What happens when you get involved in a collision with a delivery truck? More accidents happen with FedEx trucks than we realize. Due to the high number of delivery vehicles on California roads, an accident with a FedEx truck could leave you seriously hurt and lead to tough legal disputes. Understanding how to handle your situation is useful should you be involved in a similar case. You can sue for damages though, you can do so with some advice. You will need someone with experience in handling these types of claims. Engaging a truck accident attorney who will walk you through and ensure you get compensated is the best way to go. Â
Below is a guide that will shed light on the dos and don’ts when filing a claim for your injury. Keep reading.
Who Are TheyÂ
FedEx is among the biggest package delivery companies in California. It hosts a large network of FedEx facilities, which includes distribution centers, customer service hubs, and retail locations. .
Making a Claim Over an Injury with FedEx in California
First and foremost, you will have to report the accident to FedEx. Collect all the required evidence including photos and reports from the police, along with testimonies provided by people who saw the accident and medical information. You could also check the truck’s logs.
If you were partly to blame, your amount of compensation decreases. FedEx or their representatives will try to give a quick low settlement, especially if they realize that their driver was mainly at fault. Don’t fall for this tactic. Never talk to any of them alone.Â
Since FedEx trucks may, at times, fail to follow the rules of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, you may include FMCSA rules in your claim. If you can prove that these offenses occurred, it will strengthen your case, and it is expert attorneys who usually achieve this.
How FedEx Handles Accidents
Most often, FedEx will accept the responsibility if an accident happens to one of its drivers during their work. In California, corporations are held accountable for what their team does while working. Therefore if one of their delivery drivers is involved in a crash they will take responsibility.
Still, FedEx may deny any responsibility for what happened. This may happen if the driver was not using the route allocated to them by the company. He may have used a different route which according to him was shorter. They may claim that the driver was not doing their work at the time of the accident. With the help of a lawyer though, you can be able to establish that the driver was actually on duty, thus holding them responsible.
FedEx Truck Accidents: What the Statistics Reveal
From the database maintained by the FMCSA, over 3,400 crashes occured in the country involving FedEx vehicles between 2022 and 2024. Among the accidents, over 1000 ended with injury, and at least 110 ended with death. Most of them occurred in California.
FedEx has very strict safety measures in place and employs competent drivers, but its trucks still get involved in many accidents. Common causes of these accidents include sleepy drivers, speeding to meet tight schedules, or poorly maintained trucks.Â
If you can prove any of these then you are likely to have a strong case against FedEx.Â
Do the Following After the CrashÂ
In the event of an accident, your concern should be to get checked by a doctor. Contact 911, wait until the police arrive, and let them produce a report on the crash. Snap some photos of the scene and record details, as well as the contact information of all people who took part in the accident. Don’t forget to check surveillance cameras if any.Â
Resist placing the blame on others and try to avoid apologizing, too. Any pieces of information discussed with FedEx can be used against you. Once all is fixed, get a truck accident lawyer to work for you.
Compensation You Can Recover
Be sure to be compensated for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Lost earnings
- Future lost earningÂ
Punitive damages may be awarded if it is proved that the driver behaved carelessly.
Since each case has special elements, the claim must be checked by consulting experts.
Why Having a Skilled Attorney Will Help
It is not a simple task to go up against a company like FedEx alone. They have a legal team that is out to make sure they diminish your chances of getting fair compensation. A seasoned attorney knows how to go about these heinous tactics that are meant to reduce your compensation. From gathering evidence such as driver’s logs, maintenance records, and surveillance footage to negotiating with the insurers and presenting a strong case in court if need be. They will ensure deadlines are met and every possible form of compensation is awarded to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it allowed for me to initiate a lawsuit against FedEx for an injury I suffered?
Yes. When a driver is performing their role and an accident happens, they might have to address it.
2. If a FedEx vehicle injured someone, what would happen?
You may still seek justice for your rights. Riding the Ferris wheel is just like driving any other car.
3. Is it possible for them to deny liability?
They may. Blaming the victim is a common act for drivers and their employers when an accident takes place. A lawyer can manage to overcome these sorts of arguments.
4. Which evidence should be given the utmost attention after any accident?
Examples of proof for your claim might be police reports, medical documents, photos, videos, log books, and .
5. If a FedEx truck hits my car, what would be the result?
A claim can be submitted after something is lost. Still, you can file a claim if the other party behaved irresponsibly.
6. In California, for how many days can I claim against FedEx?
Twenty-four months is the most you have to file a claim after the accident. Additionally, moving swiftly to get evidence is helpful for you.
7. Is having a conversation with their insurance adjuster beneficial?
Deal with your lawyer whenever you receive any form of communication. Adjusters appear pleasant, but only aim to help the insurance company.
8. How will things be different if the truck has not been serviced?
The problem could be that they had not serviced the delivery truck. It could also be that the manufacturer used faulty parts or the auto mechanic may also have made an error.
9. Can we file a lawsuit if it’s certain that the driver failed to give driving their full attention?
Yes. When the driver fails to pay attention, such as through texting while driving then it is simpler for you to receive punitive damages.
Final ThoughtÂ
Dealing with the aftermath of a FedEx truck accident is not a joke. You may be nursing injuries, with bills accumulating because you can no longer work. Facing the insurers alone is unthinkable. This is the best time for you to employ a seasoned truck accident attorney. You will be able to get the total amount of compensation by having a lawyer who understands California laws.
Let experienced professionals at Big Ben Lawyers in California handle your claim. We are familiar with how the laws work and the methods the government uses in these cases. You can focus on other issues. Bear in mind to focus on while we continue handling your case.