As one of the most highly-populated cities in the Midwest, Chicago is a hub of commerce and transportation. With over 2.7 million residents, businesses in The Windy City rely heavily on the delivery services of UPS. However, the increase in the number of UPS trucks on the city’s roads has also led to an increase in the number of accidents involving these vehicles. Just in the past year, there were over 1,300 accidents involving UPS trucks in the state of Illinois, with nearly 400 of them occurring in Chicago. While not all of these accidents result in fatalities or serious injuries, their commonality is certainly cause for concern.
What is Causing These Accidents?
With how common car accidents are in the United States, it can be difficult to pinpoint specific factors that might cause UPS truck collisions, since the truck drivers might not necessarily be at fault. There are a few factors, however, that do seem to increase their likelihood of occurring.
The Delivery Model
Unlike other package delivery companies, UPS drivers are required to make deliveries both to commercial and residential areas. This means that UPS trucks are constantly on the move, navigating busy streets and trying to meet tight delivery schedules. The extra pressure of these deadlines can cause drivers to act a bit more recklessly, using excessive speed and paying less attention to their surroundings because they’re so focused on their goals.
Driver Fatigue
In addition to the overwhelming stress of deadlines, UPS drivers are often required to work long hours, driving for extended periods without breaks. This can lead to exhaustion and cause drivers to be less alert and more likely to make mistakes, increasing their chances of being involved in an accident.
Distracted Driving
With the rise of smartphones and other handheld electronic devices, drivers are becoming more easily distracted while on the road. Texting, talking on the phone, or scrolling through social media while driving can greatly increase your chances of being involved in an accident. Though this issue is not limited to UPS drivers, the consequences are often much more severe when they are involved.
The Aftermath of an Accident
The consequences of UPS truck accidents can be severe. Not only can accidents result in serious injuries or fatalities, but they can also cause significant property damage. In addition, accidents can disrupt the flow of traffic, causing delays and inconvenience for commuters.
How Can These Accidents Be Prevented?
To address the issue of UPS truck collisions in Chicago, the company needs to take action. UPS should offer shorter shifts and provide more opportunities for its drivers to rest, encouraging them to take breaks if they begin to feel drowsy while driving. The company should also provide more training to its drivers on safe driving practices and should find ways to crack down on distracted driving.
What Should You Do if You’re Involved in an Accident?
If you find yourself involved in a collision with a UPS truck, you should take legal action to ensure that you are fully compensated for any injuries, property damage, or other suffering you might have endured as a result of the crash. Your first step in getting the appropriate compensation is finding an experienced truck accident lawyer who will fight to bring you justice.
Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
You might think that you can handle your case on your own, but you’re much less likely to win your case and receive due compensation if you defend yourself–especially if you’re up against a company like UPS, which is guaranteed to hire a skilled legal team. An experienced truck accident lawyer can:
- Coach you through the litigation process
- Help you better understand what to expect in terms of the timeframe of the legal process
- Help you better understand what to expect in terms of compensation
- Interview authorities and witnesses and gather any other evidence they can to build a strong defense
- Contact the insurance company for their full report of the incident
- Handle all negotiations with the other party
- Remove any stress and uncertainty from your situation
A skilled truck accident lawyer will have the necessary experience required to be able to build you a strong case, knowing exactly what factors put the other party at fault to prove your innocence in the matter and guarantee fair compensation. They’ll handle your entire case from start to finish so that all you have to worry about is recovering and healing from your accident.
