Being involved in an accident can be a nightmare. Although car accidents have declined in the U.S. recently, there are still many cases. FedEx runs a huge fleet of delivery trucks, and with many trucks on the road, they are not strangers to accidents. They are mostly caused by speeding to meet tight delivery schedules and sometimes fatigued drivers.
If you get hit by a FedEx truck, things can turn ugly pretty quickly; it leaves you dealing with severe injuries, lost wages, huge medical bills and interferes with your life. Even worse, getting fair compensation isn’t straightforward- you must fight against a huge corporation!
You can’t deal with FedEx’s team alone. Having an experienced attorney to guide you through the complexities is necessary. Here are tips on how to navigate FedEx accident claims.
1. Visit A Doctor Immediately
After an accident, sometimes, injuries might not be apparent. It’s a big mistake to think you are fine because there are no visible injuries. There are certain injuries that you can suffer in an accident, like concussions or internal bleeding with no immediate symptoms. A few days later, you’ll feel dizzy or have sharp pains; sometimes, it can escalate quickly to something serious. Instead of doing a shoddy assessment with your eyes, let a doctor assess your health.
As far as an injury claim is concerned, failing to visit your doctor immediately after the accident can compromise your case. With no clear link between the injury and accident, it’s easy for your claim to be dismissed. Medical records are crucial evidence that proves that you indeed suffered injuries from the accident.
2. Consult a Special FedEx Truck Accidents Lawyer
FedEx is a big company, and working through their insurance and legal sides can be like David versus Goliath, except that the outcome hugely favors them. They have the resources to fight claims and are often led by a fleet of experienced lawyers. That’s why hiring a FedEx truck accidents lawyer is important. They understand this landscape better and can help you tackle the other side’s team and achieve a positive outcome.
The ideal lawyer should be a specialist in a FedEx truck-related Personal Injury. Before you get the justice you deserve, the process can be quite complicated if the FedEx driver is an independent contractor, which adds more difficulty. Where liability is shared by more than one party, lawyers come in handy in assessing who is responsible and to what extent.
3. Document Everything at the Accident Scene
Accident scenes can be pretty chaotic, but considering that documentation is important, always record everything. When it comes to claims, the more evidence you have on hand, the more chance of your successful claim. So, if you can, or have someone do it for you, take pictures of both vehicles’ positions to see visible damage to your car or injuries on your body.
Also, record the date, time, location, weather, or anything else you feel might be useful, like a road sign. And if there is an eyewitness there, also note his contact information. They will corroborate your version of the events, which is always useful when you decide to pursue a lawsuit.
4. Don’t Skip the Police Report
While it’s tempting to just exchange information and move on, involving the police is one of the most important steps you can take. A police report is not an ordinary document—it’s an official document that details an accident and can be very important as part of your claim.
Most insurance companies will ask for the police report, so don’t ignore it! A note of speeding or ignorance of traffic laws proves your case as they help outline negligence and bad driving habits. Besides, it’s a tiny effort but might save you headaches later.
5. Get FedEx Driver’s Details
It’s pretty obvious that you should capture the insurance details of the FedEx driver after an accident. But when the pain and emotions are high, it’s easy to forget this critical step. Some important information you need includes the truck’s license number, the driver’s name, and the insurance provider. You will build a case from these details; without it, the foundation will be shaky. So, make sure it’s also captured in the police report.
6. Be Prepared for Negotiation—and Don’t Settle Too Soon
Insurance companies try to keep settlements as minimal as possible to avoid dragging their name while appearing to be taking responsibility. Insurance companies are businesses, and minimizing losses is one of their principles. So, no matter how tempting the initial offer is, don’t take it without speaking to your lawyer.
Let an expert help you establish if the settlement covers the extent of your damages in full: expenses, medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering. Plus, armed with negotiation skills, they ensure you’re not leaving money on the table. If negotiations don’t seem to work, your attorney might resort to a lawsuit; they do whatever it takes to get you paid what you deserve.
Conclusion
Navigating a FedEx accident claim on your own can be exhausting. But you don’t have to do it alone when there’s someone who understands the ins and outs of personal injury and can help you get the compensation you deserve. With these tips in mind, navigating everything from when the incident occurs should be smooth. Accidents are life-altering, so having an expert to guide you and not living out anything that could jeopardize the case is crucial to returning to your everyday life- or at least close.