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Being involved in an accident with a FedEx vehicle can be a daunting experience. Unlike regular car crashes, accidents involving delivery trucks often result in more severe complications. You might have to deal with injuries, damage, and calls from insurance companies, all while trying to recover. Since FedEx is a large company, its insurance and legal teams are well-equipped to protect its interests.
This is where having a FedEx truck accident lawyer becomes important. A lawyer can guide you through the process, make sure your rights are protected, and help you get fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. They understand how to handle large companies and won't let you be taken advantage of.
Understanding Liability in FedEx Vehicle Accidents
After a FedEx vehicle accident, multiple parties may be held responsible. The FedEx driver, as an employee of FedEx, or sometimes a third party, such as a maintenance company or cargo loader, may share liability.
So, if the driver is an employee and was working at the time, FedEx can usually be held responsible through vicarious liability laws. If the driver is an independent contractor, FedEx may argue that it is not responsible; however, this depends on the extent of FedEx's control over the driver's work. You may face a strong team of insurance adjusters and a FedEx lawyer working to reduce what FedEx pays in your claim.
Proving Negligence and Building a Strong Case
- First, you must show that there was a duty of care; FedEx and its driver must operate safely and follow the law.
- Next, prove there was a breach, such as speeding or distracted driving, showing they failed this duty.
- Then, link this breach directly to the accident; the unsafe action must have caused the crash.
- Finally, you need to show damages, like injuries or property loss, that resulted from the accident.
All four elements —duty, breach, causation, and damages —must be clearly proven for a successful claim. Without clearly proving these, they will become complicated.
Recover Full Extent of Damages
After an accident with a FedEx truck, you may be able to recover several types of damages. These include medical expenses for both current and future treatment related to your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income and any future reduction in your ability to earn.
Here, the damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage may also be available, and in rare cases where FedEx's actions were especially reckless or intentional, you might be able to pursue punitive damages, which are meant to punish wrongdoing and prevent similar conduct in the future.
Having a lawyer on your side helps protect your rights and gives you a better chance of getting full compensation.
Immediate Steps to Take Following a FedEx Truck Accident
If you are involved in a FedEx truck accident, start by calling 911 and making sure you and others are safe. Reporting the accident to law enforcement is important because the police will create an official report that can later support your claim.
While you are at the scene, collect as much evidence as possible and take photos of the accident, damage to all vehicles, and any injuries. You can also get the FedEx driver's name, license number, and insurance information.
It is best to gather witness contact details in case their statements are needed, and always seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records can show your injuries are related to the accident and help with your claim.
Conclusion
Being involved in an accident with a FedEx vehicle can lead to serious injuries, high medical bills, and lost income. A lawyer knows how to collect strong evidence, deal with FedEx's legal teams, and make sure you do not say or do anything that could hurt your case, and they will work to get you the most money possible and handle all legal steps.
