Sean | May 29, 2023

It is important to know how to handle any accident, no matter its severity. Considering that a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail truck is the property of the federal government, getting into an accident with one might raise some additional questions. 

A St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer can clarify your options and guide you through the legalities of an accident with a USPS mail truck in St. Petersburg.

Exchange Information

As with any vehicular accident, you should make sure the other driver is all right and then exchange contact information. Additionally, make sure you take pictures of the accident, including any damage to both vehicles.

Many people think there are special circumstances that apply at this stage. However, being timid about gathering the required information can only hurt your chances at a claim later on. At this stage, treat the mail employee as you would any other person in this situation.

Seek Medical Attention

If anyone is visibly injured, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Never attempt to move anyone without the permission of qualified medical professionals or unless there is immediate danger, such as oncoming traffic or another potentially fatal hazard. 

Even if you do not feel injured, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional after a car accident involving a USPS mail truck. That’s because adrenaline usually kicks in and clouds any sensory information your body may be experiencing. This can leave you unaware of critical injuries that could potentially turn into life-threatening conditions if left unaddressed.

Obtain the Contact Information of Any Witnesses

If anyone saw the accident, make sure to get their contact information. This will be important later when your lawyer is preparing your case. If the witness can provide testimony that works in your favor, your lawyer will need a convenient way to contact them. This will save a lot of time and stress later on.

If the case goes to trial, witness testimony will be important to prove any wrongdoing on the part of the other party or to exonerate you from any claims of wrongdoing on your part. A reliable witness could be the difference between a successful claim and a lost case.

Contact Your Insurance Company

When all of the information is together, you will generally need to contact your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance carrier and let them know what happened. The process will be less stressful if you have all of your documentation organized and on hand prior to placing the call. 

However, depending on the severity of the crash, it may be in your best interest to speak with an injury lawyer before dealing with any insurance companies. 

What If You Are Injured?

If you were in an accident with a mail truck that left you severely injured, the claims process can become much more complicated. However, a qualified accident injury attorney should have the subject matter expertise required to advocate for your best interests.

If you were hit by a mail truck, the case will be guided by the parameters of the Federal Tort Claims Act. This will require specialized expertise in dealing with USPS, as they have their own regulations and protocol that must be adhered to. If this sounds like your situation, consider getting in touch with a qualified personal injury attorney.

Is It a Felony To Hit a Mail Truck?

The belief that hitting a mail truck constitutes a felony is nothing more than a myth unless you hit one on purpose. Nonetheless, you could be on the hook for damages if you cause the crash and it results in a “serious injury” to the driver. Even though Florida has “no-fault” car insurance rules, injured victims can still pursue compensation from at-fault drivers in certain circumstances.

Contact an Experienced St. Petersburg Truck Accident Lawyer

Now that you know a little more about your options following an accident with a USPS mail truck, you should be more prepared to deal with the situation safely and confidently. If you’d like further information regarding your legal rights and options after a crash and how a lawyer can help, reach out for a free initial consultation. 

Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm – Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys

Contact a St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys and schedule a free case review today.

Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
700 7th Ave N Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 933-0015