Parking accidents may seem rare or less dangerous than other kinds of car accidents — however, it is partly because of this underestimation that accidents while parked can be dangerous.
Especially after you’re in one, it can be difficult to learn how to address the situation or move forward.
If you were recently involved in a parking accident with a UPS vehicle, then it is possible you may qualify for compensation through a personal injury claim.
Continue below to learn if your situation applies and how to get started.
About UPS
UPS was originally founded in Seattle, Washington in 1907 as a small package delivery company. Now, 110 years later, UPS serves over 8 million people a day, delivering 18 million packages a day to more than 220 countries around the globe.
Of the company’s over 400,000 employees, tens of thousands spend their days delivering packages by van in the United States. While the vast majority of these deliveries are accident-free, this does not exclude UPS from providing compensation for the accidents they do cause.
Determining Fault
To file a personal injury claim for your parking accident, you must be able to prove that UPS was responsible for the collision. This is called “determining fault”.
The more UPS is considered at fault, the more likely you are to get proper compensation for all of your damages.
For instance, say you were driving on the street when you pulled in front of your house to park. After parking and gathering your things, a UPS driver approaching to deliver mail failed to stop in time, rear-ending your vehicle.
As long as you parked legally before the collision, it is likely the the UPS driver would be at fault in this instance.
Other examples such as the UPS driver texting while driving, talking on his/her cellphone, speeding in a residential area, or losing control of their vehicle would likely also show fault on UPS’s behalf.
If you are unsure whether or not your case may qualify, it may be best to speak with a personal injury attorney.
Assessing Injuries and Damages
In order to give yourself the best chance at proper compensation, take a detailed look at all of the damages resulting from your accident with UPS. Start by looking at your personal injuries first.
Most accidents while parking do not involve serious injuries, but it is still important to list those even as small as cuts and bruises.
Also record:
- Any medical bills
- New medications
- Hospital visits
Damage to your parked car that was hit by UPS is also important to include. Take pictures of your vehicle and speak with a mechanic to learn of all internal and external damage that was caused in the accident.
Anything from popped tires and scratched paint to broken motors and totaled vehicles should be included here. Even needed repairs that haven’t been performed yet can be included as damage on your claim.
Beginning Your Personal Injury Claim
After gathering all necessary materials, you can begin your claim by including all evidence into a formally-written demand letter to UPS’s insurer. Because demand letters have a strict format to follow, it can occasionally be tricky to get started.
If you have any questions or concerns about beginning the process, it may be in your best interests to speak with a personal injury attorney.
Not only does their expertise simplify the claims process, but those who receive legal help are exponentially more likely to receive benefits.
Contact an experienced trucking accident attorney today if a UPS truck hit your car. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to gather the evidence you need. Not only does their expertise simplify the claims process, but those who receive legal help are exponentially more likely to receive benefits.
UPS is a massive company and an attorney will help level the playing field. They are experts in knowing the most pertinent evidence for your case. An accident involving a parked car can be a difficult case to prove on your own. Often times, you will not witness the crash, which makes finding evidence hard. It can be hard to pinpoint the time the accident occurred. Both the other driver and witnesses can be long gone by the time you become aware of the damage.
If that is the case, you should still follow the proper evidence gathering steps. Take photos of the accident with emphasis not only the damage, but also the debris around the car. It is also important to note the position of the car. For example, if you can prove that your car was not parked too far away from the curb this can help determine the fault of the accident. Additionally smartphone cameras are generally able to put timestamps on the pictures that they take. This will allow you to narrow down the window in which the accident occurred.
Before filing your claim for your accident with UPS, consider a free consultation with a personal injury attorney today.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against UPS or any other party, you may not be entitled to compensation.
