Houston UPS Truck Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Simmons and Fletcher For Your UPS Truck Accident Case?

We all rely on UPS trucks to deliver our necessities and help our daily lives run smoothly—from important medications and last-minute Christmas gifts to back-to-school supplies and just-earned diplomas. With so many UPS delivery trucks navigating our roads, however, truck accidents are increasingly common in Houston and across the United States. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, nearly 6,000 people were killed in traffic crashes involving large trucks in 2021—and that number only includes fatal accidents.

At Simmons and Fletcher, we understand the long-term impact of these accidents and the toll they can take on the individuals and families that experience them. That’s why we put so much effort into providing our clients with empathetic and extensive services, which include:

• Advising you during your free initial consultation;
• Investigating the circumstances around your accident;
• Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf;
• Seeking evidence to prove and place a value on your damages;
• Advocating for your rights as we negotiate a fair settlement.

Each experienced UPS accident lawyer at our firm has a wealth of knowledge in truck accidents and other areas of personal injury, including motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Plus, there’s no out-of-pocket cost to hire a Texas UPS accident attorney from Simmons & Fletcher, P.C.—we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe us a dime unless we win your case.

Contact a compassionate member of our legal team today at (713) 932-0777 for your free case evaluation with a Houston UPS truck accident lawyer.

What Are the Common Causes of UPS Truck Accidents?

The leading Houston truck accident causes involving UPS drivers include:

• Reckless Driving: In some cases, a UPS truck accident may be due to a driver’s negligence in excessive speeding, following too closely, failing to follow traffic laws, or driving under the influence.
• Driver Fatigue: UPS drivers’ long hours and demanding work schedules make it more difficult for them to operate their trucks safely due to tiredness behind the wheel.
• Hours of Service Violations: Some drivers are pushed or pressured by employers to work longer hours than allowed by federal regulations, leading to increased fatigue and the potential to cause accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents and may involve any activity that diverts a driver’s attention—including cell phone use and eating while driving.
• Improper Loading: Cargo and packages that have been improperly loaded or secured may shift while driving, which could compromise the stability of the UPS truck.
• Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Shipping companies are responsible for the regular maintenance and upkeep of their truck fleet, as the failure to do so can endanger drivers and other motorists.
• Inclement Weather Conditions: Harsh weather in Houston can include floods, storms, fog, and even snow—all of which may reduce visibility and traction and result in a UPS truck accident.

Common Injuries in UPS Truck Accidents

While any motor vehicle accident can lead to catastrophic injuries, UPS truck accidents can be especially dangerous since delivery trucks are so much larger and heavier than the typical passenger vehicle. Due to the size imbalance, a UPS truck is much more likely to do significant damage to a standard car if both vehicles are involved in a crash.

Some common UPS accident injuries include:

• Broken and fractured bones;
• Lacerations;
• Disfigurement and scarring;
• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Head and neck injuries;
• Internal organ damage;
• Amputations and loss of limb.

If you’ve suffered from any of the above-mentioned injuries due to a truck accident, know that each of them could potentially lead to significant long-term and debilitating effects. Seek medical care immediately—regardless of the severity of your injuries—so that you can collect medical records and show evidence of your injuries as you pursue a personal injury claim.

What to Do After a UPS Truck Accident

After a UPS truck accident, your first priority should be your physical safety. Remove yourself from the scene of the accident and any immediate danger, and seek prompt medical attention if needed. Once your well-being is assured, take as many of the following steps as possible to protect your rights and maximize your chances of compensation:

• Call the local authorities;
• Take pictures of the crash site;
• Ask for the contact information of and statements from any witnesses;
• See a physician and ask for copies of all medical records;
• Avoid speaking with any defense lawyers or insurance negotiators;
• Reach out to a Houston UPS truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How Long Do I Have to File a UPS Truck Accident Lawsuit in Houston, TX?

In Houston, you have a two-year period to file a UPS truck accident claim. This timeframe is set by the Texas statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, which states that you have two years from the date of your accident to submit your claim. If your suit isn’t filed by this deadline, you may forfeit your right to seek and recover compensation.

There are some potential exceptions to this two-year deadline; if the injured party is a minor or the case involves injuries that were discovered at a later date, the deadline may be extended. However, it’s crucial to consult with a Houston UPS truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to find out when your case must be filed in order to maximize your chances for compensation.

Who Is Responsible for Paying After a UPS Truck Accident?

Multiple parties may be responsible for a UPS truck accident—and sometimes more than one party can be held simultaneously liable. If the delivery truck driver directly caused the accident (e.g., they weren’t following traffic signals), they may be held liable for damages.

However, the shipping company (like UPS or FedEx) may also be responsible for paying damages if oversight by their services contributed to the accident—e.g., improper vehicle maintenance (especially after the discovery of defective or failing vehicle parts), or approving long hours for drivers. As the injured party, you have a higher chance of receiving full damages if you can prove that the delivery company was liable.

In some cases, other parties like third-party motorists, government entities, truck manufacturers, and auto shops may share in UPS accident liability.

In order to hold another party liable and recover damages, your legal representation must collect evidence to establish fault and prove liability. Your attorney must prove that the negligent party:

• Had a duty of care to protect you;
• Breached that duty in a way that directly caused your injuries;
• Caused injuries that led to significant economic and non-economic damages.

Ultimately, who pays for truck accident damages depends on the exact details of your case. which a qualified UPS truck accident lawyer can discuss with you during your free initial consultation—just call (713) 932-0777 at your earliest convenience to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Legal Challenges in UPS Truck Accident Claims

UPS truck accident claims present certain challenges, largely due to the potential for taking on corporate-level legal and insurance teams as part of your claim.

UPS is a major corporation and shipping company. They have unique responsibilities that differ from a private citizen. The company also has “self-insurance schemes,” meaning that the corporation is prepared to provide large sums in coverage per accident.

In some cases, truck accidents can also involve multiple parties. For instance, the UPS truck driver may be liable because they decided to drive under the influence. However, the delivery company could also be held liable if they were found to have known about their driver’s conduct and failed to act. Even further, if another motorist ran a red light and contributed to the inebriated truck driver losing control of their vehicle, then this individual may also be held responsible.

While it’s beneficial to prepare yourself for these potential challenges, don’t let them discourage you—you have a right to seek just compensation, and a resourceful UPS truck accident attorney in Houston will advocate for you and negotiate with defense lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf.