Tampa UPS Truck Accident Lawyer

An accident with a UPS truck could result in serious, if not fatal, injuries. United Parcel Service (UPS) operates 18-wheeler semi-trucks and large delivery vehicles. You could be left with medical bills, ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, and damage to your vehicle. Additionally, UPS truck accidents where your loved one dies can leave you with financial uncertainty. 

When you are injured in an accident with a UPS truck, our Tampa truck accident attorneys are here to help. We work on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation and case evaluation to discuss your accident. We will explain your legal rights and how our attorneys can assist in ensuring you get the support and help you need. 

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Common Injuries in UPS Truck Accidents

UPS truck accidents often cause severe injuries such as following which may leave victims to face long-term medical bills, rehabilitation and emotional trauma.

• Spinal Cord Injuries – Collisions with large UPS trucks can cause severe spinal damage, leading to partial or complete paralysis, long-term rehabilitation, and significant medical expenses.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Head trauma from truck crashes may result in concussions, memory loss, cognitive impairment, or permanent disability, requiring ongoing medical care.
• Broken Bones and Fractures – Victims often suffer multiple fractures due to the force of impact, leading to surgeries, extended recovery times, and lost income.
• Internal Injuries – Damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs may not be immediately visible but can become life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Whiplash, torn ligaments, and muscle damage are common, often causing chronic pain and reduced mobility.
• Severe Cuts and Lacerations – Broken glass and metal debris can cause deep wounds, scarring, and risk of infection.
• Emotional Trauma – Beyond physical harm, victims may experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression, impacting daily life and requiring psychological support.
• Long-Term Medical Impact – Many truck accident victims face ongoing medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lifestyle changes due to permanent injuries.

How many UPS truck accidents are there annually?

UPS is required to report accidents when they occur in their appropriate state. These accidents are further shared with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA tracks reportable crash data and makes it available publically. 

Each report shows data for the prior 24 months. As of January 24, 2023, FMCSA reported a total of 2,888 UPS truck crashes, with 1,032 injuries and 67 fatalities. So, annually, this would average 1,444 total crashes, with 516 injuries and 34 fatalities.

Who is responsible for my injuries when the UPS driver is at-fault?

UPS drivers are considered an agent of UPS. Therefore, they must provide a duty of care under normal circumstances. When driving, they assume this duty of care to drive their truck safely to avoid causing accidents and injuries to others. 

When a UPS truck driver operates a truck or acts in such a manner that will cause an accident and personal injuries, they can be held accountable for failing to provide a duty of care. As a result, UPS will be held accountable for being the responsible party in most cases. 

Common Causes of UPS Truck Accidents

UPS truck accidents often stem from preventable factors, and understanding these common causes is essential for proving negligence and protecting the rights of accident victims.

• Driver Fatigue – UPS drivers often work long shifts. Fatigue reduces reaction time and increases the risk of serious truck accidents.
• Aggressive Driving – Speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes are common forms of aggressive driving that can cause devastating truck collisions.
• Distracted Driving – Texting, phone calls, or using in‑cab devices can divert attention from the road, leading to preventable UPS truck crashes.
• Improper Loading – Incorrectly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control and resulting in accidents.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Mechanical failures such as brake issues, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions often stem from inadequate maintenance of UPS trucks.
• Weather and Road Conditions – Rain, fog, or poorly maintained roads can amplify risks when drivers fail to adjust speed or driving behavior.
• Violation of State and Federal Laws – Non‑compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including hours‑of‑service rules, can directly contribute to truck crashes.
• Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol or drug use impairs judgment and coordination, making large commercial trucks especially dangerous.
• Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers – Lack of proper training in handling large delivery trucks increases the likelihood of accidents.

How can a UPS driver be considered negligent?

Some common examples of UPS driver negligence can include the following:

• The driver is texting while driving.
• The driver is talking on their smartphone and not using hands-free.
• The driver is distracted or drowsy. 
• The driver is speeding or weaving in and out of traffic. 
• The driver makes illegal turns. 
• The truck was not loaded correctly, so the driver lost control.
• The truck has mechanical issues causing the driver to crash. 
• The driver is operating the truck at speeds too fast for the current road conditions. 
• The driver is operating the truck while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

What should I do if I am injured in a UPS truck accident?

It is crucial that you call the police to report the accident. You should also seek medical care, even when injuries seem minor. There could be internal injuries that could become life-threatening if left untreated. 

It can be beneficial to take pictures of the accident scene and collect the witnesses’ contact details. However, if you are seriously injured, do not worry about this. Your health and well-being are more important. 

After receiving medical treatment, you will want to consult with a UPS truck injury attorney. Insurance companies will be getting involved. Not only do you have to file with your insurance company, but you also have to file a claim against UPS’s insurance company. The last thing you want to do is go up against UPS, their insurance company, and attorneys without your own legal representation. 

Steps to Take After a UPS Truck Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after a UPS truck accident is crucial to protect your health, preserve vital evidence, and strengthen your claim for fair compensation.

1. Call the Police Immediately – Report the accident to law enforcement so an official police report is created, documenting the crash scene and fault assessment.
2. Seek Medical Attention Right Away – Even if injuries seem minor, internal injuries or traumatic brain injuries may not be visible initially. Prompt care ensures proper treatment and medical documentation.
3. Document the Accident Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signals. These serve as critical evidence in a truck accident case.
4. Collect Witness Information – Obtain names and contact details of bystanders. Witness statements provide impartial support when proving liability.
5. Preserve Medical Records and Bills – Keep all documentation of hospital visits, prescriptions, and rehabilitation costs to support compensation claims.
6. Avoid Harmful Statements to Insurers – Do not admit fault or provide recorded statements without legal guidance, as insurance adjusters may use them against you.
7. Consult a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer Quickly – An experienced UPS truck accident lawyer can issue preservation letters, secure driver logs, and protect your rights against aggressive insurance companies.
8. Secure Evidence Early – Preserve accident reports, black box data, and vehicle maintenance records before they are lost or destroyed.
9. Follow Up on Treatment – Continue medical care and keep records of ongoing expenses, lost income, and long-term impacts to strengthen your claim.

How do I hold UPS accountable for my injuries?

Before filing an injury claim, you must have sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the driver was negligent and responsible for the accident and your personal injuries. Gathering this information on your own can be a challenge. 

When you get help from our Tampa UPS truck accident attorneys, we will be with you every step of the way. We take care of gathering the evidence you need to file your UPS claim, including:

• Obtaining the police report.
• Obtaining copies of your medical records with your authorization. 
• Contacting witnesses and obtaining statements from each one. 
• Reviewing any video camera coverage showing the accident. 
• Reviewing any pictures of the accident scene.

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What happens next after gathering evidence to show the UPS driver was negligent?

Once we have sufficient evidence, we will speak to the insurance companies on your behalf and file your injury claim. Next, we prepare a settlement offer and file it with UPS’s insurance company. 

Their insurance company will often respond with a very low counteroffer. However, settlement negotiations will continue until a suitable settlement can be reached — or if one cannot be reached. 

Throughout this process, you will clearly understand how much compensation your claim is worth. We will also provide honest advice about when you may want to consider the offer. 

If a settlement is not reached, the next step is to prepare and file legal documents to sue UPS in court. Our UPS truck accident attorneys have extensive knowledge of Florida vehicle accident laws to ensure your lawsuit is filed correctly with the court. 

Next, we set about gathering additional evidence to support your claim further. We will continue to attempt to settle even when going to trial. UPS’s insurance company will frequently settle before the first day of the trial. However, we will present your case aggressively to the court if they do not. 

Why should I not attempt to negotiate my own settlement with UPS?

UPS insures its vehicles and drivers through Liberty Mutual. They have used this insurance company for a very long time. As a result, Liberty Mutual does not want to pay out huge settlements because they want to keep UPS’s premiums as profits. 

If you were to attempt to negotiate your own settlement, you would get the lowest possible payment. Liberty Mutual would not make any effort to raise the amount. 

They will even try to convince you that you are getting the maximum amount. Their adjusters are also skilled at asking questions that can make it appear as though you were partially or fully at fault for the accident, not the UPS driver. 

Sadly, we have seen people who have settled their injury claims later find out they were entitled to a much more significant settlement. While our attorneys work on a contingency basis and will collect a percentage of your payment for our legal fees, the amount you receive is always much more than you would have negotiated on your own.

Furthermore, using our accident attorneys costs nothing upfront. If we cannot reach a settlement or win at trial, you owe us nothing. 

What types of compensation could I receive from a UPS truck accident injury claim?

Under Florida personal injury laws, your injury claim can include the following:

• Lost Wages
• Medical Expenses
• Cost of Ongoing Medical Care
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Costs
• Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Costs
• Medical Supply Costs
• Pain and Suffering
• Mental Anguish
• Disfigurement

If your loved one died due to their injuries, you can claim funeral expenses and lost future wages. In addition, your claim may be eligible for non-economic damages when you have a qualifying third-party claim. 

Statute of Limitations for UPS Truck Accident Claims in Florida

Florida law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, following the March 2023 tort reform changes (House Bill 837). For accidents that occurred before March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations remains four years. Missing this deadline can permanently bar truck accident victims from pursuing compensation, regardless of the strength of their case. Acting quickly ensures compliance with Florida law and preserves your right to recover damages.

How does Florida’s no-fault law apply to my UPS truck accident injury claim?

Florida’s no-fault law is applied to all vehicle accidents, including when you are hit by a UPS truck. Initially, your injury claim will be filed through your own insurance company. Even though you must do this, it is possible to still file a third-party claim against UPS and their insurance company when you are seriously or permanently injured, or if death occurs. 

How likely is UPS to settle? 

UPS is a huge corporation with worldwide operations. When one of their drivers is involved in an accident, the last thing they want is negative publicity. In addition, juries have the tendency to make an example of the negligent party when big corporations are involved. 

Therefore, UPS would not want to risk potential punitive damages on top of the other compensation they would owe when a jury finds in favor of the plaintiff. As a result, UPS is more likely to instruct Liberty Mutual to settle your claim and avoid court. 

Why You Need an Experienced UPS Truck Accident Lawyer

The cases of UPS accidents often involve multiple liable parties, complex evidence, and aggressive insurance companies. An experienced UPS truck accident lawyer ensures compliance with Florida law, preserves critical records, and fights for maximum compensation on behalf of victims.

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Get in Touch with an Attorney for your UPS truck accident injury claim

If you have further questions about UPS truck accident injury claims, schedule a free consultation with Jack Berstein, Injury Attorneys, to speak to one of our UPS truck accident attorneys today. Our Tampa legal team is happy to answer all of your questions and help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)