# What Are My Options After an Accident in Houston With a USPS Mail Truck? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Filing a Claim Under the Federal Tort Claims Act 2. What Causes USPS Mail Truck Accidents in Houston? 3. What Types of Damages Could You Receive for a USPS Mail Truck Accident Claim? 4. Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![What Are My Options After an Accident in Houston With a USPS Mail Truck?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/What-Are-My-Options-After-an-Accident-in-Houston-With-a-USPS-Mail-Truck-300x200.jpg) The United States Postal Service ([USPS](https://facts.usps.com/one-day/)) delivers millions of mail items every day. Much of that mail is delivered by the over 75,000 mail carriers employed by the USPS. Therefore, it is common to see mail USPS mail trucks navigating [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) roads each day. Just like other vehicles, USPS mail trucks are involved in traffic accidents. Data released by the government shows that over [29,000 USPS vehicles](https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2019/pb22534/html/cover.htm#:~:text=n%20Over%2013%2C000%20USPS%20motor,involved%20employees%20not%20wearing%20seatbelts) were involved in motor vehicle accidents in 2019.  What should you do if you are involved in an accident with a USPS mail truck? - Report the accident to the police by [calling 911](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/should-i-call-911-after-a-car-accident-in-houston/) - Take photographs of the accident scene and make a video of the crash site, if it is safe to do so - Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information - Seek immediate medical treatment at a hospital or doctor’s office - Contact a Houston accident lawyer as soon as possible The rules for [filing accident claims and lawsuits](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-the-steps-to-filing-a-personal-injury-lawsuit/) are different when the accident involves a federal employee or vehicle. Accidents involving USPS mail trucks are governed by the [Federal Tort Claims Act](https://www.house.gov/doing-business-with-the-house/leases/federal-tort-claims-act).  ## Filing a Claim Under the Federal Tort Claims Act You must take specific steps to protect your right to recover compensation for damages. The process and rules are different from dealing with a private insurance company. If you do not follow the rules, your claim could be denied.  Furthermore, the Federal Tort Claims Act has strict deadlines for filing claims. Missing any of those deadlines could result in your [claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/claim-vs-lawsuit/) being permanently barred.  To prove you are entitled to compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act for a USPS mail [truck accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), you have the [burden of proving](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-burden-of-proof-in-personal-injury-cases/): - A federal employee driving a USPS mail truck caused the accident; - The mail carrier was on the clock when the accident occurred; - The mail carrier acted negligently; and, - The mail carrier’s [negligence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-negligence/) [caused](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-causation-and-how-do-i-prove-it/) your [injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-injuries/) and damages.  Therefore, you need help from a personal injury lawyer with experience handling Federal Tort Claims. Pursuing and settling a USPS mail truck accident claim can be complicated and confusing. Without legal counsel, you could lose your right to recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## What Causes USPS Mail Truck Accidents in Houston? The Federal Tort Claims Act permits citizens to sue the federal government if an employee negligently causes an injury. Therefore, even if a mail carrier is not cited for a traffic violation, you can still sue the USPS for damages if the mail carrier’s negligent conduct contributed to the cause of the accident. Mail carriers are not immune from poor driving decisions. Therefore, they can be guilty of: - [Speeding](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/speeding/) - Reckless driving - [Distracted driving](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/distracted-driving/) - [Driving under the influence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/dui/) - Fatigued or drowsy driving - Wrong-side driving  - Improper backing Other factors could contribute to the cause of a mail truck accident. For example, poor vehicle maintenance could cause the vehicle’s brakes, tires, steering, or other systems to fail or malfunction. Mechanical failure could be the cause of the traffic accident.  ## What Types of Damages Could You Receive for a USPS Mail Truck Accident Claim? The Federal Tort Claims Act allows recovery for compensatory damages only. Therefore, you cannot recover compensation for [punitive damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-punitive-damages-in-texas/). You can recover compensation for your [economic](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-economic-damages/) and [non-economic](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-non-economic-damages-in-texas/) damages, including: - Physical [pain and suffering damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-are-pain-and-suffering-damages-calculated/) - Past and future [medical bills](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-handle-your-medical-bills-after-a-car-accident/) and other costs of treatment  - Personal care and/or nursing care  - [Loss of income](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-the-difference-between-loss-of-income-and-loss-of-earning-potential/), including future [lost wages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/can-i-be-reimbursed-for-lost-wages-after-a-car-accident/), benefits, and [diminished earning potential](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/loss-of-earnings-and-diminished-earning-capacity/) - Mental anguish and suffering - [Out-of-pocket expenses](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/out-of-pocket-expenses/)  - Loss of enjoyment of life and a decrease in your [quality of life](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/quality-of-life/) - Disfigurement and scarring - [Emotional distress](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/suing-for-emotional-distress-after-an-accident/) and trauma - Permanent [disability](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-the-top-10-disabilities/) and impairment  The Federal Tort Claims Act does not place a cap on damages you can recover. However, it does allow for limitations on damages under state law. How much your claim is worth depends on the facts of your case. For example, if you sustain a permanent impairment, the value of your claim generally increases. Permanent impairments can result in future lost wages, ongoing medical bills, and increased pain and suffering. However, if you contributed to the cause of the accident, the value of your claim could decrease. Also, the strength of your [evidence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-evidence-in-a-personal-injury-case/) can be a factor in the settlement amount.  An experienced accident attorney evaluates your case to determine the best option to recover maximum compensation for your claim. An attorney also evens the playing field when you are going up against experienced government lawyers who have endless resources to fight claims and complicated procedures intended to frustrate and overwhelm claimants.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help For more information, [contact](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/contact-us/) the [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) truck accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000). --- **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston**[3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77098](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Houston/@29.7309684,-95.4262545,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640bf255e7aaf73:0x52064b120afa59fe!8m2!3d29.7309684!4d-95.4262545!16s%2Fg%2F1tfrxw9q?entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy**[11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06, Houston, TX 77029](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+East+Fwy/@29.773407,-95.2301421,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640bd52b80b3fe3:0xb5804dd15c47b17b!8m2!3d29.773407!4d-95.2301421!16s%2Fg%2F11r10lsb0x?source=g.page.share&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop**[2600 S Loop W, Suite 293, Houston, TX 77054](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+South+Loop/@29.6785093,-95.4184191,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640c1c0e435eacd:0x81fd3c6eb30bc542!8m2!3d29.6785093!4d-95.4184191!16s%2Fg%2F11ry4wjwqr?cid=9366709246148461890&_ga=2.209939733.1628598219.1648478482-1081226185.1622227003&shorturl=1&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Katy Freeway**[11511 Katy Fwy Suite 515, Houston, TX 77079](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Katy+Freeway/@29.7836667,-95.5861677,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640dbd008653a11:0x9786540c9ab0bfd9!8m2!3d29.7836667!4d-95.5861677!16s%2Fg%2F11y3dw2v44?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers** **– Clear Lake** [1300 Bay Area Blvd Suite B268, Houston, TX 77058](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Clear+Lake/@29.5598212,-95.1152728,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x86409d1b345242c9:0x5895a119f6ed1d9!8m2!3d29.5598212!4d-95.1152728!16s%2Fg%2F11lf7xm8n8?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&coh=219816&entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgxNC4xKgBIAVAD/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers** **– The Woodlands** [1776 Woodstead Ct ste 203, The Woodlands, TX 77380](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+The+Woodlands/@30.1548897,-95.4639792,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x864737efe5a3cb73:0xff70634b80d03844!8m2!3d30.1548897!4d-95.4639792!16s%2Fg%2F11y98y92_f?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExOS4yIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D/) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Truck Accidents Blog Posts: [![Average Settlement Value of a Truck Accident Injury Case in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Average-Settlement-Value-of-a-Truck-Accident-Injury-Case-in-Texas-300x190.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/average-settlement-value-of-a-truck-accident-injury-case/) [Average Settlement Value of a Truck Accident Injury Case](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/average-settlement-value-of-a-truck-accident-injury-case/) When a semi truck is involved in a crash with a passenger car, there can be serious injuries and property damage due [![What to Do When Involved in a Truck Accident (Out of State)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/What-to-Do-When-Involved-in-a-Truck-Accident-Out-of-State-300x191.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-when-involved-in-a-truck-accident-out-of-state/) [What to Do When Involved in a Truck Accident Out of State](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-when-involved-in-a-truck-accident-out-of-state/) Your unfamiliarity with the roads and weather conditions in other areas of the country can increase your risk of being [![5 Things You Didn't Know About Semi-Trucks](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-semi-trucks/) [5 Things You Didn't Know About Semi-Trucks](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-semi-trucks/) Before the pandemic, the trucking industry seldom got the credit it deserved. Now, most Americans appreciate the value [![Interstate vs. Intrastate Trucking](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Interstate-vs-Intrastate-Trucking-300x179.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/interstate-vs-intrastate-trucking/) [Interstate vs. Intrastate Trucking](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/interstate-vs-intrastate-trucking/) Many people may not put much thought into interstate vs. intrastate trucking. However, the differences expand beyond --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-my-options-after-an-accident-in-houston-with-a-usps-mail-truck/