With the continued surge in online shopping and package delivery, UPS trucks are a common sight on the streets of New Orleans. But when one of these large delivery trucks is involved in a crash, the consequences can be serious, and the legal path to compensation can be more complicated than with a typical auto accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a UPS vehicle, here’s what you need to know about liability, legal processes in New Orleans, and why working with a New Orleans UPS truck accident lawyer is essential.
To learn more, schedule a consultation with a New Orleans truck accident lawyer from Cueria Law Firm.
Why UPS Truck Accidents Are Different From Standard Car Wrecks
UPS trucks are commercial vehicles, and accidents involving them bring several layers of legal complexity, which our New Orleans personal injury lawyers are familiar with. Here’s what makes these cases unique:
1. Corporate Liability
UPS drivers are generally classified as employees—not independent contractors. This can actually make it easier to hold UPS directly liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (employer responsibility for employee actions).
However, the corporation’s size and legal resources mean you’ll likely be facing an experienced defense team and well-funded insurers.
2. Federal Safety Regulations
UPS trucks must comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including rules around:
- Driver rest and work hours
- Vehicle maintenance and inspections
- Load limits and cargo security
Violations of these regulations can play a major role in proving negligence.
3. Severe Damage Due to Vehicle Size
Due to their size and weight, UPS trucks are more likely to cause severe injuries or fatalities in a collision, especially when hitting smaller passenger vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.
These cases often involve higher medical bills and long-term rehabilitation, requiring aggressive legal representation to secure full compensation.
4. Black Box & GPS Data
UPS trucks are often equipped with tracking systems and “black box” technology that can provide critical evidence, such as speed, braking, and delivery route information. A lawyer can file a legal preservation request (also known as a spoliation letter) to ensure this data isn’t lost or destroyed.
What to Do After a UPS Truck Accident in New Orleans
The aftermath of a UPS accident can be overwhelming. Here’s a checklist of the most important steps to protect your rights and preserve your case:
1. Call Law Enforcement
In New Orleans, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) should be called to the scene of any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage. Request an official accident report—it will be a critical piece of evidence.
2. Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if you don’t feel severely injured, see a doctor right away. Not only is this important for your health, but it establishes a medical record that connects your injuries to the accident.
Many car accident injuries may not be felt immediately due to shock and adrenaline but may start to show signs within hours or days of the incident.
3. Collect Evidence
Document the scene:
- Take photos and videos of all vehicles, wreckage debris, visible injuries, skid marks, and road conditions.
- Get the driver’s name, UPS truck number, and insurance details.
- Collect witness statements and contact information.
- If applicable, take note of nearby businesses or residences that may have footage of the incident.
4. Avoid Speaking With UPS Representatives
You may be contacted by UPS claims adjusters or legal teams. Be careful what you say —anything you provide may be used to minimize your claim. Instead, refer them to your attorney. Have him or her handle all contact with UPS and their teams.
5. Contact a New Orleans UPS Truck Accident Attorney
An experienced lawyer will launch an independent investigation, gather UPS safety records, negotiate with insurers, and—if necessary—file a lawsuit to ensure your damages are fully addressed.
What Compensation Is Available?
Under Louisiana law, victims of truck accidents are entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, rehab, long-term treatment)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Vehicle and property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In fatal accidents, wrongful death and survival damages
Keep in mind, Louisiana’s statute of limitations is only two years from the date of the accident. Delaying could jeopardize your claim.
Why Choose a New Orleans UPS Truck Accident Lawyer?
UPS has one of the largest delivery fleets in the world, and their legal teams are trained to reduce payouts. An experienced local attorney can:
- Preserve and subpoena crucial evidence (vehicle maintenance logs, GPS data, driver records)
- Prove negligence or regulatory violations
- Calculate full damages, including future medical needs
- Take your case to trial if necessary to secure fair compensation
Final Thoughts
Accidents with UPS delivery trucks are far from ordinary. From federal regulations to corporate insurance defenses, these cases demand careful investigation and strategic legal action. If you or a family member has been injured, don’t navigate the claims process alone.
A New Orleans UPS truck accident lawyer from Cueria Law Firm can help you level the playing field, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
