Sarasota UPS Truck Accident Lawyer

UPS is one of the biggest and most well-known freight delivery companies in the world, making them a leader in the industry. According to their website, they are “one of the most trusted global shipping & logistics companies in the world.” However, they are responsible for a shocking number of accidents every year, and their professionalism and lack of duty of care for other drivers on the road can be called into question.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident involving a UPS truck in Sarasota, a truck accident attorney with the right experience can help you recover medical costs, lost wages, and more. For a free consultation with one of our experienced Sarasota truck accident lawyers, contact The Law Place at (941) 444-4444.

Who Are UPS?

United Parcel Service is one of the biggest delivery companies in the United States and utilizes over 120,000 delivery trucks. Founded in 1907, the company started out as “American Messenger Company” before changing its name to “Merchants Parcel Delivery” 9 years later after merging with another company.

In 1919 it re-branded as “United Parcel Service” to become the well-known brand we know today. Since then, it has grown to be the largest delivery company worldwide. In the United States, they are the tenth largest private employer and has over 430,000 employees. It is based in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and runs several different vehicles including, box trucks, minivans, and tractor-trailers. It is easy to spot a United Parcel Services truck by its trademark brown vehicles with the recognizable gold logo.

How Common Are Accidents Involving a United Parcel Service Truck?

Sadly, truck accidents are very common. According to federal data, UPS alone received over 5,000 safety violation citations between 2016 and 2018. In the same time period, they were involved in over 2,000 crashes, 66 of these were fatal, and another 1,047 suffered injuries.

Common causes of truck accidents in Sarasota include:

• Driving whilst texting.
• Speeding.
• Using handheld devices whilst driving.
• Operating a large truck whilst fatigued.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Driving a truck without a commercial license.
• Driving a truck on unsafe tires.
• Driving a truck that does not have up-to-date service records.
• Truck driver not checking blind spots.

How Do Trucking Companies Make the Roads of Sarasota Less Safe?

Unfortunately, most truck accidents that occur on the roads of Sarasota could be prevented if the trucking companies regulated their drivers and trucks more strictly.

At least 1 in 7 commercial truck accidents are shown to be caused by a fatigued truck driver. In fact, experts believe that it is likely to be a much higher number, but fatigue is often not reported. Truck drivers in Sarasota have limits on how long they can drive and are required to have a certain number of rest stops. UPS pays most of its drivers by the mile, and they only make between 25 and 40 cents per mile. This pushes them to drive as many miles as possible each day, which can lead to truck accidents.

Long-haul drivers in Florida should follow regulations regarding breaks and limits on how long they can drive without stopping. However, they often have very short breaks with very little sleep and push themselves to their limit. This hugely benefits the trucking companies, but the results can be catastrophic for the truck driver and others on the roads.

Non-Driving Truck Work

It may surprise you to hear that a truck driver is expected to perform tasks other than driving without being paid.

Examples of non-driving trucking work include:

• Taking the truck for rig inspections.
• Waiting for safe loading/unloading.
• Mandatory rest-breaks.
• Route planning.
• Picking up new loads.

Because they are not paid for these tasks, it is common for a truck driver to avoid them or take dangerous short cuts. By skipping some of these vital tasks, the driver can be guilty of breaking the law. Trucking companies maintain that they do not encourage their drivers to act unlawfully, but it is argued that they don’t encourage safe working practices. They should be held responsible for this negligence.

How Is a Sarasota Truck Accident Investigated?

At the start of any investigation, after speaking to your insurance company, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible.

At The Law Place, our dedicated team of Sarasota personal injury lawyers are ready and prepared to carry out a stringent investigation into your accident case. Our team will question key eyewitnesses, check the site for evidence such as skid marks from either vehicle and anything else you may have missed at the time of the truck accident.

Florida law states that all commercial trucks are required to have an EDR or black box installed. Information logged by a black box or an EDR can be vital for your claim. Black boxes record data such as the truck driver’s speed, the application of brakes, and other information. Unfortunately, after a truck accident, the black box is likely to be tampered with. Therefore, it is of vital importance that you enlist the help of an attorney who will retrieve the black box before this can happen.

The trucking company may also destroy information that may be vital to a case, such as maintenance records, information about the truck driver, and employment records. To prevent information integral to your claim from being lost, get in contact with The Law Place today for a free consultation with one of our Sarasota truck accident lawyers.

Making a Claim for Compensation

Contrary to popular belief, you are not automatically entitled to compensation if you are involved in an accident. You must fight for it by seeking legal representation!

In order to make a claim for compensation, you will need to prove that the other party involved in the accident, in this case, the truck driver or the company itself, was negligent, and this resulted in the accident and your subsequent injuries. For example, if the driver was driving tired or if the trucking company failed to service the tires of the vehicle prior to the crash.

For the court to collate the amount of compensation that you are owed, you will need to show loss of wages, provide medical bills, and show proof of pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you fight your case to gain the maximum amount owed to you.

Damages that you may be able to claim for after a truck accident include:

• Loss of earnings – You can make a claim for any time you have been forced to take off work due to the truck accident. Furthermore, if you are not able to return to work due to injuries sustained in the accident, you could make a claim for any future loss of earnings.
• Medical bills – If you suffer injuries in the accident that require medical attention, you can claim compensation to cover any medical bills that you have incurred. Any future medical costs expected for rehabilitation or life-long injuries can also be claimed for.
• Property damage – If your vehicle is damaged in the truck accident, you will be able to claim for any necessary repairs.
• Pain and suffering – Pain and suffering cover any physical or mental suffering that you may face after a serious accident. Because these damages are hard to quantify and translate into monetary compensation, it is in your best interest to hire a personal injury lawyer who will be able to build a case on your behalf.
• Loss of enjoyment in life – If you can no longer enjoy and take part in activities you enjoyed prior to your accident due to injuries, e.g., playing a sport, this is known as loss of enjoyment, and a lawyer can help to translate into monetary compensation.
• Wrongful death – According to Florida Statute 768.21, if the accident leads to wrongful death, the victim’s loved one should be able to claim compensation for all funeral expenses and even loss of income to a household.

Liability in a Sarasota Truck Accident

In Florida, liability is estimated by measuring the relative culpability in an accident and is determined by the court. If the fault lies largely with the trucking company, but the driver also played a part, the court may find that the company is 70% responsible and the motorist was 30% responsible.

The no-fault laws in Florida mean that insurance companies are the primary source of coverage for an accident. To hold drivers and trucking companies liable, you must file for pain and suffering damages because the insurance companies will not pay out for this.

How Much Will a Truck Accident Attorney Cost Me?

All of the lawyers at our law firm operate on a contingency basis. Meaning you will not be charged anything upfront, and all required fees will be deducted from your settlement when you win your case. You will not be charged anything If our attorneys are unsuccessful in winning your accident case – a no win no fee guarantee! If you choose to work with us, you can avoid the unnecessary stress of legal fees whilst you should be focusing solely on recovering from your mental suffering and physical injuries.

All contingency work is regulated by the State Bar Association of Florida. At The Law Place, our injury attorneys strictly follow these guidelines to ensure all clients are treated equally and fairly.

Our fee system will be explained to you in your initial free consultation so that you are fully aware from the outset and do not receive any unexpected bills once your case is settled.

Sarasota UPS Truck Accident Lawyer FAQ Section

What makes Sarasota truck accident lawyers skilled in their field?

Sarasota truck accident lawyers provide legal assistance to individuals involved in truck accidents, including those with UPS trucks. Their skills covers a wide range of motor vehicles, including semi trucks and commercial vehicles. They have a deep understanding of Florida truck accidents laws and regulations surrounding commercial vehicle operations, which sets them apart from general practice attorneys.

Why should I hire a Sarasota truck accident lawyer after a truck crash?

A truck crash can result in serious truck accidents causing significant damage and serious injury. A Sarasota truck accident lawyer is well-versed in the legal process surrounding truck accident cases and can provide you with the necessary legal recourse. They can help you file an insurance claim, negotiate with the trucking company or the driver’s employer, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses and personal property damages.

What should I do at the accident scene?

At the accident scene, it’s crucial to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Call emergency services if there are any injuries, and report the accident to the police. It’s advisable to document the accident scene with photographs and gather contact information from witnesses. Also, retaining a Sarasota truck accident attorney as soon as possible can provide valuable insight into preserving evidence and understanding your legal options.

What types of compensation can I seek following a semi truck accident?

Following a semi truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. An experienced truck accident attorney can guide you through the insurance claim process, negotiate settlements on your behalf, and even take your truck accident case to court if necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How can an experienced legal team help in a trucking accident case?

An experienced legal team can provide comprehensive legal support in a trucking accident case. They can investigate the accident, determine liable parties, and explore all legal recourse options available to you. They have the knowledge and resources to challenge insurance companies and at-fault parties, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

What are common causes of large truck accidents?

Large truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors including distracted driving, mechanical failure, driver fatigue, and poor highway safety measures. A Sarasota truck accident attorney can help identify the cause of the accident and the liable parties, whether it’s the driver, the trucking company, or a third party.

What should I consider when choosing between Sarasota truck accident attorneys?

When choosing between Sarasota truck accident attorneys, consider their experience in handling trucking accidents, their track record of successful outcomes, and their willingness to take your case to trial if necessary. An accident involving a large commercial truck can be legally complex, so having an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

How does the legal process work for truck accident cases in Sarasota?

The legal process for truck accident cases in Sarasota involves filing an insurance claim, gathering evidence, determining liability, and negotiating settlements. If a settlement cannot be reached, your Sarasota truck accident lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf, guiding you through the litigation process to seek the compensation you deserve.

Contact The Law Place Today

When a truck accident occurs, it is almost never a minor incident. When insurance companies fail to cover costs, victims are often left unable to make a living and incur thousands of dollars in medical bills due to serious injuries. The experienced truck accident attorneys at The Law Place are committed to holding big companies like UPS accountable for common practices that lead to accidents.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident involving a truck in Sarasota, our injury attorneys have the experience to help you recover medical costs, lost wages, and more.

For a free consultation, contact The Law Place at (941) 444-4444 today. We are ready to get started on your case.