When you think of the prospect of being involved in a truck accident, it is a terrifying thought. If a FedEx truck hits you, it will probably be a life-changing event. Unlike a normal car accident, crashes involving FedEx trucks have additional complexity that comes from the truck’s size, speed, and part in a larger and finely-tuned delivery operation. You may be asking yourself what to do after the crash. A collision with a FedEx truck can lead to serious injuries, making it crucial to understand your legal options and seek compensation. That’s why many victims begin by searching for an experienced FedEx accident lawyer near me — someone who understands the unique challenges of taking on a powerful delivery company.
This is a very important question, and the answer is simple, immediate, and urgent: document key evidence pieces right away. What you document within minutes, hours, and days of the collision could make or break your personal injury claim. Below, I will provide a list of the most important evidence to collect after you have been hit by a FedEx delivery truck.
Police Report: The Basis of Your Case
Inform the police by calling 911. The police will send a responding officer who will file an official report that will include:
- Details regarding position of vehicles and damage
- Accurate statements of the driver and all available witnesses
- Traffic violations if applicable
- Preliminary determination of fault
Remember to ask for the report number and a copy when it’s ready. The report will serve as an important part of third-party documentation for your claim.
Photos and Videos: Document the Scene
The potential to prove your case visually is an important part of your case. Take clear photos and videos using your phone of the following:
- Damage to all vehicles
- Skid marks, debris, signage
- Road conditions and weather
- The FedEx truck including logo and license plate
- Look for any surveillance footage. They will help shed more light on how the crash occurred.Â
If you are too hurt to take pictures, let someone do it for you. Fresh evidence is likely to make your case stronger. Providing such images will help you preserve the truth and also give value for a court of law or settlement process.
Driver and Truck Information: Collect the Basics
Make sure to collect the FedEx driver’s information including the following:
- Full name and contact number
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) information
- Vehicle registration and FedEx truck number
- Insurance company and policy information
Statements from Witnesses: What Others Saw
If any witnesses observed the crash, be sure to get their: Full name, email or phone number
and a basic summary of what they saw.
When unbiased witnesses were present and saw the event, they can help give a detailed account of how the accident occurred.
Medical Records: Proof of Injury
Regardless of how you feel at the moment, you should always be evaluated by a medical professional. Injuries related to truck accidents tend to present themselves later or worsen over time. Keep all medical records including:
- Emergency room records
- Doctor’s notes
- ImagingResults (X-ray, MRI)
- Prescriptions
- Bills and receipts
These records will link your injuries specifically to the accident and help to establish your claim for damages.
Black Box and GPS Recording: A Digital Record
Most FedEx trucks are equipped with a black box or digital recorders which can record speed, braking, acceleration, and GPS route.
Black box logs  are a thorough, detailed account of the vehicle, which may prove valuable evidence for your case because it shows dangerous or unsafe driving like speeding, or if the driver made sudden or risky driving maneuvers. It is important to keep the data intact. It is best acquired through legal means. A lawyer will ensure that the data is not deleted.
FedEx’s Maintenance and Safety Records
If the accident was caused by a mechanical issue or driver negligence, your lawyer can look into FedEx’s records, such as maintenance and inspection reports, driver safety training,
prior safety violations, and driver logs (to determine if they were fatigued). These records can expose negligence of the driver or its contractors.
Personal Journal: Document Your Pain and Struggles
Have a daily journal where you can record how the accident has affected your daily routine. This can include, physical pain, emotional distress, missed work or events, difficulty performing daily activities and any progress or setbacks in your recovery.
This personal record adds depth to your legal claim and shows the full human impact of the crash.
FAQS
Q: What do I do if the driver leaves before the police arrive?
A: Try to get a picture of the license plate and the truck with the logo. Call the police immediately and try to get any personal information about the runaway driver.Â
Q: I was partially at fault, what happens to my claim?
A: Many states recognize comparative negligence laws. This means you can still bring a claim against the driver if you have some blame – you may have to split the damages you are compensated for.
Q: How long after the crash should I file my claim?
A: Act right away. In most states, you have to file a claim somewhere between one to three years from the accident. The sooner you file your claim, the better chance you have of getting the evidence while it is still fresh.Â
Q: Should I talk to FedEx or the insurance adjusters from their insurance company?
A: No. The insurance adjuster will want to pay you the least amount it can. You should never talk to any insurance agent about an accident without first talking to a truck accident attorney. Always speak to your attorney before giving statements or accepting settlement offers.
Q: What happens if I didn’t gather evidence after the crash?
A: An attorney can locate evidence after-the-fact through video surveillance, trucking logs, or through an expert investigation. Timing is of the essence.Â
Q: How do I get the black box data or GPS data on the truck?Â
A: Only a request from the attorney on behalf of you can compel them to release that information. You cannot get it on your own.
Q: What if I do not realize my injuries until days later?
A: It is all too common. You are still within your rights to make a claim if you have received proper timely medical attention and documented the onset of your symptoms.
Q: How do I know if the driver was pushed too hard or too long?
A: Your attorney will be able to request the driver’s hours-of-service logs and then you will know how long the driver was operating their vehicle right before the collision.Â
Q: Is there a difference between a truck crash claim and an auto crash claim?
A: Commercial truck accident claims have more regulations, more serious injury, and larger insurance policies compared to auto crash claims.
Q: Can I recover for lost future wages if I am unable to return to work?
A: Yes. If your injuries will permanently make you unable to do your job, you may be able to claim loss of earning capacity.
Your Next Step After a FedEx Truck Accident
Fighting a company like FedEx after a crash is not an easy task. They have lawyers who are ready to dispute your claim. And insurance companies who will offer you low-ball payment.Â
We specialize in truck crash cases at BigBen Lawyers. Big Ben Lawyers understand how to get evidence quickly, get everything we need from accessing black box data, and fight for every dollar you deserve. We have done this hundreds of times for clients who have been badly hurt in crashes with commercial trucks.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a FedEx truck, get in touch with Big Ben Lawyers today. We will fight for your rights and make them account for their actions.