accidents are often defended aggressively by the U.S. Department of Justice and government attorneys. These legal teams are experienced in minimizing government liability and will challenge every aspect of your case, from the circumstances of the crash to the extent of your injuries.
Common defense tactics you will need to overcome include:
- Denying that the driver was acting within the scope of employment
- Disputing the severity or cause of your injuries
- Offering low settlement amounts early in the process
- Using procedural errors to dismiss your claim outright
At Omega Law Group, we handle all aspects of your FTCA claim, from filing the initial notice to litigating in federal court if necessary.
Once you hire us, we take over all communication with the USPS and its legal representatives, shielding you from pressure and ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Deciding Whether to Take a Settlement or Go to Court
Many USPS accident claims are resolved through negotiated settlements. However, not every offer you receive will fairly reflect your losses.
Government insurers are just as likely as private companies to offer lowball settlements in hopes of resolving the matter quickly and cheaply.
Before agreeing to any settlement, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced El Monte USPS truck accident attorney who can:
- Accurately calculate your economic damages, including medical costs, lost income, and property damage
- Evaluate your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Determine if long-term care or permanent disability should be factored into your compensation
- Push back against any attempt to downplay your claim or assign you undue blame
If the government refuses to negotiate in good faith, we are fully prepared to escalate your case to federal court and pursue the justice you deserve.
Understanding California’s Comparative Negligence Laws in Government Cases
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for your accident, you can still recover damages. In fact, with pure comparative negligence, you can pursue a claim even if you were 99% to blame. However, if you did share the fault for your accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found to be 30% responsible for the crash and your total damages were $100,000, you could still receive $70,000.
It’s important to know that government attorneys may try to exaggerate your role in the accident to reduce their liability. A skilled El Monte USPS truck accident lawyer will challenge these tactics and present compelling evidence to limit your fault and maximize your recovery.
Contact an Experienced USPS Truck Accident Lawyer Serving El Monte Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision with a USPS vehicle, the legal process ahead may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to face it alone.
At Omega Law Group, we have a proven track record of successfully representing victims in government vehicle accident claims, having recovered millions in damages for our clients..
Our firm offers compassionate, aggressive representation with a focus on results. We understand the challenges of filing FTCA claims and fighting for compensation against federal agencies like the USPS.
Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule your free case review with a knowledgeable USPS truck accident attorney serving El Monte.