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When you collide with a United States Postal Service (USPS) truck in Littleton, Colorado, the path to compensation differs significantly from typical vehicle accident cases. The federal government’s involvement creates additional hurdles and strict procedural requirements that can be difficult to manage while recovering from injuries.
Our Littleton USPS truck accident lawyers understand these unique challenges and the specific federal laws governing claims against postal vehicles. At Matlin Injury Law, we guide clients through this process, helping them secure fair compensation despite the additional complexity.
Our firm has won over $25 million for accident victims. Learn what our Littleton delivery truck accident lawyers can do for you with a free consultation.
Unique Aspects of USPS Truck Accident Claims
Accidents involving USPS trucks fall under different legal rules than standard vehicle collisions because the postal service is a federal government agency. This distinction fundamentally changes how your claim proceeds.
Unlike regular auto accident cases, claims against the USPS must follow the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) procedures. This federal law allows individuals to seek compensation from the government but imposes specific requirements and limitations not present in standard personal injury cases.
- Administrative claim requirement: Before filing a lawsuit, you must submit an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 to the appropriate postal service division within two years of the accident.
- Six-month review period: After submitting your claim, the USPS has six months to investigate and respond with a settlement offer or denial.
- Limited lawsuit options: If your claim is denied or the settlement offer is inadequate, you have just six months to file a federal lawsuit—a much shorter window than Colorado’s standard three-year statute of limitations for auto accidents.
- Different liability standards: The USPS may only be liable for actions within the scope of the mail carrier’s employment, creating potential defenses not available in private vehicle cases.
These procedural differences make USPS accident claims particularly challenging for individuals without a Littleton truck accident lawyer with experience in these cases.
Why Legal Representation Is Particularly Important
Littleton postal truck accident lawyers understand how to properly document your damages, comply with administrative requirements, and effectively negotiate with government representatives. Without this knowledge, many victims submit incomplete claims that result in automatic denials or severely reduced compensation offers.
Government claims adjusters handle hundreds of cases and are focused on minimizing payouts. Having an advocate who understands fair compensation values for your specific injuries helps ensure the government’s offer adequately addresses your needs rather than merely closing your file quickly.
Common Injuries in USPS Mail Truck Accidents
USPS vehicles, particularly the iconic Grumman LLVs, lack many modern safety features found in passenger vehicles. They typically don’t have airbags, reinforced frames, or crumple zones, potentially resulting in more severe injuries during collisions. Their height and weight also create significant impact forces when striking passenger vehicles or pedestrians.
Some of the injuries our Littleton personal injury lawyers have seen include:
- Head and brain injuries: The force of impact can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or skull fractures, potentially leading to long-term cognitive issues, memory problems, or personality changes.
- Neck and back trauma: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord damage frequently occur, sometimes requiring surgery, physical therapy, or causing permanent mobility limitations.
- Broken bones: Fractures of arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones are common, especially in pedestrian impacts or side-collision accidents with mail trucks.
- Soft tissue damage: Muscle tears, ligament damage, and joint injuries may cause chronic pain and restricted movement long after the accident.
These physical injuries often accompany psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly if the accident was severe or life-threatening. These non-physical impacts deserve compensation as well.
Filing a Claim Against the USPS in Colorado
The process for seeking compensation after a USPS truck accident requires meticulous attention to procedural details and documentation.
Your Littleton USPS truck accident attorney will investigate the crash, then file Standard Form 95 (Claim for Damage, Injury, or Death) with the USPS. This form requires specific information about the accident, your injuries, and the compensation amount you’re seeking.
Importantly, the amount listed on this form generally serves as the maximum you can later recover, making accurate damage assessment critical from the outset. Supporting documentation must accompany your claim, including:
- Medical records: All treatment records, diagnostic reports, and billing statements related to your injuries
- Income verification: Pay stubs, tax returns, or employer statements confirming lost wages and future income impacts
- Accident evidence: Police reports, witness statements, photographs, and any other documentation of how the collision occurred
- Expert opinions: Medical assessments of your long-term prognosis and any expected future treatment needs
After submission, the USPS legal department and claims division review your claim. During the six-month review period, they may request additional information, arrange independent medical examinations, or begin settlement negotiations. If they deny your claim or make an inadequate offer, you must decide whether to accept or proceed to federal court.
How Our Littleton Attorneys Approach USPS Accident Cases
Our team brings over 50 years of combined experience to your case, including specific knowledge of federal tort claims procedures. Since our founding in 2020, we’ve helped injured clients recover more than $25 million in compensation, including from government entities like the postal service.
Throughout the process, you maintain direct communication with your attorney rather than being passed between staff members. Our client app provides daily case updates, ensuring you’re always informed about developments without having to request information.
We carefully calculate all applicable damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Though federal claims have certain damage limitations, we work to maximize your recovery within these constraints.
Contact Our Littleton USPS Truck Accident Lawyers
The nature of these cases makes experienced legal representation particularly valuable in securing fair compensation. At Matlin Injury Law, we combine federal claims knowledge with client-centered service to guide you through this challenging process.
Our Littleton-based team develops personalized legal strategies for each client rather than applying standardized approaches. We understand that your injuries affect every aspect of your life and fight for compensation that addresses all your losses.
Contact Matlin Injury Law today for a consultation about your case. Our Littleton USPS truck accident attorneys will explain your options in clear terms and help you make informed decisions about moving forward.
