UPS trucks are a familiar presence across the residential streets and commercial zones of El Monte. Sadly, with so many of these vehicles on the road, there are a number of accidents involving UPS trucks, and due to their sheer size and weight, these collisions often result in severe injuries. If you were hurt in a crash, an El Monte UPS truck accident lawyer can help.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we bring years of experience in holding large corporations like UPS and their insurers accountable for the harm they cause.
Our firm understands the legal challenges these cases present and is ready to fight for your right to fair compensation.
Set up a free case review with one of our El Monte truck accident lawyers today.
Legal Responsibilities and Standards for UPS and Its Drivers
As a global logistics company, UPS operates one of the largest delivery fleets in the world. With such an extensive network comes a host of legal responsibilities that both the company and its drivers must uphold.
UPS drivers are required to comply with federal trucking laws, California state traffic safety regulations, and internal company protocols, all designed to reduce risks on the road.
Some of the key legal obligations include:
- Commercial Driver’s Licensing (CDL): While not all UPS drivers require a CDL, those operating certain types of larger delivery vehicles, such as semi-trailers, must be properly licensed and trained.
- License endorsements: To transport certain cargo types, such as hazardous materials, drivers must obtain special endorsements on their license.
- Vehicle safety and maintenance: UPS is responsible for conducting regular vehicle inspections, preventive maintenance, and repairs. Neglected maintenance can lead to dangerous mechanical failures, such as brake issues or tire blowouts.
- Compliance with federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules: To avoid driver fatigue, UPS drivers must follow strict limits on how long they can operate a vehicle without rest. These rules are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Unfortunately, when UPS or its drivers cut corners, whether due to intense delivery schedules, corporate cost-saving measures, or simple negligence, serious accidents can occur.
An experienced El Monte personal injury lawyer can investigate whether violations of these rules played a role in your crash.
Determining Who Can Be Held Liable With Help From a UPS Truck Accident Lawyer Serving El Monte
Truck accident cases involving UPS tend to be more complex than typical car accidents, primarily due to the structure of UPS’s operations. While many UPS drivers are direct employees, the company also utilizes subcontractors in certain situations.
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be held liable for the crash, such as:
- The UPS driver
- UPS corporate or regional branches
- Third-party contractors or delivery partners
- Another motorist who contributed to the crash
- Maintenance service providers
- Vehicle manufacturers or part suppliers
- Cargo loaders who may have improperly packed the vehicle
- Government agencies responsible for unsafe or poorly maintained road conditions
At Omega Law Group, we take a comprehensive approach to determining liability. Our team works with accident reconstruction experts, forensic engineers, and commercial vehicle specialists to uncover the root cause of the collision and identify all responsible entities.
From there, we build a strong case to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf while ensuring all the required paperwork is filed before the deadlines set forth in California’s personal injury statute of limitations.
Going Up Against UPS’s Insurance and Legal Defense Team
UPS is a multi-billion-dollar global corporation with deep financial resources and a highly trained legal defense team. The moment a crash occurs involving a UPS vehicle, their risk management departments and insurance carriers begin preparing to limit their liability.
If you are contacted by an insurance adjuster representing UPS, proceed with extreme caution. These professionals are trained to minimize payouts and protect the company, not to look out for your best interests.
Common tactics used by corporate insurers include:
- Asking seemingly innocent questions that are designed to trick you into admitting partial fault
- Offering quick, low-value settlements to prevent further legal action
- Delaying your claim to pressure you into accepting less money than you deserve
- Disputing the severity of your injuries or arguing that they were pre-existing
- Downplaying the emotional or financial impact of the accident
Once you retain an attorney at Omega Law Group, all communication with the insurance company goes through us. This shields you from manipulative tactics and ensures your legal rights remain protected.
Choosing to Take a Settlement or Go to Trial
Most commercial vehicle accident claims involving companies like UPS are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, not all settlements are in the best interests of the injured party. Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements early in the process, hoping victims will accept before fully understanding the extent of their injuries or financial losses.
Before accepting any offer, it’s essential to understand how much your compensatory damages are worth and work with an attorney who can:
- Evaluate the total value of your claim, including long-term medical care, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and emotional trauma
- Determine whether non-economic damages, like pain and suffering or loss of companionship, are being fairly considered
- Negotiate with UPS’s insurance carriers from a position of strength
- File a lawsuit and prepare for trial if the insurer fails to make a reasonable offer
At Omega Law Group, we prepare every case as though it will go to trial. This strategic approach gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re always ready to escalate the case if necessary.
Understanding California’s Comparative Negligence Laws
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident.
This is true even if you were 99% to blame. However, if you did share liability for your accident, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you’re found to be 40% at fault, the compensation you are able to recover would be reduced to $60,000.
While this system is designed to be fair, it’s often exploited by insurance companies, who attempt to inflate your share of blame to reduce what they owe.
A skilled El Monte UPS truck accident attorney can push back against these tactics, gather the evidence necessary to present your side of the story, and fight for a fair allocation of liability.
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Talk to a Knowledgeable UPS Truck Accident Attorney in El Monte Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a UPS truck accident in El Monte, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Omega Law Group, we’ve helped numerous truck accident victims across California recover substantial settlements and verdicts totaling in the millions of dollars, enabling them to move forward with their lives.
Our legal team combines aggressive representation with compassionate client service. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with a knowledgeable UPS truck accident attorney serving El Monte.
