Postal Vehicle Accidents

The U.S. Postal Service uses not only the mail carrier vehicles that you see each day to deliver mail but also 18-wheeler trucks that transport large quantities of mail nationwide. Mail delivery drivers can be involved in accidents just as any other car or truck driver would be, leading to serious injuries for victims. However, the legal process in postal vehicle accident cases is quite different from standard truck accident cases, since these claims are often against the federal government or its sub-contractors. The Miami truck accident lawyers at our Law Offices of Robert Dixon understand the complexities of these cases and assist victims in pursuing proper action against those responsible for their harm, even when that party is a governmental agency.

Truck accident victims are often left with serious, sometimes permanent injuries, and they usually need financial aid to cover the costs of their recovery. We are dedicated to making sure that those funds come from the individuals or entities liable for causing the injuries. Our firm represents clients in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as elsewhere in South Florida. If you have been injured as a result of an accident involving a postal vehicle, contact our office today to set up a free consultation about your potential claims.

A truck accident involving a postal vehicle can be caused by a host of factors. However, some common causes of these collisions include:

• Inattentiveness or distraction
• Failing to yield the right of way
• A driver not checking a vehicle's blind spots
• Stopping suddenly or turning without indication

When an accident is caused by a postal vehicle's driver, the process of pursuing legal action becomes more complicated. Most postal vehicles are owned by the U.S. government, or a sub-contractor working at its behest. This means that certain rules and regulations apply to filing a lawsuit to receive compensation for your injuries. Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), victims of accidents involving a postal truck or another federal government vehicle can file suit against a governmental agency if a driver has acted negligently, and that negligence caused an injury or fatality. Although the basic requirements of proving negligence remain intact for these claims, there are other limitations set under the FTCA, including that the claim is to be based on the law of the state where the accident occurred. Also, any negligent act must have been committed during the scope of a driver's employment with the government.

To pursue a claim under the FTCA, a victim first must initiate a claim at the administrative level. In postal vehicle accident cases, the appropriate agency with which to file an administrative claim is the U.S. Postal Service. Upon the completion of a review by the USPS, if no settlement is reached, a personal injury lawsuit may be filed in federal court. Should negligence be proven in either a personal injury or a wrongful death action, victims may be awarded damages in the forms of past and future medical expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering, or costs associated with burial or funeral arrangements or loss of consortium in wrongful death cases. Because of the different rules and specialized procedures involved in these cases, it is important to consult a knowledgeable attorney who can make sure that your legal rights are thoroughly protected.

Truck accidents are dangerous for everyone involved, and victims often sustain injuries like brain trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and other issues that may require significant recovery times. The injury attorneys at our Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you determine how to proceed following a devastating accident involving a postal vehicle in Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and the surrounding cities. You can call 877.499.4878 or contact us online today to set up a free consultation to find out more about your next steps.