Illinois UPS Truck Accident Lawyers

Dedicated Attorneys for Victims Struck by UPS Delivery Vehicles

United Parcel Service (UPS) trucks are a familiar sight on Illinois roads, delivering packages to homes and businesses across the state. But as UPS’s delivery fleet grows in response to rising e-commerce demand, so too does the risk of serious accidents involving these large commercial vehicles. When a UPS truck crashes, the consequences can be devastating—particularly for drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we represent individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones in collisions involving UPS vehicles. If you’ve been hurt in a UPS truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation—but obtaining it can be complex. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Scope and Presence of UPS in Illinois

UPS is one of the largest delivery companies in the world, operating over 120,000 vehicles, including package cars, semi-trucks, and tractor-trailers. In Illinois, the company maintains major hubs in Chicago, Hodgkins, Addison, Rockford, and other cities. UPS facilities in the state process thousands of deliveries each day, employing drivers who often work long shifts under tight deadlines.

As of 2024:

• UPS operates more than 500 vehicles in Illinois through various DOT registrations, including its feeder and package delivery fleets.
• The UPS Chicago Area Consolidation Hub (CACH) in Hodgkins, IL is one of the largest UPS sorting facilities in the world.

The sheer volume of UPS traffic increases the risk of accidents—especially in congested urban areas like Chicago and on interstates like I-55, I-80, and I-294.

Statistics on UPS Truck Accidents Nationwide and in Illinois

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

• Between June 2022 and June 2024, UPS trucks were involved in:
  • 2,891 total crashes
  • 1,040 injury crashes
  • 67 fatal crashes

While FMCSA data is national, UPS crashes are common in Illinois due to high package volume and dense traffic.

Illinois Truck Accident Data

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT):

• In 2022, Illinois recorded 11,555 crashes involving tractor-trailers or large trucks.
• These crashes resulted in:
  • 1,879 injuries
  • 123 fatalities

UPS trucks—ranging from local delivery vans to 18-wheelers—are a significant part of this risk. While not all crashes are due to negligence, many result from preventable factors like driver fatigue, speeding, or improper maintenance.

Common Causes of UPS Truck Accidents in Illinois

UPS drivers face significant pressure to deliver packages on time. This pressure, combined with long hours, can create dangerous conditions on the road. Common causes of UPS truck accidents include:

1. Driver Fatigue

Commercial drivers are often on the road for extended hours. While UPS drivers are generally subject to strict hour-of-service rules, fatigue remains a leading factor in commercial vehicle accidents.

2. Distracted Driving

Using handheld scanners, GPS devices, or phones while driving can lead to momentary lapses in attention that result in crashes.

3. Speeding or Reckless Driving

In an effort to meet tight delivery deadlines, some UPS drivers may speed, roll through stop signs, or drive aggressively—especially in residential neighborhoods.

4. Improper Backing or Parking

UPS trucks often stop suddenly or park in unconventional spots, increasing the risk of accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and parked cars.

5. Inadequate Training or Supervision

Although UPS maintains a formal driver training program (“Integrad”), incidents still occur when drivers fail to adhere to safety protocols.

6. Mechanical Failures

Brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues can lead to devastating high-speed crashes, particularly on highways.

7. Improper Cargo Loading

Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can make the truck unstable, increasing the chance of rollovers or jackknifing on the road.

Types of UPS Trucks and Accident Scenarios

UPS operates multiple types of vehicles, and each poses its own risks:

• Brown package vans (delivery trucks) – Common in residential neighborhoods; often involved in pedestrian or bicycle accidents.
• Feeder trucks (semis and 18-wheelers) – Used between hubs; involved in high-speed highway crashes.
• Double trailers – Difficult to maneuver; pose rollover risks during bad weather or sharp turns.
• Hybrid and electric delivery vehicles – Increasingly used in urban areas; still vulnerable to driver error.

Each vehicle type requires different training and handling skills. When accidents happen, identifying the type of UPS vehicle involved can affect the outcome of your legal claim.

Common Injuries in UPS Truck Accidents

UPS trucks are heavier and more forceful than passenger vehicles. Victims in these crashes often suffer serious or permanent injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
• Severe whiplash and neck injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Crush injuries or amputations
• Wrongful death

The medical costs, lost wages, and emotional trauma from these injuries can be overwhelming—especially without legal representation.

Liability in UPS Truck Accidents

UPS truck accidents involve complex liability issues. Potentially liable parties include:

• The UPS driver – If the driver was negligent, distracted, or violated traffic laws.
• UPS (the company) – As the employer, UPS can be held responsible under the doctrine of respondeat superior for the actions of its drivers while on duty.
• Third-party maintenance companies – If improper repairs or inspections contributed to the crash.
• Truck or parts manufacturers – In cases involving mechanical defects or faulty brakes.

Illinois law allows victims to pursue compensation from one or multiple liable parties, depending on the circumstances. Determining fault in a UPS accident requires a careful investigation by a skilled Illinois truck accident attorney.

Evidence Used in UPS Accident Claims

To pursue a successful claim after a UPS truck accident, your attorney will collect critical evidence, including:

• Police crash reports
• Black box or GPS data from the UPS vehicle
• Delivery route records and logs
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Photographs of the crash scene
• Driver qualification and training records
• Maintenance logs
• Eyewitness statements
• Medical records and expert evaluations

UPS and its insurance carriers often begin their own investigation immediately after a crash. Victims should act quickly to protect their interests.

Damages Available to UPS Truck Accident Victims

Victims of UPS truck accidents in Illinois may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses (hospitalization, surgeries, therapy)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life
• Disfigurement or disability
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)

In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.

What to Do After a UPS Truck Accident in Illinois

If you are involved in a crash with a UPS truck, take the following steps:

1. Call 911 – Ensure law enforcement and medical help are on the scene.
2. Seek immediate medical care – Even if symptoms seem minor, get evaluated.
3. Take photos of the scene – Document vehicle positions, license plates, injuries, and road conditions.
4. Collect witness information – Eyewitness accounts can be powerful.
5. Do not talk to UPS or its insurers alone – They may attempt to shift blame or minimize your injuries.
6. Contact an experienced Illinois truck accident attorney – The sooner you call, the better protected you will be.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UPS Truck Accident Cases

Q: How long do I have to file a UPS truck accident claim in Illinois?

In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, truck accident cases often require months of investigation—don’t delay and contact a personal injury lawyer immediately.

Q: Can I sue UPS directly?

Yes. UPS is legally responsible for the negligent actions of its drivers and can be sued directly for corporate negligence, hiring practices, or failure to supervise.

Q: What if the UPS driver was an independent contractor?

UPS generally classifies its drivers as employees, but some feeder truck operators may be contractors. An experienced Illinois delivery truck attorney can investigate employment relationships and pursue all responsible parties.

Q: How much is my UPS accident case worth?

Every case is unique. The value depends on your injuries, the cost of medical care, lost income, insurance limits, and whether liability is clear. Serious injury cases may be worth hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your UPS Truck Accident Case?

Our law firm has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in complex truck accident cases throughout Illinois. We understand the tactics used by large corporations and insurance carriers—and we’re not afraid to fight back.

We offer:

• Aggressive litigation and negotiation skills
• Access to accident reconstructionists and trucking experts
• Personalized attention and compassion
• No fees unless we win your case

When UPS and their lawyers show up, you need a legal team with the experience and resources to match them.

Contact the Experienced Illinois UPS Truck Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured in a UPS truck accident in Illinois, don’t wait. These cases are time-sensitive, and UPS will have investigators working immediately to protect their bottom line. Let us protect your rights.

Call 844-MALMLAW or (630) 527-4177, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Let the award-winning Illinois truck accident lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates help you get the compensation you deserve.