If you’ve been in an accident with a United States Postal Service (USPS) truck in Stockton, the legal process can be complicated. Handling this, especially if you’ve suffered injuries, can add extra stress, especially if you are not feeling well. However, you don’t have to face it alone.
A Stockton USPS truck accident lawyer from Omega Law Group can handle your case and demand compensation from USPS or other liable parties while you focus on your recovery. Our Stockton truck accident lawyers have decades of experience in helping injured Californians secure compensation from negligent parties.
Call us today to discuss your legal options and the next steps during a free consultation.
Our Stockton USPS Truck Crash Lawyers Understand the Special Rules These Accidents Involve
Because the U.S. Postal Service is a federal entity, resolving claims involving its vehicles can be more complicated than accidents with privately owned trucks. USPS truck accidents follow different legal procedures compared to standard vehicle accidents.
Our Stockton personal injury lawyers can explain how these procedures work during your consultation.
First, it’s important to know that these cases are governed by the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The FTCA allows people to file claims against the government if they suffer injuries due to the actions of government employees, like USPS drivers.
However, filing a claim requires following FTCA’s specific rules such as the following:
- Filing a notice of claim: Before you can file a lawsuit, you must file a formal claim with the federal government. This is called a Standard Form 95. You must include information about the crash, such as a detailed account of your injuries, losses, and how much compensation you are seeking.
- Strict deadlines: The FTCA has specific time limits, also known as statutes of limitations, that restrict how long you have to file your claim. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from getting compensation. We can advise you on the deadline for your case.
- Government immunity: In certain situations, the government might have immunity, which could limit or prevent your ability to file a lawsuit. We can explain how this might apply to your case.
What Happens After You File an FTCA Claim for the Accident?
You must file an administrative claim with the appropriate federal agency (in the case of a USPS truck accident, this would be the U.S. Postal Service) within two years from the date of the accident. This is done using Standard Form 95, which outlines your claim and the damages you’re seeking.
After you file an FTCA claim with the appropriate federal agency, it will review your claim, including the details of the accident, the evidence you provided, and the amount of compensation you are seeking.
This process can involve gathering more information, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating any supporting documents, such as medical records or repair bills.
The U.S. Government Has Up to Six Months to Respond to Your Claim
After filing an FTCA claim, the federal agency will review your case and have up to six months to respond. It can either approve, deny, or offer a settlement. If you receive a settlement offer, our attorney can negotiate for a fairer amount.
If it denies your claim or you find the settlement unsatisfactory, we can file a lawsuit in federal court within six months. A judge can then either settle or decide your case. Omega Law Group can guide you through the process of whichever path you decide to take.
Our Stockton USPS Truck Crash Lawyers Will Lead Your Case
It can be overwhelming to file a claim if you don’t understand FTCA rules or the other legal issues in your case. Our lawyers understand how these rules apply and can handle the entire claims process.
Once we represent you, our Stockton USPS truck accident attorneys will talk with all parties, handle your case’s paperwork, and:
- Investigate the accident: We gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any available camera footage, to build a strong case.
- File your FTCA claim: We help you fill out and submit the proper claim forms within the required time limits.
- Handling insurance companies: While the government may be involved, USPS vehicles also have insurance, which can add another layer of complexity. Our experienced lawyers can negotiate with insurers on your behalf for fair compensation.
- Protect your rights: We will meet all federal rules and deadlines of your case to avoid issues that could harm your claim.
Other Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney to Handle Your Case
Leaving it to a legal professional to deal with insurance in a case involving a USPS vehicle is important because:
- Complexity of federal laws: USPS is a federal entity, so claims are governed by specific laws like the FTCA, which requires careful handling.
- Avoiding mistakes: We can help you avoid errors in paperwork or missing deadlines that could hurt your claim.
- Protecting your rights: A lawyer can protect your rights so that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you by offering less than what your case is worth.
- Handling multiple parties: A lawyer can manage any additional parties, like maintenance companies or manufacturers, who may share responsibility.
With our legal team managing your case, you can focus on your recovery while we work toward the best possible outcome.
Potential Damages in a USPS Truck Crash Case in Stockton, CA
The damages you may be able to recover will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and how long the crash affects your future well-being. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation therapy fees
- Lost income
- Lost future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages (e.g., funeral and burial expenses and other losses. If your loved one suffered fatal injuries in a USPS accident, our compassionate Stockton wrongful death lawyers can advise you further during a free consultation.)
We will evaluate each loss in your case and determine how much your case is worth. Once we determine your case’s value, you will know whether a proposed settlement offer is enough to meet your post-accident needs.
Investigation and Evidence Collection in a USPS Truck Crash
Our Stockton USPS truck collision attorneys must use evidence to establish your case and prove your claims, such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Photos of the accident scene
- Damage to vehicles
- Medical records of injuries
- Black box data from the USPS truck
- Driver logs and delivery schedules
- Maintenance records of the USPS truck
Who Else Can You Hold Liable for a USPS Truck Crash?
You may be able to hold others besides the USPS driver responsible, depending on the details of the accident. Possible parties who could be liable include:
- Vehicle manufacturers: If a defect in the USPS truck or another vehicle caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
- Maintenance companies: If poor maintenance or repairs caused the crash, the company responsible for maintaining the vehicles might share liability.
- Other drivers: If another driver’s reckless or negligent actions contributed to the accident, they could also be held responsible.
- Government agencies: If unsafe road conditions contributed to the crash, the local or state government in charge of maintaining the roads could be liable.
We will identify other parties involved in the accident that could owe you damages. This thorough approach helps maximize the compensation you may be eligible to receive.
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What to Do After a USPS Truck Accident in Stockton
If you’ve been in an accident with a USPS truck, taking the right steps can help protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on what to do:
- Call the police: Report the accident to local law enforcement. The police will create a report, which can be important evidence for your case.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries may not be obvious right away.
- Gather evidence: If it’s safe, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This will help support your claim.
- Get contact information: Exchange information with the USPS driver and any witnesses. Be sure to collect their names, phone numbers, and insurance details.
- File a claim: You must file a formal claim with the federal government through the FTCA. A lawyer can help you with this process to make sure everything is done correctly.
By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation for your claim. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, our Stockton USPS truck injury lawyers can answer your questions and guide you through it.
Call for Help From a Stockton USPS Truck Accident Lawyer
If you got into an accident with a U.S. postal service vehicle, the Omega Law Group’s team will explain your legal options and how representation can help you recover damages from the accident.
Because claims involving USPS trucks involve complex federal laws, our Stockton USPS truck accident lawyers can guide you through the entire process so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
