Truck accidents are some of the worst on U.S. highways. Some companies have very large fleets, so it is inevitable that they also have a higher crash rate.
If you have been involved in a collision with a Fedex truck and believe that the FedEx driver was at fault, or at least FedEx itself was to blame you may be able to claim compensation for any damage to your car and injuries sustained in the accident. You should use a personal injury lawyer to help you proceed with a personal injury claim against the driver or company or both.
Damages Due to a FedEx Truck Accident
If you were driving a car when you were hit by a FedEx truck, it is likely that your vehicle and anyone in it were more seriously harmed than the FedEx driver and the FedEx truck. You should consider the damages you could claim if you can prove who was at fault. These will include the following:
- compensation for the damage done to your car;
- compensation for any injuries sustained by the occupants of your car; including projected future costs;
- compensation for the pain and suffering caused you and any other occupants;
- punitive damages if the driver was acting in a reckless manner, e.g. excessive speeding or tailgating.
To obtain any compensation at all, you will need to prove that you were not to blame and that the FedEx driver or another party was at fault. In some states, no-fault laws mean that you may need to turn to your own insurer if the extent of the injuries sustained were not serious.
What You Could do at the Site of the Accident
At the scene of the accident, there are some different steps that should be taken. These will assist in making it easier to file a successful claim.
- The most important action at the scene of the crash is to ensure that every one is safe and that medical help is called if there are any injuries.
- The police are normally called if the accident is anything but very minor. They may need to control traffic and report on the accident. Their accident report can be valuable evidence if you intend to make a claim later.
- You should also exchange insurance and contact details with the FedEx driver and anyone else involved in the actual collision.
- If your injuries are not serious enough to mean you are taken away in an ambulance, you may be able to collect evidence about the crash that could be useful later. This may include photos taken with a camera or cell phone/
- Take any witness statements and any other observations or recollections jotted down to be used later when filing a claim.
What Should Be Done After Leaving the Accident
After the accident, there are still some steps to be taken to help with a successful personal injury claim.
- You should make sure your own insurer is notified of the details about the crash and especially the FedEx driver’s insurance details or the company’s insurance details.
- Make sure you obtain a copy of the police report compiled at the crash scene.
- Talk to a lawyer about the accident and what your legal options are.
- Collect as much relevant evidence about the crash that can be used to pinpoint who was at fault and the nature and cost of your injuries. You will need to obtain any doctor’s reports, medical bills, evidence to show lost earnings and any other evidence that your lawyer suggests might be useful.
Why You Should Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
It can be difficult enough filing a claim against a private individual, but a large company like FedEx will be well prepared to counter any claim for compensation made against their driver or against the company itself.
It is recommended that you at least contact a personal injury lawyer before you file a claim to discuss the feasibility of obtaining compensation. If the attorney thinks that a claim has a good chance of succeeding, you should allow the lawyer to negotiate the claim on your behalf. Use the Free Case Evaluation Form available below to help you choose a suitable lawyer.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against FedEx, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
