USPS Accidents Are Complicated. We Know the Process and the Loopholes.
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When your life is turned upside down and the bills don’t stop, we’ll handle the federal claims process so you can focus on healing. You don’t pay unless we win.
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Why You Need a USPS Accident Attorney for Your Federal Claim
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a United StatesPostal Service (USPS) vehicle or USPS worker, you are entitled to take legal action by filing a claim and seeking compensation for your damages.
The USPS is an independent establishment of the executive branch of the United States government, and the rules for bringing a claim against the USPS and/or its workers are strict. These strict federal rules and procedures differ significantly from typical state court car accident claims.
Even a minor error could significantly delay your claim or prevent you from recovering compensation for your injuries.
Injured in an Accident With a USPS Truck in California?
Contact the trusted team at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced USPS accident lawyers will walk you through your legal options and answer your questions. Call now to speak directly with an attorney who knows how to handle federal claims.
Why USPS Accident Claims Are Different
Accidents involving USPS vehicles might seem straightforward, but filing a claim and filing a lawsuit is more complicated than in a typical car accident.
Because the USPS is a federal agency, your claim falls under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which has strict rules and a different process.
You Can’t Sue Right Away
Before going to court, you're required to submit a Standard Form 95 (SF-95) within two years of your accident. Missing this deadline means you lose the right to seek compensation.
Slower and More Complex Process
While insurance adjusters may respond within days in normal car accident claims, USPS has up to six months to reply. You might not receive any updates during this period, adding stress to an already difficult situation. If USPS denies or ignores your claim, only then can you proceed with a federal lawsuit.
Limits on Recoverable Damages
Unlike other accident claims, FTCA claims don’t allow punitive damages. You can recover actual damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Careful documentation from the beginning is essential.
Specialized Legal Knowledge Required
Many personal injury lawyers aren’t familiar with FTCA processes, increasing the risk of costly mistakes. You need an attorney who has handled federal claims and knows exactly how to navigate them.
We understand how daunting these challenges feel. Our experienced attorneys handle the complexity so you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries.
We Know How to Handle These Cases
Our firm has experience handling USPS vehicle accident claims from beginning to end.
We’ve helped clients in cases involving:
Car accidents with mail trucks
Pedestrians struck by USPS vehicles
Denied FTCA claims but later won in litigation
We understand how overwhelming this process can feel. That’s why our team handles USPS claims from start to finish, so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal details.
Need help? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Common Causes of USPS Truck Accidents
USPS vehicles present similar risks as other commercial vehicles. Common contributing factors include:
Driver Error +
Poor Weather Conditions +
Poor Vehicle Maintenance +
Driver Fatigue +
Insufficient Training +
Traffic Violations +
Improperly Loaded Vehicles +
Impaired Driving +What to do After an Accident with a US Postal Delivery Vehicle
The U.S. Postal Service has faced budget cuts in recent years, which can make accident claims more difficult to pursue. If you’ve been injured, it’s crucial to take the right steps early. You’ll need to prove negligence to protect your personal injury claim.
Here’s how to set your case up for success:
1. File a Police Report Promptly
This creates an official record of the crash and helps establish key facts like time, location, and parties involved.
2. Gather Witness Statements
Independent witnesses can help support your version of events and confirm who was at fault.
3. Collect Evidence
Take photos or video of the accident scene and vehicles. Visual evidence can show damage, road conditions, and positioning that may support your claim.
4. Seek Medical Care And Keep All Records
Prompt treatment ties your injuries to the crash and provides documentation of your recovery and costs.
What Damages Can You Recover After a USPS Accident?
You might qualify for compensation if you suffered injuries after a collision with a U.S. mail delivery vehicle. A successful claim can help cover:
Medical Expenses
You can recover compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the accident, including:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries and follow-up care
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Future medical treatment, if ongoing care is needed
- Tip: Keep every bill, receipt, and medical record—this documentation is critical in FTCA claims.
Pain and Suffering
You can claim compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident. While there’s no strict formula for this amount, it often depends on:
- The severity of your injuries
- The length of your recovery
- How your daily life has been affected
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If the accident caused you to miss work, you can seek reimbursement for the income you lost during recovery. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may also recover for:
- Loss of future income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Missed job opportunities
- Note: There’s no cap on non-economic damages in FTCA claims, but every case is different.
Important FTCA Limitation
Unlike standard personal injury cases, claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) do not allow for punitive damages against the government. This makes it crucial to thoroughly document and aggressively pursue all available compensatory damages.
Who Is Responsible for a Crash Caused by a USPS Vehicle?
Liability in USPS accidents isn’t always straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
- The USPS driver
- The USPS itself
- A third-party maintenance company
- The vehicle manufacturer
We know what the government looks for—and how to fight back when they try to avoid paying.
The FTCA Claims Process
Any injury claims arising from a United States Postal Service vehicle accident are governed by the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This means your process differs significantly from standard personal injury claims. Here’s how the FTCA process works, step-by-step:
Prove the USPS is at Fault
Prove the USPS is at Fault To have a valid claim, you must demonstrate that a USPS employee caused your injuries through negligence, such as running a stop sign, backing into your car, or inattentive driving.
Confirm the Driver was Working
Confirm the Driver was Working The USPS employee must have been The USPS employee must have been “within the course and scope of their employment” at the accident time. In other words, they should have been performing job-related duties during the crash.
Fill Out and Submit Standard Form 95 (SF-95)
Fill Out and Submit Standard Form 95 (SF-95) The first formal step in pursuing USPS vehicle accident compensation is submitting Standard Form 95 (SF-95). Include:
- Date and location of the accident
- Brief description of the incident
- Sufficient description of the injury to enable the USPS to begin its own investigation
- Specific monetary amount you’re claiming as damages (leaving this blank can render the claim invalid)
Pro Tip: Be detailed and realistic in the amount claimed to avoid delays or rejection. However, don’t sell yourself short, more than likely your damages will be capped by the amount stated in the claim form if your claim is rejected and you are forced to commence litigation. In appropriate cases where you are still treating at the time the claim form must be presented, a consultation with a medical expert and/or life care planner may be warranted so that a sum certain for lifetime medical expenses can be accurately provided in the claim form.
Provide Supporting Documentation
Provide Supporting Documentation Strengthen your claim by gathering necessary documentation, including:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Witness statements
- Repair or replacement estimates
Send Your Claim to the USPS Office
Send Your Claim to the USPS Office Claims should be filed with the Tort Claims Coordinator for the Postal Service District Office where the accident occurred, but may be filed at any office of the Postal Service, or sent directly to the Chief Counsel, Torts, General Law Service Center, USPS National Tort Center, 1720 Market Street, Room 2400, St. Louis, MO 63155-9948
Need Help? If you’re unsure where to submit your claim, our attorneys can help ensure it reaches the correct office promptly, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Await USPS’s Response (At Least 6 Months)
Await USPS’s Response (At Least 6 Months) Once a claim has been presented, the USPS has at least six months to consider the claim before any civil action can be commenced. During that period of time the USPS may do any of the following:
- Approve and offer a settlement
- Deny your claim
- Provide no response
If the USPS fails to respond within six months, you then have the right to escalate the matter by filing a lawsuit in federal court, not state court.
Don’t Miss This Deadline
If the USPS denies your claim at any point, you must commence a civil action in federal court within six months of the date the USPS mailed the denial. If you fail to do so, your claim will be forever barred.
Why Experienced Legal Guidance Matters
FTCA cases require meticulous adherence to specific federal procedures. Missing any step—particularly submitting your SF-95 correctly and on time—can permanently jeopardize your compensation. It’s essential to work with a California attorney experienced in federal claims who can guide you through this complex process and protect your rights effectively.
Call El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers for a free consultation. Our postal truck accident lawyer will review the details of your accident and provide an overview of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
A USPS truck hit me—can I sue them?
Yes, but it works differently than a typical car accident claim. Since USPS is a government agency, you have to follow the rules under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). You can’t sue right away—you first have to file a claim form (called SF-95) with the USPS. You may not commence a civil action against the USPS until either it (1) denies the claim; or (2) fails to take action within six months of when the claim was presented.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim against the USPS?
Technically, it’s not necessary. But if you suffer serious injuries, you should highly consider retaining a lawyer. FTCA claims are full of small but important details, and one mistake can cost you your case.
An experienced lawyer will make sure your claim is complete, on time, and backed with strong evidence.
How long do I have to file a claim against USPS?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file your administrative claim. If you miss that deadline, you lose your chance to get compensation—so don’t wait.
How long does the FTCA claim process take?
The FTCA claim process can range from several months to a few years. Initially, the USPS does not have any time limit to respond to your administrative claim. If they deny it or ignore it for six months, you can file a federal lawsuit, typically lasting another 1–3 years. The exact timeline depends on factors such as case complexity, injury severity, disputes over liability, and court schedules.
- Best case scenario: 6–12 months (early settlement).
- Typical timeline: 1–3 years (if litigating).
What if USPS denies my claim?
If the USPS denies your claim, you still have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court. You’ll need to do it within six months of getting the denial letter. This is when having a lawyer matters.
Can I refer a USPS case to your firm?
Absolutely. We take on USPS vehicle accident claims in California regularly, and we welcome attorney referrals.
Why Partner With Us
- We handle FTCA claims regularly.
From SF-95 filings to federal litigation, our team knows how to work within the federal system. - We respect your client relationships.
We treat every referral with the same level of care and professionalism you would. We’re transparent, responsive, and easy to work with. - We pay competitive referral fees.
In accordance with all applicable rules, we offer fair, documented referral compensation on cases we resolve.
Call us directly or submit a referral through our contact form by clicking the button below.
Let Us Help You Navigate the FTCA Claims Process
You shouldn’t have to figure this out alone. USPS accident claims are complex, but we know the system and how to fight for your compensation. From filing the right forms to holding the government accountable, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
We handle federal claims regularly and know exactly what it takes to move your case forward.
Call El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers at (213) 985-1120 or complete the form below.
We’ll guide you every step of the way—clearly, confidently, and with your best outcome in mind.
Get Help From A Trusted Personal Injury Attorney Today!
Don’t face the USPS bureaucracy alone while medical bills pile up and your injuries worsen. Every day you wait could damage your case and reduce your rightful compensation. Call us now for a free consultation and pay nothing unless we win for you. Your future security depends on the actions you take today.
