What to Do After an Accident With a USPS Truck in Colorado?

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a USPS truck in Colorado, your first step should be to ensure everyone’s safety and report the incident to law enforcement immediately.

Next, you should seek immediate medical attention and then speak with an attorney. Unlike a typical car accident, collisions involving a United States Postal Service vehicle introduce a complex layer of federal liability and procedural requirements that many victims aren’t prepared to follow.

While a personal injury claim can help you recover medical expenses and lost wages, it can be challenging to know where to start when the government is involved.

From collecting the right evidence at the scene to understanding your legal options, this guide will walk you through what to do and how a Colorado truck accident lawyer can protect your rights and help secure fair compensation.

Ensure Immediate Safety and Call 911

The moments following any vehicle accident are often chaotic and stressful, but safety must come first. If you’re involved in a crash with a USPS truck, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If it’s safe to do so, move to a secure location away from traffic. Then, call 911 immediately.

Colorado law requires that accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage be reported to the police. When first responders arrive, they will assess the scene, provide medical assistance if needed, and file an official accident report. This report can play a vital role in your claim, particularly when dealing with a federal agency like the USPS.

Don’t assume the postal worker will handle the report. As the injured party, it’s essential that a formal record is created. If you’re able, take note of which agency responded and request a copy of the incident report for your records.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

After an accident with a USPS truck, seeking medical attention should be a top priority, even if you decline emergency medical care. Many injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma, have the best chances of recovery when discovered and treated promptly. 

Additionally, a prompt medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates a vital link between the accident and any injuries you suffer. In the context of a legal claim, documentation is everything.

Medical records provide objective evidence of your injuries, the treatment received, and the projected recovery process. These records help demonstrate the extent of your damages when pursuing compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

Delaying treatment can weaken your case. Insurance adjusters and federal attorneys may argue that your injuries were unrelated or exaggerated if there’s no immediate documentation. That’s why seeing a doctor as soon as possible is both a medical necessity and a legal strategy.

Exchange Information and Document the Scene

While you’re waiting for first responders, and if you’re physically able, begin documenting the scene. With accidents involving USPS trucks, thorough documentation is essential when pursuing a claim against a federal entity.

Start by gathering identification. Unlike private or commercial drivers, USPS employees typically don’t carry traditional insurance cards. Instead, record the driver’s name, employee ID, the license plate number of the USPS truck, and any vehicle identification or unit number displayed on the vehicle. Take note of the driver’s badge number if visible.

Photograph everything possible, such as vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries you have. If there are witnesses, politely ask if they’re willing to provide a statement and their contact information.

Even small details can become critical later, especially when proving negligence or countering a government agency’s defense. The more evidence you preserve now, the stronger your position will be during the claims process. If you are unable to collect evidence, your truck accident lawyer will do so on your behalf.

Understand the Unique Challenges of Suing a Government Entity

One of the most important distinctions in a USPS truck accident is that you’re not dealing with a private company. You’re dealing with the federal government, which means your legal claim must follow a special set of rules under the FTCA.

The FTCA allows private citizens to sue the U.S. government for negligence committed by federal employees acting within the scope of their employment, which includes USPS drivers. However, the process is more complicated and involves several restrictions not typically found in car accident claims.

The rules can be unforgiving. Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete forms can lead to claim dismissal. This is where legal knowledge can be helpful. A truck accident attorney familiar with FTCA procedures can ensure your claim is filed properly and on time.

Report the Incident to the USPS

After addressing immediate safety concerns and notifying law enforcement, it’s essential to report the accident to the United States Postal Service formally. Per the FTCA, you must first submit an administrative claim to the USPS before pursuing a lawsuit in federal court.

To do this, you’ll typically need to complete Standard Form 95 (SF-95). This form requires detailed information, including:

• The time, place, and facts of the incident
• The names and contact information of all parties involved
• A specific dollar amount for your damages (both property and personal injury)

Accuracy is critical. Anything you write can be used to evaluate or dispute your claim. We advise clients to let us report the accident. A lawyer experienced in FTCA claims can draft this form to avoid common mistakes and to present your case clearly and persuasively from the start.

Call Matlin Injury Law Regarding Your Colorado USPS Truck Accident Today

Being involved in an accident with a USPS truck in Colorado presents challenges that go far beyond a standard motor vehicle collision. From ensuring immediate safety and seeking medical attention to navigating federal claim procedures and strict deadlines under the FTCA, each step plays a critical role in protecting your health, rights, and financial recovery.

At every stage, a Colorado truck accident attorney from Matlin Injury Law can provide clarity, advocacy, and peace of mind. Whether it’s filing the proper paperwork, negotiating with federal agencies, or building a strong compensation claim, our attorneys are here to handle the process while you recover from your Injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a USPS truck accident, contact our firm today for a free consultation.