With so many people using online shopping, UPS trucks are becoming more and more common on Norfolk roads and highways. Although there are many other types of delivery trucks, UPS is one of the largest delivery services that deliver millions of packages per day. Unfortunately, this also increases the risk that you will be seriously injured in a UPS truck accident—even in your own neighborhood.
Common Causes of UPS Truck Crashes
UPS drivers are under pressure to deliver their packages quickly. As a result, their focus may not be on driving, with accidents being the tragic consequence. Common reasons for these collisions include:
- Driver lack of experience and training
- Fatigue
- Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on a cell phone, and looking at a GPS
- Intoxication
- Speeding
- Not driving for weather
- Backing up without checking blind spots
- Improper loading
- Lack of truck maintenance
Violations of FMCSA Regulations That Cause UPS Accidents
Like other motor carriers, UPS is required to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that are designed to promote truck safety and prevent accidents. Violations of these rules can cause or contribute to a UPS truck collision. Common violations include:
- Hour of service rules. UPS drivers are only permitted to drive a certain number of hours without taking a break and must document their driving hours in a log under the hours of service regulations. The FMCSA implemented these rules to combat the huge problem of drowsy driving accidents caused by drivers of UPS and other commercial truckers who fight to stay awake or fall asleep at the wheel.
- Maintenance. Both UPS drivers and the company have duties to regularly inspect and maintain the UPS trucks being used. When they breach these duties, a UPS driver can lose control of his truck if the brakes fail, a tire blows out, or another vital part malfunctions.
- Drug and alcohol. A driver of a truck is considered intoxicated if his blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.04 percent or higher. It is a violation of FMCSA rules—and extremely dangerous—for a UPS driver to delivery packages if he is drunk or high.
- Training. FMCSA rules on truck driver qualifications and training must be satisfied before a driver is allowed to drive a UPS truck. However, many preventable accidents are caused by unqualified and untrained drivers.
Contact Our Experienced UPS Truck Accident Lawyers in Norfolk
If you were hurt in a UPS truck collision, your claim for compensation for your injuries may be more complicated than if your accident involved only motor vehicles. The skilled and dedicated UPS truck accident lawyers at Tavss Fletcher have extensive experience fighting for the rights of truck crash victims and are here to protect your legal rights. Take advantage of our offer of a free consultation to learn more. Call our Norfolk office to schedule your appointment today.
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