Mail trucks do not have right of way in all situations. Like all other vehicles, mail trucks are subject to traffic laws and don’t have priority over passenger cars, cyclists, or pedestrians. Understanding who has the right of way, and when, can help prevent serious accidents involving postal vehicles.
If you’ve been injured in a collision with a mail truck, you’ll want to hire an experienced Marietta car accident lawyer. They will advise you on traffic laws like right of way and pursue damages for your injuries and losses. Let’s take a closer look at whether mail trucks have right of way and how a skilled attorney will help you after an accident.
Mail Trucks and Right-of-Way Rules
If you’ve been hurt in an accident with a mail truck driver who claims they had right of way and is not at fault for the incident, you’ll need an attorney to help with your case. Your lawyer will explain whether the mail truck had the right of way and build a strong case on your behalf.
Until you hire an attorney, it can be helpful to learn about right-of-way rules and the situations in which mail trucks must obey traffic laws. Right-of-way laws exist to keep traffic flowing safely and predictably. These laws don’t “give” anyone ownership of the road. Instead, they simply determine who must yield to whom in certain situations.
As mentioned earlier, mail trucks, even though operated by federal employees, must obey all state traffic laws. In the state of Georgia, that includes:
- Obeying traffic signals and signs: Mail trucks must stop at red lights and stop signs just like any other vehicle.
- Yielding when entering traffic: When pulling away from a mailbox, shoulder, or driveway, mail truck drivers must yield to approaching vehicles before merging into the lane.
- Using turn signals: Postal drivers should signal before turning or merging, even when they are making frequent stops to deliver mail.
- Following speed limits: Even if a mail carrier is running behind schedule, they must obey posted speed limits.
When a Mail Truck Might Have the Right of Way
Although they aren’t automatically granted right of way, there are limited situations where mail trucks have right of way. That said, when they do have the right of way, it is usually under the same conditions that apply to other vehicles.
Mail trucks may have the right of way in the following scenarios:
- At uncontrolled intersections: If the mail truck arrives first at an uncontrolled intersection, it has the right to proceed first.
- When traveling straight as another driver turns left: A mail truck has the right of way if it’s proceeding straight through an intersection while another driver makes a left turn across its path.
- When the driver has a green light or arrow: Just like other vehicles, mail trucks have the right of way when they are legally proceeding on a green light.
As you can see, mail trucks have the right of way in the same situations that other vehicles have it. That said, if you’ve been involved in a collision where liability depends on who had the right of way, you should defer to a lawyer. An attorney will conduct an investigation of the crash, review relevant details, and determine who should be held responsible for your injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Mail Truck Accidents
Mail delivery vehicles make constant stops in residential neighborhoods and along busy streets. This type of frequent stopping creates potential hazards for both the postal workers and nearby drivers. Some of the most common causes of mail truck collisions include the following:
- Sudden stops and turns
- Backing up into traffic
- Parking on narrow streets
- Driver inattention or fatigue due to long delivery routes
- Speeding or reckless behavior by other drivers
If you’ve been in an accident with a mail truck due to one of these safety hazards or another issue, don’t wait to contact a lawyer. An attorney will gather evidence for your insurance claim, explain whether the mail truck had the right of way, and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, pain, and lost wages.
Damages You May Be Entitled To Recover After a Mail Truck Crash
Victims of mail truck accidents may be entitled to seek damages for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the crash. A lawyer will assess your unique situation and calculate how much you should receive from a claim. Depending on the losses you’ve suffered, your attorney may pursue any of the following damages for you:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Learn More About Whether Mail Trucks Have Right of Way
At Jones & Swanson, we are leaders in the bar association and have 50+ years of combined experience helping accident victims get justice. Unlike larger firms that don’t answer your calls and see you as just a case number, we offer personalized service. Our attorneys will always answer your calls and emails and will listen to your story to truly address your needs.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get started on your personal injury case. We’ll meet with you to discuss your accident and injuries, advise you on whether mail trucks have right of way, and explain the steps our team will take to get the best results possible for you.
