Maison Law helps those injured in truck accidents in San Luis Obispo. FedEx trucks often deal with tight schedules and heavy loads, which can lead to accidents. If you’re involved in a FedEx truck accident in San Luis Obispo, our truck accident lawyers will be there to guide you through the process and help with any injuries or losses you’ve suffered. Contact us for a free consultation.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters After a FedEx Truck Accident in San Luis Obispo
FedEx truck accidents can range from minor fender-benders to serious crashes. While you might handle a minor accident on your own, more serious ones will probably require legal action on your part. That’s where we come in.
We have a lot of experience with truck accidents, including those involving FedEx trucks. Our team will dig into the details of your accident, gather evidence, and figure out who’s at fault. We’ll deal with the insurance companies for you, making sure your case is protected and that you get a fair settlement. We’re here to make the legal process as smooth as possible so you can focus on getting better, knowing you’re in good hands.
Who’s Responsible for Damages in a FedEx Truck Accident in San Luis Obispo?
Probably the most complicated thing about a FedEx truck accident involves who’s responsible for your damages. In legal terms, this is known as “liability.” FedEx truck drivers are required to follow federal, state, and local laws, which can lead to investigations by different agencies, each with its own set of rules. Additionally, because of their large size and heavy loads, FedEx trucks often cause more severe injuries in accidents. But this doesn’t necessarily factor into how liability works.
Liability, even in a FedEx truck accident, is based on negligence, which means proving that:
- Someone failed to uphold their duty of care to keep you and other road users safe.
While that’s a simplified overview of negligence, it also helps you narrow down potential parties. So, in a typical FedEx truck accident, any of the following could share liability:
- The truck driver
- The owner of the truck
- FedEx, if the driver is an employee
- Parts manufacturers
- The owners of the cargo or materials being transported
- Companies responsible for truck maintenance
- Government agencies
As with any accident claim, figuring out liability is a huge benchmark for your case. It not only tells you who you’ll be filing your claim against, but who has to pay for your damages. And in a FedEx truck accident, your damages could be extensive.
What Damages Come Up From FedEx Truck Accidents in San Luis Obispo?
A FedEx truck accident can cause serious injuries and leave you facing major financial challenges. Just like in any other vehicle accident, you have the right to seek financial support, or “damages,” to help you recover. But because FedEx trucks are so large, the impact of these accidents can be much more severe, making it crucial that you file an injury claim.
Filing a claim, whether through insurance or a personal injury lawsuit, can be tough–but it’s often necessary when you’re dealing with serious injuries. A successful claim can help cover things like:
- Medical expenses – A FedEx truck accident can lead to serious injuries, and medical bills can pile up quickly. This includes costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing treatment you might need.
- Lost income – If you’re unable to work because of injuries from the accident, lost wages cover the income you miss. This can also include financial considerations if your injuries affect your ability to earn as much as you did before.
- Repair/replacement costs for your vehicle – FedEx trucks can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Damages for vehicle repairs help pay for fixing your car or replacing it if it’s beyond repair, so you’re not left covering these costs yourself.
- Pain and suffering – In addition to physical injuries, the accident may cause significant pain and suffering. This category of damages is for the physical and emotional toll the accident takes on your life, beyond just the medical bills.
- Emotional distress – The trauma of a FedEx truck accident can lead to emotional issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Damages for emotional distress helps cover the cost of therapy or counseling to help you cope.
- Reduced quality of life – If the accident impacts your ability to enjoy life or affects your relationships, you may be able to recover damages for the loss of companionship or quality of life. This helps address the changes in your daily life and personal connections.
- Wrongful death expenses – If the accident is fatal, you may be able to claim expenses for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of your loved one’s death.
Facing any truck accident is likely to be very painful, but given that you have legal options, it’s important to do everything you can to strengthen your claim. But it’s equally as important to file your claim on time. In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file. Miss this deadline, and you can recover these damages.
How Can You Strengthen a FedEx Truck Accident Claim?
FedEx trucks are plentiful in San Luis Obispo, whether it’s along your daily commute on Highway 101 or in your own neighborhood. But no matter where the accident happens, it sets certain things in motion. One of the most important things is a potential claim, which means you have to start thinking about what you can do to strengthen your claim. Most of the time, this involves:
- Call 911 – Your health comes first. Call 911 right away for an ambulance, even if you feel fine. Later, go to urgent care or an emergency room for a full check-up. This creates important medical records for your claim.
- Call the police – At the same time, ask for h the local police, like the SLO Police Department or California Highway Patrol (CHP), to respond to the scene. They’ll manage the scene and help you gather important information you’ll need for your claim.
- Gather evidence – Collect contact and insurance info from the FedEx truck driver, others involved, and witnesses. Take photos or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This helps prove what happened.
- Keep records – Save all records of medical treatments, expenses, and communications with insurance companies. This evidence is important for showing your losses.
- Be careful – Don’t make statements or sign anything without legal advice. Insurance companies may try to get you to admit fault or accept a low offer. Consulting us first protects your rights and strengthens your case.
Taking these steps after a FedEx truck accident sets a solid foundation for your claim, increasing your chances of getting the most out of your claim.
Common Injuries in San Luis Obispo FedEx Truck Accidents
FedEx trucks are large and heavy, making accidents with them potentially severe. While no two accidents are the same, certain injuries are more common due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Here are some injuries that often result from FedEx truck accidents in San Luis Obispo:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Ligament tears
- Head, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Lacerations
- Back strains
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burn injuries
- Loss of limbs
Obviously, you never want to be involved in a FedEx truck accident, let alone injured. But this is unfortunately common in SLO, so when you face these injuries, you’re going to need help. Our team will be there to support your claim and recovery.
Free Consultations For FedEx Truck Accident Victims in San Luis Obispo
At Maison Law, we understand that your top priority after a FedEx truck accident should be your recovery. Our team of San Luis Obispo truck accident lawyers are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to anyone hurt by a FedEx truck accident in San Luis Obispo. Contact us today to set up yours.
