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Why Choose Matlin Injury Law
When you are dealing with the federal government, experience truly matters, and Matlin Injury Law provides the dedicated representation needed to navigate the complexities of a USPS truck accident claim. Our legal team brings more than 50 years of combined experience handling motor vehicle accident cases and delivery truck accident cases across Colorado, with deep familiarity with local roadways and the federal laws that govern them, including a thorough understanding of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and the procedural requirements that often derail these cases when they are not handled correctly. Our proven authority is reflected in a 5.0-star rating from more than 300 client reviews, demonstrating a consistent record of delivering meaningful results, and because we operate on a contingency-fee basis, you pay nothing unless we successfully win your case, ensuring our interests are fully aligned with yours.
Why Matlin Injury Law?
Matlin Injury Law is born and raised here in Colorado. We are here to serve our very own community. Hiring a law firm shouldn’t be stressful, and when you hire us, we promise to defend you and fight for you like one of our own.
Legal Claims Against the USPS in Colorado
Matlin Injury Law provides legal representation for victims of accidents involving USPS mail trucks, vans, and tractor-trailers. Were you a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist? If a postal worker struck you on duty, you have rights.
However, pursuing those rights is different than in a typical car accident. The USPS is a federal agency. Under the doctrine of sovereign immunity, you generally cannot sue the federal government unless it gives permission. The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides permission, but it comes with strict conditions. You cannot simply file a lawsuit in a Colorado state court. Instead, you must follow a specific federal administrative process before you can ever set foot in a courtroom. This process involves shorter deadlines and precise filing requirements. If you miss these, it can permanently bar your claim.
Handling the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)
Handling the FTCA requires precision. At Matlin Injury Law, we manage the entire administrative claim process for you. This begins with the filing of Standard Form 95 (SF-95). This form must detail the facts of the accident. Crucially, it must include a “sum certain.” This is a specific dollar amount for the damages you seek. If you do not fill out this form correctly, the court may dismiss your case. You must also file it with the correct agency.
We also manage the details of sovereign immunity. While the FTCA waives this immunity for many types of negligence, there are exceptions. We analyze your case to help it fall within the waiver. We also work to avoid “discretionary function” exceptions. Our experience covers a wide range of postal vehicles. This includes LLVs, heavy tractor-trailers, and private vehicles used by rural carriers. Our truck accident lawyers have successfully navigated these complex federal claims. We understand the nuances of filing a semi truck accident claim and apply that expertise to USPS cases.
Evaluating Your USPS Accident Claim
At Matlin Injury Law, we don’t just fill out forms; we build cases. We evaluate your claim by conducting a thorough investigation. This includes analyzing driver logs to check for fatigue. We also review vehicle maintenance records for the aging USPS fleet. Additionally, we gather accident scene data, including photos and police reports.
The strength of a USPS claim often hinges on the quality of the evidence gathered early on. We emphasize the importance of seeking immediate medical documentation. This links your injuries directly to the crash. We also work to secure witness statements before memories fade. By managing the heavy lifting of federal paperwork, we allow you to focus on your recovery. See our case results and testimonials to understand how we’ve helped other accident victims. Our Colorado truck accident attorneys have recovered millions for injured clients.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
Don’t let the details of federal law prevent you from seeking justice. The United States Postal Service has a team of lawyers working to protect its interests. You should have a team working to protect yours. Matlin Injury Law is ready to guide you through every step of your USPS truck accident claim. We help from the initial filing to the final resolution.
We are here to help you secure the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQs
What causes most USPS truck accidents in Colorado?
Many USPS accidents in Colorado stem from the immense pressure placed on postal workers. Tight delivery schedules can lead to speeding or reckless driving. Furthermore, the aging fleet of Long Life Vehicles (LLVs) often lacks modern safety features. These include anti-lock brakes or backup cameras. This increases the risk of collisions. Driver fatigue and inadequate training on Colorado’s unique terrain also contribute significantly to these incidents.
Is the USPS driver or the government responsible for my injuries?
Under the FTCA, the United States government is vicariously liable for the negligent acts of its employees. This applies while they act within the scope of their employment. This means that if a USPS driver causes an accident while delivering mail, you typically file your claim against the United States. You do not file against the individual driver. This helps provide a solvent entity to provide compensation for your damages. Understanding who is liable in a commercial truck accident is critical to your case strategy.
What does it mean legally to be hit by a federal vehicle?
Being hit by a federal vehicle shifts your case from Colorado state law to federal administrative law. You are no longer dealing with a private insurance company. Instead, you deal with the federal government’s legal department. This means different rules of evidence and different statutes of limitations. You must exhaust a mandatory administrative claim process before you can file a lawsuit. Learn more about Colorado car accident laws to understand how state law intersects with federal claims.
How long do I have to file a claim against the USPS in Colorado?
Time is of the essence. Under the FTCA, you generally have two years from the accident date to file an administrative claim. You file this SF-95 with the USPS. If you fail to file within this window, you lose your right to seek compensation. This is a federal deadline. It differs from Colorado’s standard three-year statute of limitations for car accidents. Contact Matlin Injury Law immediately to protect your rights. Learn about the statute of limitations for a truck accident claim to understand your timeline.
What types of compensation can I recover in a USPS accident claim?
You can recover many of the same types of damages available in a standard personal injury case. This includes:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost while you were unable to work. This also includes loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Learn more about types of damages in personal injury car accident claims.
How long does the USPS administrative process take?
Once you file your SF-95, the USPS has six months to review the claim. They may offer a settlement, or they may deny the claim. If they deny the claim, you then have the right to file a formal lawsuit. You can also file if they fail to respond within six months. This six-month “waiting period” is a mandatory step in the process. Our Denver personal injury lawyers guide you through each phase. Understanding how long the car accident claim process takes helps you prepare for the timeline ahead.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. The FTCA applies the law of the state where the accident occurred. Colorado follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, the court will reduce your total recovery by your percentage of fault. For example, if the court finds you 20% at fault, it would reduce your $100,000 award to $80,000. Learn more about comparative negligence in Colorado.
Will my USPS accident case go to trial?
Parties settle most USPS claims during the administrative phase or shortly after a lawsuit is filed. The federal government often prefers to settle clear cases of negligence. This avoids the costs of a trial. However, if the government refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to federal court. We fight for the compensation you deserve. Understanding whether your case will settle helps you prepare for all possible outcomes.
Do I really need a lawyer for a mail truck accident?
While the law does not require you to have a lawyer, the details of the FTCA make it advisable. A single mistake on Standard Form 95 or a missed deadline can end your case instantly. An attorney understands how to value your claim accurately. We handle the federal bureaucracy and work to meet all procedural requirements. Learn more about why you should hire a truck accident lawyer. Discover how an attorney can help with your car accident claim.
