A UPS delivery truck was involved in a rollover accident in Fresno on Wednesday, raising concerns about commercial vehicle safety at major highway intersections. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of Highway 99 and Olive Avenue, resulted in the delivery vehicle landing on its side.
Details of the UPS Truck Accident
According to the Fresno Police Department, the brown UPS delivery truck overturned during the incident, coming to rest on its side. While the crash involved contact with another vehicle, authorities reported that the second vehicle sustained minimal damage. The timing and exact circumstances leading to the rollover have not been officially disclosed by investigators.
The intersection where the rollover occurred is a major junction point connecting Highway 99 with one of Fresno’s primary commercial corridors along Olive Avenue. The incident caused significant traffic delays as emergency responders worked to secure the scene and assess potential hazards, including any displaced cargo from the UPS vehicle. While the specific contents of the delivery truck were not disclosed,
UPS vehicles typically carry numerous packages that can become hazardous debris when scattered across roadways during rollover incidents. Fortunately, despite the dramatic nature of the rollover, the incident resulted in a relatively minor impact on other traffic participants, which speaks to the importance of commercial vehicle safety features and proper load-securing protocols.
Commercial Vehicle Safety Concerns
Highway 99 intersections present unique challenges for commercial vehicles, particularly large delivery trucks navigating turns and merges during busy periods. This incident highlights the importance of commercial vehicle safety protocols and proper training for drivers operating these larger vehicles in complex traffic environments.
The intersection of Highway 99 and Olive Avenue poses particular challenges for commercial vehicles due to its complex traffic patterns and frequent speed differentials between highway and local traffic. Large delivery vehicles like UPS trucks have higher centres of gravity, making them more susceptible to rollover incidents, especially when executing turning manoeuvres or responding to sudden traffic changes.
This risk increases when drivers must navigate between highway speeds and local street conditions while managing tight delivery schedules. Recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows that rollover incidents account for a significant percentage of serious commercial vehicle accidents, with intersection-related rollovers being particularly concerning due to the potential for multi-vehicle involvement and severe injuries.
Legal Implications of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving commercial delivery vehicles like UPS trucks often involve additional legal considerations:
- Multiple potentially liable parties (driver, shipping company, maintenance providers)
- Federal and state regulations governing commercial vehicles
- Complex insurance coverage issues
- Corporate safety policy compliance
- Driver qualification and training records
- Vehicle maintenance documentation
In cases involving UPS trucks and other commercial vehicles, the preservation of electronic data becomes critically important. These vehicles are typically equipped with sophisticated tracking and monitoring systems that record speed, braking patterns, hours of service, and other crucial operational data. Under federal regulations, this data must be preserved, but it can be overwritten or lost if not properly requested and secured immediately after an accident.
Additionally, UPS maintains extensive internal safety protocols and driver training records that can become vital evidence in determining liability. The company’s position as a major corporation also means they have substantial insurance coverage and experienced legal teams, making it essential for injured parties to secure equally experienced legal representation to protect their interests and ensure all potential sources of compensation are properly identified and pursued.
Steps Following a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you’re involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle:
- Ensure everyone’s safety and call emergency services
- Document the scene with photos and videos if safe
- Collect information from all parties involved
- Obtain witness statements and contact information
- Report the incident to your insurance company
- Seek medical attention even for minor injuries
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney
Documentation becomes particularly crucial in commercial vehicle accidents like this UPS rollover incident. Beyond basic accident scene photos, it’s important to capture specific details unique to commercial vehicles, such as DOT numbers, carrier information, and any visible safety violations.
In the immediate aftermath, many people focus solely on vehicle damage but overlook documenting the condition of secured loads, trailer stability systems, or commercial vehicle safety equipment. Additionally, obtaining the driver’s commercial license information and company details is essential.
Given the complex corporate structure of companies like UPS, it’s crucial to note both the driver’s direct employer and any affiliated companies, as multiple business entities may share liability. Remember that commercial vehicles often have multiple insurance policies in effect simultaneously, including separate coverage for the truck, trailer, and cargo.
Investigating Commercial Vehicle Accidents
These types of accidents require thorough investigation to determine:
- Driver compliance with hours-of-service regulations
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Driver training and qualification documentation
- Company safety policies and procedures
- Black box data and electronic logging device records
In this UPS rollover incident, investigators must also examine specific factors unique to delivery vehicle operations. This includes analyzing the truck’s route schedule, delivery time pressures, and load distribution which can significantly impact vehicle stability during turns.
Modern UPS trucks are equipped with advanced telematics systems that record not just speed and braking data, but also g-force measurements that can indicate the precise moments leading to a rollover. Security cameras at the Highway 99 and Olive Avenue intersection may provide additional crucial evidence about traffic conditions and vehicle movements.
Professional accident reconstructionists often use this data alongside physical evidence like tire marks, vehicle final resting positions, and road conditions to create detailed digital reconstructions of the accident sequence, which can be vital in determining liability and preventing future incidents.
Understanding Truck Accident Settlement Values
Commercial vehicle accident settlement calculators serve as essential tools in evaluating compensation for UPS truck accidents like this Fresno rollover incident. These specialized calculators incorporate critical factors unique to commercial vehicle cases, including the complexity of corporate liability, multiple insurance policies, federal regulation compliance, and company safety records. The calculators analyze concrete damages such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages, while also factoring in more complex elements like commercial policy limits, corporate safety histories, driver qualification records, and electronic logging data.
In cases involving major carriers like UPS, settlement calculations must also consider the company’s substantial insurance coverage and corporate resources. However, at GJEL, we understand that these calculators provide only baseline figures – each commercial vehicle accident presents unique circumstances that require careful evaluation beyond basic calculations.
Our extensive experience with truck accident litigation allows us to identify additional value factors that automated calculators might miss, ensuring our clients receive maximum compensation for all damages sustained in commercial vehicle accidents. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 for a free legal consultation.
Moving Forward
“As an attorney who has handled numerous commercial truck accident cases throughout California, I’m particularly concerned about incidents like this UPS rollover at Highway 99 and Olive Avenue. When a delivery truck rolls over, it creates uniquely dangerous situations that can affect multiple parties. If you were involved in or witnessed this accident, you need to understand that cases involving major corporations like UPS have specific legal complexities that require immediate attention. Evidence such as electronic logging devices, black box data, and company safety records must be preserved quickly. Don’t let corporate insurance adjusters minimize your claim or pressure you into a quick settlement. Our team at GJEL knows exactly what documentation to demand and how to handle these complex commercial vehicle cases. We have decades of experience standing up to major corporations and their insurance companies to ensure our clients receive full compensation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery – remember, we work on a contingency basis, so there’s no cost unless we win your case.” – Andy Gillin, Founding Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
Commercial vehicle accidents involve complex legal and insurance issues that require specialized expertise. GJEL Accident Attorneys has extensive experience handling commercial vehicle accident cases throughout California and can help protect your rights. Our team is committed to helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve.
GJEL accident attorneys offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we win your case. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to protect your rights and help you navigate the complex aftermath of an accident. At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Fremont office to talk to the experts.
Important Resources and Contact Information
For additional information about this UPS truck rollover accident or to report relevant details, the following resources are available:
Fresno Police Department
2323 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA 93721
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (559) 621-7000
- Traffic Bureau: (559) 621-5050
- Commercial Vehicle Unit: (559) 621-5052
Fresno Police Department Traffic Bureau
- Collision Investigation Unit: (559) 621-5066
- Commercial Vehicle Safety Division: (559) 621-5051
- Email: trafficbureau@fresno.gov
- Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
California Highway Patrol – Fresno Area
5179 N Gates Avenue
Fresno, CA 93722
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (559) 705-2200
- Commercial Vehicle Safety Unit: (559) 705-2205
Report a Commercial Vehicle Accident Online
Visit the Fresno PD’s online reporting system:
www.fresno.gov/police/report-a-crime/
Additional Traffic Safety Resources
- Fresno Public Works Department (Traffic Operations): (559) 621-8800
- Caltrans District 6 (Fresno): (559) 444-2518
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (Western Region): (559) 454-1257
If you witnessed this accident or have any information that could assist investigators, please contact the Fresno Police Department’s Commercial Vehicle Unit directly. For medical emergencies or immediate assistance, always dial 911.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.