Published in Personal Injury by Chris Eskew on May 31, 2023.
If you were hit by a USPS mail truck, you might wonder how to file an auto accident claim with the USPS in Indiana. Under the Federal Tort Claims Act, you must first file a timely tort claim prior to filing a lawsuit against a federal employee that injured you. Under federal law, you file a claim with the appropriate federal agency whose employee was involved in the incident. Filing a claim against the USPS may sound intimidating, but you do not have to go through it alone. A personal injury attorney can help you understand and advocate for your rights.
Eskew Law provides clear, straightforward answers to our clients’ questions. We aim to help alleviate your burden by providing personalized, professional, and honest legal representation.
What Should You Do If You Are Hit by a USPS Mail Truck?
If you are in an accident with a United States Postal Service worker, you should first contact the police to report the accident and seek medical attention. Record the worker’s information, such as their name, fleet number, address, and phone number. You should also note what branch they work at and whether they are an employee or an independent contractor. Next, report the accident to your insurance provider and contact a lawyer to help you with the negotiations and claims process.
Filing a Claim After an Accident with a USPS Mail Truck
The Federal Tort Claims Act is a law that applies to most situations where a federal employee harms someone else. Under the Act, injury victims must file an administrative claim with the government agency that harmed them (such as the USPS) before bringing a lawsuit against the federal government or employee. In the case of accidents involving postal employees, injury victims usually cannot file a lawsuit against the agency until the postal service denies their claim.
How to File an Auto Accident Claim with the USPS in Indiana
You can file a claim with the USPS in Indiana in a couple of ways. The first (and preferred) option is to file the claim with the Tort Claims Coordinator for the Postal Service District Office covering the location of the accident. You can also file a claim at any postal office. Finally, you can mail your claim to the Chief Counsel at the USPS National Tort Center.
What Evidence Do I Need to Submit to Support My Claim Against the USPS?
To support your claim for damages, you must submit sufficient evidence for the postal service to properly evaluate the situation. The federal regulations provide more details on what you need to present, depending on the type of claim you are bringing. For example, if you are claiming personal injuries, here are examples of evidence you may need to submit:
- Note from your doctor describing your injuries, the likelihood that you will recover, and the treatments involved;
- Statement from your employer calculating the approximate amount of lost wages; and
- Detailed medical bills.
Keeping detailed records of your injuries and all accident-related expenses is essential. You can use this evidence to support your request for compensation and prove the extent of the physical and financial harm from the crash.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a US Postal Service Truck Accident?
Injury victims have two years from the date of the accident to file an administrative claim with the United States Postal Service. Victims can file a lawsuit within six months after the Postal Service mails a notice denying the victims’ claims.
Eskew Law: Dedicated Attorneys Serving Indiana
If you are in an accident involving USPS, you may feel overwhelmed by options and have questions about what you should do next. Our team of committed attorneys is here to review your case and advise you on your options.
We understand what is at stake and can help you create a case strategy that maximizes your chances of success. Our team includes Raeanna Spahn, who is committed to listening to her clients and curating a personalized legal plan to fit the client’s situation. Throughout her 13 years in practice, she has garnered extensive experience on both the plaintiff and defense sides, which she uses to her client’s advantage.
If you were hit by a USPS truck driver, contact our team today to schedule a consultation.
