FedEx, as one of the industry leaders in transportation and delivery of goods, offers an important service to consumers. But this comes with its own set of challenges, namely tight delivery schedules on densely packed trucks. Such factors play a huge role in causing accidents. But more to the point, when you get into an accident with a FedEx truck, you may be confused about what you should do next and how you’ll pay your bills if you’ve been injured.
If you or a loved one were injured in a Fresno FedEx truck accident, or if a family member was killed, our team of experienced, compassionate truck accident lawyers at Maison Law would be honored to help fight for your compensation.
Attorney Martin Gasparian founded the firm in 2014 with a client-specific approach to every case in mind. To that end, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to all our clients. FedEx truck accidents can be difficult to navigate on your own, but with our knowledge and experience, we can make the process much easier. Contact us today to get started.
Common Causes of FedEx Truck Accidents in Fresno
Like everywhere else, Fresno has its fair share of FedEx trucks out on the road. Working in such a highly competitive industry means that FedEx has to stay ahead of the pack any way they can. Thus, there are huge demands on drivers to make deliveries quickly, regardless of weather or other factors. Facing this pressure on a daily basis can cause FedEx truck drivers to commit negligent or careless acts out of stress or exhaustion. No matter the reason, even a moment of carelessness can cause devastating FedEx truck accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians.
While every truck accident is unique, there are some fairly common types of accidents involving FedEx trucks, including:
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inadequate training or experience
- Inadequate inspection or maintenance
- Forgetting to set the parking brake
- Unsecured or excessive cargo
- Inclement weather
- Bad road conditions
No matter what caused your accident with a FedEx truck, there are likely to be injuries, often very serious. This is due to a variety of factors, including the sheer size and weight difference between FedEx trucks and normal cars. However, injuries require medical treatment, which requires compensation to pay. The key to compensation is determining who-or what company-is responsible for the accident.
Is FedEx Responsible for a Truck Accident in Fresno?
The answer to this question depends on the circumstances of the accident. As a company, FedEx could be held liable for your injuries under specific scenarios, legally known as “vicarious liability.” Vicarious liability is a rule that holds companies responsible for damages their employees cause. As it relates to truck accidents, FedEx could be held liable if the following occurs:
- Driver acted negligently, causing an accident (speeding, driving under the influence, failing to follow traffic laws, etc.)
- Failure to hire competent drivers
- Improper training of drivers or staff
- Inadequate supervision
- Improper or unsatisfactory maintenance of trucks
Like any insurance claim, FedEx may try to deny liability for the accident by claiming their driver is an independent contractor. Further, FedEx’s insurance company could employ delay tactics or offer you lowball settlement in the hopes that you’ll take it. Regardless of what caused your accident, you will likely be injured and need compensation. This means actually filing a claim, so your best option is to speak with one of our experienced FedEx truck accident lawyers to learn what your rights are after an accident.
Filing an Accident Claim Against a FedEx Truck in Fresno
The most pressing matter after a FedEx truck accident is your health and recovery. Once on the road to recovery, the next item will be filing an insurance claim (and potentially a lawsuit). However, truck accident claims can be complex, especially when FedEx is involved. There are several different reasons for this, with one or all of the following factors coming into play for your claim:
- The claim may involve multiple parties, including the driver, FedEx (and their vast resources), the maker of a part on the truck, and possibly other drivers.
- Multiple insurance companies could be involved, all of them trying to pay you as little as possible.
- FedEx truck drivers are subject to federal regulations as well as state and local laws, which means multiple agencies are likely to be involved in the accident investigation, each of them governed by their own rules, legislation, and procedures.
- Injuries in truck accidents tend to be much more extensive because of the differences in size and weight of FedEx trucks.
Damages Available in a Fresno FedEx Truck Accident
While it is indeed difficult to face FedEx in a truck accident claim, the potential rewards are certainly worth the risk. This is especially true if you have extensive injuries, as you will need a great deal of compensation as you work on your recovery. Depending on the facts of your accident, a claim could recover the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repair
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
The compensation you receive is only one part of your recovery. The other part will be the help and support our firm can offer. We allow you to focus on your recovery by handling the day-to-day details of your claim. This includes gathering any evidence and negotiating with the insurance companies. We have a proven system of results, and our approach allows you to cope with the financial, psychological, and physical burdens a FedEx truck accident can have on you.
Experienced FedEx Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Fresno
At Maison Law, we believe the most important focus after a FedEx truck accident is physical and emotional recovery. Our team of experienced, compassionate Fresno truck accident lawyers can provide this relief and support to you. We are proud to offer free, no-obligation consultations to any Fresno FedEx truck accident victim. To get started on your road to recovery, contact us today.
