If you have been in an accident with a USPS mail truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and injuries. However, claims involving USPS and the federal government can get complicated. There are specific forms you need to use and strict deadlines you must meet.
Keep reading to learn more about your options after one of these accidents.
Overview of USPS Mail Truck Accidents
If you are involved in a typical car accident in Peoria, then Illinois law would apply to your claim. However, when a mail truck is involved, federal law will likely govern your claim. This means that your claim might need to be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
Filing a claim in federal court under these federal laws can be complex. Plus, USPS mail trucks are self-insured. This means they are exempt from Illinois’s insurance requirements.
When you file a claim, you will seek compensation from the government instead of a regular insurance company. Navigating these types of claims without the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer can be overwhelming.
What Should I Do After an Accident With a USPS Mail Truck?
After an accident with a USPS mail truck, you may be wondering what to do next. If you were not injured, you may be able to handle the claim on your own.
Claims for property damage are fairly straightforward, and you may not even need a lawyer to get compensation for your property damage. However, claims involving injuries or death can be much more complicated.
If you are hurt in an accident with a USPS mail truck, you should:
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Failure to do so could limit the value of your claim.
- Call 911 so that the police can respond to the scene and create an accident report.
- Gather evidence at the scene if you are able, such as photos of all the vehicles and contact information of any witnesses.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident, but be careful to avoid admitting fault.
- Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you through the claims process.
When dealing with a claim as complex as one involving the USPS and the federal government, you should always have an attorney on your side who can help you navigate the legal process.
How to File a Claim After a USPS Mail Truck Accident
Filing a claim after a USPS mail truck accident can be a little more complex than other types of personal injury claims. You will need to complete a Government Form 95: Claim for Damage, Injury, or Death.
You will need to include:
- Basis of your claim: State the objective facts about how the accident occurred. Be careful not to include any language that may be used against you or could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
- Property damage details: Include details about the damage to your vehicle or other property.
- Injury details: Describe the injuries you suffered, including the amount of your medical bills, lost wages, and expected future medical care needs.
- Witness information: If any witnesses saw the accident, provide their contact information.
- Insurance information: You will need to give details about your own insurance policy.
- Demand for damages: Include a settlement demand with your form. If you have suffered severe injuries, you should always consult an attorney to ensure you are placing a proper value on your claim.
Keep in mind that you have a strict two-year deadline to file your claim. It is also important to know that this deadline is based on when the form is received and not when it is mailed or postmarked.
Missing this deadline can cause you to lose all your rights to recover any compensation for your injuries. Once you have completed the claim form, you can submit it to the appropriate USPS office or designated postal facility.
Contact the Peoria Truck Accident Attorneys at Joel E. Brown, P.C. for Help Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident with a USPS mail truck, Joel E. Brown, P.C. is here to help. Our Peoria truck accident lawyers will fight to pursue compensation for all of your damages. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.
To learn more, contact our skilled personal injury attorney at Joel E. Brown, P.C to schedule a free consultation. We are conveniently located in Peoria and proudly serve Peoria County, IL, and the neighboring communities.
Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main Street Suite 1300, Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 673 4357
Available 24/7