What Are the Primary Causes of UPS Truck Accidents in Denver?
UPS drivers crisscross Denver daily, delivering thousands of packages to homes and businesses. While most deliveries go smoothly, accidents involving large delivery trucks can and do happen. Because these trucks are heavy, difficult to maneuver, and operate under tight deadlines, crashes often lead to serious injuries. Understanding the causes of UPS truck accidents in Denver is crucial for both accident prevention and protecting your rights if you have been injured. At Treviño Law, we break down the most common contributing factors and explain how victims can pursue compensation with the help of an experienced Denver UPS truck accident attorney.
7 Leading Causes of UPS Truck Accidents in Denver
1. Driver Fatigue From Demanding Delivery Schedules
UPS drivers are under intense pressure to meet strict deadlines, often making hundreds of deliveries in a single day. This can result in long shifts with few breaks. Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that drowsy driving contributes to thousands of crashes every year, and delivery drivers are particularly vulnerable.
2. Improperly Loaded or Shifting Cargo
Packages inside a UPS truck must be loaded securely to maintain balance. If cargo is stacked unevenly or left unsecured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to swerve, tip, or become more difficult to control. Improper loading may be the fault of warehouse workers, drivers, or UPS itself. When this happens, victims may have multiple avenues to pursue liability.
3. Vehicle Maintenance Failures
UPS trucks cover thousands of miles every month, which puts significant wear and tear on brakes, tires, and steering systems. If routine maintenance is neglected, critical parts can fail and cause catastrophic accidents. For example, brake failure on a steep Denver roadway could easily result in a multi-vehicle collision. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, poor maintenance is a leading contributor to large truck crashes nationwide.
4. Reckless or Aggressive Driving
In a city as busy as Denver, UPS drivers often face congested streets, especially downtown in neighborhoods like LoDo. To stay on schedule, some may speed, run red lights, or make dangerous lane changes. This kind of reckless driving puts pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists at risk. If a UPS driver’s negligence caused your injuries, a Denver truck accident attorney can help you hold the company accountable.
5. Hazardous Weather and Road Conditions
Denver’s winter weather often brings snow, ice, and reduced visibility, creating dangerous driving conditions for large delivery trucks. Even in good weather, steep hills and sharp turns throughout the metro area pose risks for heavy vehicles. UPS drivers must adjust their driving to account for weather and road conditions. When they fail to do so, accidents can occur that may be considered negligence under Colorado law. The Colorado Department of Transportation offers safety guidelines that drivers should follow to reduce these risks.
6. Inadequate Training or Supervision
UPS is responsible for ensuring that its drivers are properly trained in both vehicle operation and safe driving practices. Unfortunately, not every driver receives adequate instruction or ongoing supervision. Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers may not know how to handle tight turns, blind spots, or the unique challenges of Denver traffic. If training deficiencies contribute to an accident, UPS may be directly liable.
7. Distracted Driving
Distractions behind the wheel are a growing concern for all drivers, including those operating delivery trucks. UPS drivers may be checking navigation systems, scanning for addresses, or even using handheld devices, which takes their focus off the road. Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving and is a significant factor in many delivery-related accidents.
Establishing Fault After a UPS Truck Accident
Proving liability in a UPS accident often requires more than eyewitness testimony. At Treviño Law, we use accident reconstruction experts, review vehicle maintenance logs, and analyze UPS delivery data to determine what went wrong and who is legally responsible. Depending on the facts, liable parties may include the driver, UPS as the employer, or even third-party contractors who handled vehicle maintenance or loading.
Compensation Available to Victims
If you have been injured in a UPS truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Future rehabilitation costs
Because UPS and its insurers have extensive resources, these cases are often aggressively defended. Having a skilled Denver UPS truck accident attorney on your side ensures your rights are protected from the very beginning.
How Treviño Law Can Help
UPS truck accident cases require detailed investigation and strong advocacy. At Treviño Law, we are committed to holding negligent drivers and corporations accountable. Whether negotiating with insurers or presenting evidence in court, our team fights for maximum compensation for Denver injury victims.
Take Action Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a UPS truck accident in Denver, time is critical. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case. Contact Treviño Law today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.