September 2, 2026

What You Need to Know A crash caused by a USPS employee may require a claim against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act, or FTCA. If the driver worked for a private mail contractor, the contractor, driver, vehicle owner, or commercial insurer may be responsible. An FTCA claim generally must be filed with the correct federal agency within two years and include a specific dollar amount. After a written federal denial, you generally have six months to file a lawsuit in federal court. Photos of the vehicle, unit number, driver information, witnesses, and medical records can help identify the correct claim route. Had a bad day? Call The Reyes Firm at 833-4 BAD DAY. SCHEDULE A FREE CASE REVIEW You may expect a normal insurance claim after a mail truck hits your car. Then you learn the vehicle may belong to the federal government, the driver may work for a contractor, and the usual Florida claim process may not be enough. A Tampa mail truck accident attorney can investigate who employed the driver and which rules control the case. That early answer matters because a USPS employee claim and a private contractor claim can have different defendants, forms, deadlines, and courts. The Reyes Firm serves Tampa and the South Shore communities, including Tampa, Riverview, Brandon, Plant City, and communities across Hillsborough County. Visit us at 4730 N. Habana Ave., Suite 201, Tampa, FL 33614, or call 833-4 BAD DAY. What Happens When a USPS Truck Hits Your Car? When a USPS truck hits your car, call 911, get medical care, photograph the postal vehicle, and collect the driver and witness information. Then determine if the driver was a federal employee or a contractor. That status often decides if you must use the FTCA process or pursue a Florida claim against a private business. Take these steps if you can do so safely: Call law enforcement and request medical help. Photograph the mail truck, license plate, unit number, logos, damage, and road conditions. Get the driver’s name, employer, employee or contractor information, and insurance details. Collect witness names, phone numbers, and available video. Notify your own auto insurer without guessing about fault. Save medical bills, repair estimates, wage records, and every letter from USPS or an insurer. Our guide on what to do after a company vehicle accident provides a more detailed evidence checklist. Florida’s crash-report system is maintained by FLHSMV, and an official report can help confirm the vehicle, driver, witnesses, and investigating agency. 💡 Did You Know? USPS maintains vehicle accident and tort claim records that may include the driver’s accident report, witness statements, investigation worksheets, claim correspondence, and the agency’s findings. These records show why identifying and preserving evidence quickly matters after a USPS mail truck accident. Source: USPS. Who Is Liable for an Accident With a USPS Truck? Liability may rest with the United States government, a private mail contractor, the vehicle owner, a maintenance provider, or another negligent driver. The USPS logo alone does not answer the question. An investigation must confirm who hired the driver, who controlled the route, who owned the vehicle, and what caused the collision. Crash situation Potentially responsible party Likely claim route USPS employee driving within federal job duties United States government FTCA administrative claim, followed by federal court if permitted Private contractor transporting or delivering mail Driver, contractor, vehicle owner, or insurer Florida negligence and insurance claim Defective brakes, tires, steering, or other equipment Maintenance provider or manufacturer Negligence or product liability claim Another motorist caused or contributed to the crash Other driver and insurer Florida auto claim Several parties contributed Government, contractor, and third parties as supported by the facts More than one coordinated claim may be needed The FTCA defines a federal employee for claim purposes and generally excludes contractors from that definition. Contractor labels are not the only evidence that matters. Contracts, supervision, route control, payroll records, vehicle ownership, and insurance policies may show the true working relationship. A Florida delivery truck accident lawyer can investigate the driver’s status, preserve route and vehicle records, and identify the correct claim procedure. Larger contract trucks may also be subject to federal motor-carrier rules, but those rules do not automatically apply to every USPS mail truck or local delivery vehicle. How Do You File a USPS Car Accident Claim? A USPS car accident claim usually begins with written notice to the Postal Service under the FTCA. The submission must describe the incident and demand a specific amount of money, called a sum certain. Standard Form 95 is commonly used. Filing a normal insurance claim or police report alone may not satisfy the federal requirement. Under 28 C.F.R. § 14.2, a federal administrative claim is presented when the correct agency receives an executed Standard Form 95 or other qualifying written notice with a sum certain. The person signing must also have authority to bring the claim. A complete submission may include: The date, time, location, and description of the crash The USPS vehicle number and driver information A clear explanation of why the driver was negligent A specific dollar demand for injury, property damage, or death Medical records, bills, wage proof, repair documents, and photographs Proof of authority if a lawyer, parent, guardian, or estate representative signs USPS guidance says written tort claims must be accepted at a post office or other postal facility and that a person asking how to file should be directed to the district tort claims coordinator. Keep a complete copy and reliable proof of the date the correct office received it. Source: USPS WARNING: FEDERAL DEADLINES CAN END THE CLAIM Under 28 U.S.C. § 2401(b), an FTCA claim generally must be presented to the correct federal agency within two years after it accrues. If the agency sends a final written denial, you generally must file a federal lawsuit within six months after the denial is mailed. Do not assume Florida’s ordinary negligence deadline controls a USPS employee claim. What Happens After You