Philadelphia USPS Delivery Accident Attorney

USPS delivery trucks are known for transporting our mail and goods to our front doors. But for some, they are known for another thing: a serious motor vehicle accident. If you were injured in a crash by a USPS vehicle, you could be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries and damages. A Philadelphia delivery vehicle accident lawyer can help you.

What Causes USPS Delivery Accidents in Philadelphia?

Mail carriers spend much of the day stopping, starting, backing up, and moving between traffic and the curb. Postal vehicles may also have large blind spots and fewer safety features than many passenger vehicles.

Common causes of USPS delivery crashes include:

• Backing out of driveways or parking spaces without checking for traffic
• Pulling away from the curb into an occupied lane
• Speeding to complete a route
• Driving while distracted by scanners or GPS
• Double-parking or stopping in active traffic lanes
• Failing to yield to pedestrians and cyclists
• Driving while fatigued
• Losing control in poor weather conditions

USPS vehicles are not the only vehicles used to deliver mail. The Postal Service also works with independent contractors who could be liable for your collision. Determining whether the driver was a federal employee or a contractor is an important early step in your injury claim. It determines the procedural steps and compensation sources for your claim.

How Do USPS Accident Claims Work?

Claims involving negligent federal employees generally fall under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Under the law, victims do not begin their claims process with a lawsuit against the postal driver or USPS. Instead, the injured person must first present an administrative claim to the Postal Service.

The process generally involves:

1. Submitting an administrative claim. The claimant may use Standard Form 95 or another written notice that provides the required information. The claim must explain what happened and state a specific dollar amount being demanded.
2. Allowing USPS to investigate. The Postal Service may review accident reports, medical records, and other evidence before negotiating the claim.
3. Waiting for a decision. USPS generally has six months to respond. If the agency denies the claim or fails to make a final decision within six months, the claimant may be able to file a lawsuit.
4. Filing in federal court. If litigation becomes necessary, the United States is generally named as the defendant. FTCA cases are decided by a federal judge rather than a jury.

An administrative claim generally must be presented within two years of the crash. After a written denial, the claimant generally has six months to file a federal lawsuit. Errors involving the filing location or the proper defendant can all jeopardize an otherwise valid case.

If an independent contractor caused the accident, the FTCA may not apply. The claim would instead name the contractor or corporation as a defendant and proceed under Pennsylvania law.

What Compensation Is Available in Crash Claims Involving USPS?

Accident claims involving USPS present the opportunity to recover multiple types of damages. Generally, an injured person may seek compensation for the financial (economic) and personal  (non-economic) consequences of the collision.

Examples include:

• Medical bills and future treatment
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Lost wages
• Reduced future earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Vehicle damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Lost consortium

Families may also pursue wrongful death damages after a fatal postal vehicle accident. If you were injured by a USPS vehicle, you should contact our experienced Philadelphia USPS delivery accident attorneys for help understanding your rights and the procedural steps for recovering compensation.