Fort Worth Mail Truck Accident Lawyer
According to USPS, the Postal Service fleet has more than 230,000 vehicles in every class, with about 190,000 of them delivering mail six and seven days a week across the nation. Unfortunately, some of these vehicles have been in service for as long as thirty years and may not be as safe as they should be. If you have been involved in an accident with a mail truck, you may be significantly injured, unable to work and make a living, and uncertain of what steps you need to take to protect your future, your finances, and your family. It can be extremely beneficial for you to speak to a Fort Worth mail truck accident lawyer from Noteboom—The Law Firm following such an accident. We can guide you through the process of suing a governmental agency, which is different than suing a public company.
How Can a Fort Worth Mail Truck Accident Lawyer from Noteboom—The Law Firm Help?
This can be a stressful, overwhelming time in your life, and our legal team is equipped to help you get through it in the best way possible—and with the most positive outcome. There are many good reasons to choose a Fort Worth USPS truck accident attorney from Noteboom—The Law Firm. While you certainly have many choices when choosing an attorney, we believe that once you’ve spoken to a Noteboom attorney, your choice will be clear.
Our firm has an impeccable reputation and has been in business since 1982. We have an on-staff investigator who will immediately launch a comprehensive investigation of your case, gathering all relevant evidence. Our attorneys will then begin building a case on your behalf, holding the negligent driver and USPS liable for your damages. Having a strong advocate in your corner who truly cares about you and your future should be your top priority after receiving medical attention for your injuries. It is likely that you have many questions regarding how your claim will be handled, and we can answer those questions for you in an easy-to-understand manner. When you choose Noteboom—The Law Firm, you are choosing a highly respected law firm that successfully settles more than 90 percent of our claims.
One of the reasons we have such a great track record is that we prepare every single case as though it will go to trial. This means we are always 100 percent prepared for any twist or turn your case may take. We are never caught unaware. Whether your case is settled through negotiation or through litigation, we’ve got you covered. We are so confident in our abilities that we tell prospective clients, “If you can find a better law firm, hire them.” Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the many intricacies involved in personal injury claims and will use their experience and knowledge for your benefit.
Are Mail Truck Accidents Common?
According to Postal Times, USPS delivery drivers are having a lot of accidents—but not reporting them. In fact, the U.S. Postal Service had more than 144,000 vehicle crashes between 2016 and 2021, but most of those accidents were not properly reported. The USPS has had a rather cavalier attitude regarding documentation and reporting for collisions and workplace accidents, resulting in nearly $130 million in repairs during those same five years. Yet the vast majority of these repairs did not have a corresponding accident report filed within 24 hours of the accident.
What Should You Do if You’re Hit By or Involved in an Accident with a Mail Truck?
If you’re hit by a mail truck, the Federal Tort Claims Act will guide your case. This Federal Act has different rules that require a highly experienced Fort Worth USPS truck accident attorney to help you through the process. If you are hit by a USPS vehicle, you need to make sure you tend to your injuries before doing anything else. Call 911 to ensure that there is an accident report and so emergency services can take you to the hospital to have your injuries looked after.
If you are physically able, be sure to get witness contact information from anyone who may have seen the accident. Exchange contact and insurance information with the USPS driver and, once you are home, take the time to write down the details of the accident. After contacting your own insurance company, it is in your best interest to consult an experienced Fort Worth mail truck accident lawyer from Notebook—The Law Firm.
Who Is Liable in a Mail Truck Accident?
The federal government owns the majority of USPS vehicles, although in some cases, rural mail carriers may use their own vehicle. Even if a USPS driver is using their own vehicle, they are still an employee of USPS—the federal government. The government will be the liable party if the mail delivery person was at fault for the accident. Suing the federal government can definitely be an uphill battle. Like most governmental agencies, USPS is afforded certain protections, making the process of securing compensation for your damages complex. In some cases, the process can seem so overwhelming that victims simply give up.
Generally speaking, private citizens are not allowed to sue the federal government—with some exceptions. Under the Federal Tort Claims Act, private citizens may sue the federal government when they are injured in an accident that was caused by the USPS driver’s negligence. That being said, you will definitely be required to follow certain rules and to go through extra steps when filing a claim against USPS. Before you file a claim for damages in court, you must legally allow USPS the option of resolving your claim outside of federal court.
Form 95 must be filed within two years from the date of your accident and must include very specific details regarding the circumstances of the accident as well as details about your injuries and damages. Once this form is filed, USPS has six months to respond. The agency could potentially admit liability (usually when liability is absolute) and offer to pay some or all of your damages. The agency may also reject your claim, in which case it will be necessary to file a federal lawsuit.
Federal courts operate differently than state courts, so it is essential that you have an experienced Fort Worth mail truck accident lawyer from Noteboom—The Law Firm, who is experienced and familiar with federal court procedures. While the federal attorney assigned to represent USPS could choose to negotiate a settlement through your attorney, it is more likely that you will be forced to endure a lengthy discovery process. A federal judge may order mediation, depending on the circumstances.
Hiring a Fort Worth Mail Truck Accident Lawyer from Noteboom—The Law Firm
When you choose Noteboom—The Law Firm, you have taken a very important first step in achieving justice for your mail truck accident. We work hard for every single client, and we want to ensure that you feel informed and protected throughout the process. We have the resources necessary to take on a huge corporation—or the federal government—and will leave no stone unturned to protect your future, your finances, and your family. Contact Noteboom—The Law Firm today.