Mail trucks weave through Texas neighborhoods every day, stopping frequently and pulling in and out of traffic as carriers make their rounds. When one of these vehicles causes a collision, the path to compensation looks different from an ordinary car accident claim.
The driver is a federal employee, the truck belongs to the government, and that changes the rules, the deadlines, and the steps you must follow. You still have the right to recover for your injuries, but you need to navigate a more demanding process to get there.
Your Legal Options When a Postal Worker Causes a Collision
When an accident happens between two passenger vehicles, the aftermath is relatively straightforward. The at-fault driver is identified, and the victim files an insurance claim or personal injury claim against them. But when one of the vehicles is a government-owned mail truck, the situation changes.
Because USPS is a federal agency, your claim falls under the Federal Tort Claims Act. This means you cannot head straight to court. Instead, you must first file an administrative claim with the Postal Service using Standard Form 95, which describes how the accident happened, the evidence of fault, and a dollar amount for your losses.
You have two years from the date of the accident to submit this form. The agency then has six months to settle, provide a counteroffer, or deny your claim. If the USPS denies your claim or fails to respond within the six-month timeline, you then have six months to file a lawsuit in federal court.
How USPS Drivers Cause Accidents in Texas Neighborhoods
Postal vehicles operate under pressure to deliver on tight schedules, often in residential areas full of pedestrians, parked cars, and children at play. That combination heightens the risk of an accident. Common causes of USPS mail truck collisions include:
- Frequent stops and starts that the following drivers fail to anticipate
- Distracted driving while sorting mail or checking delivery routes
- Backing out of driveways or pulling away from curbs without a clear view
- Speeding to stay on schedule during a busy shift
- Failing to yield at intersections or crosswalks
Damages You May Recover After an Accident with a USPS Mail Truck
A serious collision can affect your finances, your health, and your ability to work for months or years to come. The Federal Tort Claims Act allows you to seek compensation for those losses, which may include:
- Past and future medical treatment related to your injuries
- Lost income and a diminished ability to earn going forward
- Property damage to your vehicle and its contents
- Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
The amount you list on Standard Form 95 sets a ceiling on what you can later demand in court; undervalue your losses, and you may forfeit money you are owed. An attorney can consult with financial professionals to project your long-term costs and arrive at a figure that reflects what the accident took from you.
Discuss Your USPS Accident Claim with De La Garza Law Firm Today
Federal deadlines move quickly, and the steps you take now can determine whether you recover anything at all. De La Garza Law Firm handles the paperwork, the negotiations, and the federal filing requirements so you can put your energy toward healing. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
