UPS Accident Lawyer in Houston

Causes

• Driver fatigue: UPS drivers often work extended shifts, particularly during peak seasons. Fatigue significantly increases the risk of impaired reaction times and poor judgment behind the wheel. The National Safety Council reports that drowsy driving is a factor in thousands of crashes each year.
• Delivery pressure and speeding: Internal performance metrics and strict delivery timelines may encourage drivers to rush, skip breaks, or ignore safe driving protocols. UPS and other delivery services face immense pressure to meet tight holiday deadlines, which can impact safety.
• Distracted driving: Navigating routes, scanning packages, and using in-vehicle devices can cause distraction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) links distracted driving to over 3,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
• Improper vehicle maintenance: UPS operates one of the largest vehicle fleets in the U.S. A lapse in inspection or repair can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical failures on the road.
• Inadequate training: UPS drivers must undergo specialized training, but mistakes can still occur, particularly with new hires or seasonal workers. Inexperienced drivers are statistically more prone to accidents, per NHTSA data.

Injuries

When a large delivery truck like a UPS vehicle is involved in a crash, the consequences can be catastrophic due to the truck’s size and weight. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions, often resulting from high-impact collisions
• Spinal cord damage, herniated discs, and long-term mobility issues
• Whiplash and soft-tissue damage, especially in rear-end impacts
• Fractured bones, pelvic injuries, or crush trauma
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression

The size discrepancy between UPS trucks and passenger vehicles means victims often face long recovery periods, lasting disability, or permanent life changes. These physical and emotional damages deserve full accountability and just compensation.

Economic Damages

These are tangible, out-of-pocket losses that can be documented with bills, receipts, or pay records:

• Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical treatments related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you missed while recovering, including bonuses, tips, or self-employment income.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or reduce your long-term earning ability, you can recover for the difference in future earnings.
• Property Damage: Includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for intangible harm that impacts your quality of life:

• Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort and trauma caused by your injuries.
• Mental Anguish: Psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, relationships, or day-to-day activities you once valued.

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one was killed in a UPS-related crash, surviving family members may be entitled to:

• Funeral and Burial Costs: Including memorial services, transportation, and interment.
• Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for income the deceased would have provided.
• Loss of Consortium: Damages for the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct—such as reckless driving, falsified safety records, or repeated violations of federal trucking regulations—Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.