The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers a lot of mail. The USPS reports that 162 million pieces of first-class mail are processed each day. We have all seen USPS delivery trucks on the road in Stockton. Of course, a lot of mail sent to and from Stockton travels across the state or even across the country. How does it get there? The USPS contracts with a fleet of private trucking companies.
On March 1st, 2023, The Wall Street Journal published an alarming investigative report finding that “trucks hauling U.S. mail frequently violate safety rules.” In this blog post, our Stockton truck accident attorneys provide a more detailed overview of the report and explain your rights and options if you were hurt in a crash with a truck hauling U.S. mail.
The Problem: Trucking Companies Hauling U.S. Mail Involved in Many Serious Accidents
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has long faced stiff competition from major private carriers, including UPS and Fed-EX. While USPS operates many of its own delivery trucks, you may not be aware that the agency also relies on a vast network of private contractors to deliver mail. Notably, the USPS often contracts with private trucking companies for long-haul operations.
Unfortunately, too many of these private trucking companies have a poor safety record. The Wall Street Journal reports that 79 people have been killed in trucking accidents involving USPS contractors since 2020. Many other people have been seriously injured in these crashes.
Wall Street Journal Analysis: USPS Cutting Costs, Safety Being Sacrificed
What is the problem with the network of private trucking companies that the USPS is relying on? According to the investigative report from The Wall Street Journal, the USPS has been cutting costs and is increasingly working with truck companies that do not prioritize safety. Profits should never come before people. Here is an alarming anecdote from the report:
- The Wall Street Journal finds that more than four dozen trucking companies that haul U.S. mail for the USPS have been put on probation by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for their poor safety record.
The investigative reporters found that USPS trucking contractors violated a number of different federal safety regulations. The most common violation was Hours of Service (HOS) limits that are designed to prevent fatigued trucking. Notably, the reporters found that USPS truck companies were cited for violations at a rate three times higher than the industry average.
What to Do If You Were Involved in a Crash With a Truck Hauling U.S. Mail in Stockton
Being involved in a crash with a truck, especially one hauling U.S. mail, can be a stressful and confusing experience. It is essential to take appropriate steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here are four crucial things to do after a truck crash:
- Stop Your Vehicle, Report the Accident: In the aftermath of a collision, it is crucial to stop your vehicle safely and assess the situation. Turn on your hazard lights, and if possible, move your car out of traffic. Immediately call 911 to report the accident. All truck accidents in California should be reported to law enforcement, such as the Stockton Police Department or the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
- Seek Immediate Care for Any Injuries: After a crash with a private tractor trailer hauling U.S. mail, it is imperative that you get any injuries checked out by a doctor. It is your health and well-being that should be treated as a top priority. If you do not have medical records, you will not be able to bring a personal injury claim.
- Avoid Providing a Statement to the Truck Company’s Insurer: The big trucking companies have commercial insurance policies. Their insurance companies are known for being especially aggressive. Do not provide a statement after a crash without first seeking professional legal representation.
- Consult With a Stockton Truck Accident Lawyer: You do not have to navigate the truck accident injury claim process alone. No matter the specific nature or severity of your collision, our top-rated Stockton truck accident attorneys are standing by, ready to develop a plan of action to get you justice and the maximum financial settlement or verdict.
Call Our Stockton, CA Truck Accident Lawyer for Immediate Help
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton commercial truck accident attorneys are experienced, aggressive, and justice-driven advocates for victims and their families. If you or your family member was hurt in a crash with a truck that was contracted by the USPS, we are here to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free case review. From our legal office in Stockton, our firm is well-positioned to handle truck accident claims in San Joaquin County and throughout the Central Valley.