Car Accident with a USPS Mail Truck

Accidents involving government vehicles, including those operated by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and driven by its employees, present unique challenges compared to typical car accidents in South Carolina. Because USPS is a federal agency, motor vehicle accident claims involving one of their mail trucks are handled differently and must follow the federal procedures outlined under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

For car accident victims in Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina, understanding these rules is important when pursuing fair compensation after being in an accident with a USPS vehicle. At The Lovely Law Firm, our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling claims involving government entities, including the United States Postal Service. They can help guide and represent you through every step of this complex process.

What Happens if a USPS Driver Hits Your Car?

When a USPS driver causes a collision, whether they hit your parked car or the accident occurs while you are also driving, the process for seeking compensation is not as straightforward as it would be in a typical car accident claim. Because USPS is operated through the federal government, you cannot simply file a claim with the USPS driver’s vehicle insurance or take them to court. Instead, your claim must go through the federal claims process that is outlined under the FTCA.

The first thing to understand is that USPS drivers are federal employees. When they cause accidents while performing their official work-related duties, the federal government may be held liable if the driver’s negligence was the cause of the accident. However, you must follow very specific procedures to preserve your right to compensation from the federal government.

Here are the steps you should take after being hit by a USPS vehicle:

1. Call 911 and request police assistance so that a report is filed and the accident scene is documented accurately. Always have an official accident report created by responding law enforcement, as this is often required to pursue compensation. This document is very important for establishing what happened and who was at fault.
2. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you believe your injuries are minor or that you aren’t injured at all. It’s important to get evaluated by a doctor, as many car accident injuries often worsen or manifest in the hours or days after an accident.
3. Collect evidence and information at the scene. Take photos of the USPS vehicle, its license plate, the driver’s USPS identification badge, and any visible damage to your car.
4. Get witness information so that you can contact them if needed when pursuing compensation. If anyone saw the accident occur, write down their contact details. Witness statements can be invaluable when proving negligence.
5. Avoid discussing fault with the USPS driver. Anything you say could later be used to dispute your claim.

Once you’ve taken these steps, you’ll need to begin the formal claim process against the USPS, which is more structured than a standard insurance claim. Our team of car accident attorneys at The Lovely Law Firm can help you through the process of filing your claim against USPS.

How to File an Auto Accident Claim with USPS

To recover damages through a USPS car accident settlement for injuries or property loss caused by a USPS vehicle accident, you must file a claim directly with the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act. This process begins by submitting the Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to the USPS. This form notifies the federal government of your accident claim and allows them to investigate the accident. Here is how the process typically works:

1. Complete Standard Form 95 – This document requires you to fill out information about the accident:
   • Contact information
   • A detailed description of the accident
   • The damages you’re claiming
   • The amount of compensation you seek

You must specify a “sum certain,” which means the total dollar amount you’re demanding.

1. File The Claim With The Correct USPS Office – the fully filled out SF-95 should be sent to the regional USPS tort claims coordinator that is responsible for the area where the accident occurred.
2. Keep A Copy Of Everything – Always retain a copy of your completed SF-95 form, accident reports, medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence with USPS.
3. Wait for USPS To Respond – After filing, USPS has up to six months to investigate and either approve, deny, or offer a USPS car accident settlement.

If USPS denies your claim or fails to respond within six months of submitting the SF-95 to the correct USPS office, you have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court. However, you cannot file a lawsuit in federal court until you’ve first completed the administrative claims process. This rule is known as the exhaustion of administrative remedies, and our team at the Lovely Law Firm can help ensure that you have fulfilled your obligations before pursuing a lawsuit in federal court.

Because federal procedures are strict and the deadlines they require you to adhere to for filing claims are non-negotiable, working with an experienced car accident attorney who has the experience and knowledge necessary to handle federal tort claims is important. At the Lovely Law Firm, our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers handle every step of this process for our clients. From completing and filing the claim form to negotiating directly with the government for a fair settlement, we are here to handle the legal aspects of your case while you recover from your injuries.

Understanding USPS Vehicle Insurance

Unlike private delivery companies, USPS operates under a self-insured model. This means USPS does not carry traditional vehicle insurance like private motorists or companies such as UPS or FedEx. Instead, accident claims against USPS are paid directly by the federal government through the U.S. Treasury.

This distinction is significant because it means you cannot file a claim through a traditional USPS car insurance policy, like with civilian drivers. You must go through the FTCA process and fill out SF-95 to recover damages. The federal government essentially acts as the “insurance company” for the USPS and will handle claims internally through the postal service’s tort claims division.

Without conventional insurance, it can make it difficult for accident victims to know where to turn after a crash. Many victims mistakenly try to file claims through private insurance channels or contact the local post office. However, the only proper way to pursue compensation is to file an FTCA claim directly with USPS.

USPS Auto Accident Claims Phone Number

To start the claims process or request more information, you can contact the USPS auto accident claims phone number through the specific agency’s National Tort Center. There isn’t a particular number for auto accident claims through the USPS, however, you can call 1-800-ASK-USPS, and they may be able to redirect your call to the claims center. The claims center can provide guidance on where to submit your completed Standard Form 95 and answer basic questions about your claim’s status.

However, it’s important for USPS accident victims to remember that USPS employees who answer these calls are not their advocates, and what you say can affect your claim. Their job is to manage and limit the government’s liability for accidents, not to maximize your compensation or help you pursue it. Before calling or communicating with USPS representatives, it’s wise to speak with an attorney from our team who fully understands how to present your claim strategically and protect your rights.

At The Lovely Law Firm, we handle all communication with USPS and federal agencies on behalf of our clients. We ensure all paperwork is completed accurately, deadlines are met, and your claim is supported by compelling evidence such as medical reports, accident reconstruction data, and witness statements.

What Damages Can You Claim in a USPS Car Accident Settlement

A USPS car accident settlement typically covers the same types of damages that can be claimed in other car accident cases with civilian drivers. However, because these accident claims are handled under federal law, the process of filing for and receiving compensation may take longer, and certain types of damages, such as punitive damages, cannot be claimed. If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by a USPS vehicle, you may be eligible to recover compensation:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Property damage to your vehicle
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

The key to a successful USPS car accident settlement in South Carolina is proving that the USPS driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash and that their negligence is what directly caused the accident in which you sustained your injuries or damages. For example, if the mail truck driver ran a red light, failed to yield, or was distracted by sorting mail or texting while driving, these actions may be determined as acts of negligence.

Once your claim is reviewed, USPS may offer a settlement amount for your car accident. If the offer is fair and adequately compensates you for your losses, an attorney from our team can help finalize the agreement. If the offer is insufficient or your claim is denied, you can pursue a lawsuit in federal district court.

Why Choose The Lovely Law Firm after a USPS Vehicle Accident

Handling an accident involving a USPS mail truck requires knowledge of both state and federal law, as well as the procedures for filing a compensation claim. Many personal injury firms focus only on traditional insurance claims, but at The Lovely Law Firm, we understand the complexities of filing claims against government entities.

Our car accident attorneys have a proven track record of representing clients injured by government and commercial vehicles throughout Myrtle Beach and South Carolina. We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident and determining liability to filing the FTCA claim and negotiating with USPS representatives.