If you were recently involved in an accident with a FedEx driver, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. You might wonder how to go about making a FedEx accident claim, who is liable, and possibly suing FedEx for your injury.
Below, we discuss potential liability, steps to take immediately following the accident, and possible damages.
Who Is Liable?
If you’ve been hit by a FedEx truck, several potential parties can be responsible for injuries and damages. If the driver’s negligence caused the crash, they may alone be responsible. However, under certain circumstances, FedEx can be held vicariously liable for the driver’s negligent actions while they were on the clock. FedEx may also be held responsible if they knowingly hired a driver with a poor driving record, failed to train the driver adequately, or failed to maintain the truck properly. An experienced commercial truck accident lawyer will advise, investigate, and name all potentially liable parties in a lawsuit.
What to Do if FedEx Hits Your Car
While every accident poses unique circumstances and challenges, there are five steps you should take if you are hit by a FedEx truck.
Call 911
The very first thing you should do is call 911 to seek emergency medical assistance and police response. Law enforcement can help secure the accident scene, ensure the parties are out of immediate danger, render first aid, and conduct an investigation. If you are severely injured, EMS will also respond to treat your injuries and transport you to the nearest emergency room.
Get Medical Attention
If you are lucky to walk away from a FedEx crash, you should still seek medical attention. It is common for the initial shock and adrenaline to mask pain and injuries. Injuries can develop hours after the collision. It is always best to at least be seen by your primary care physician, who can determine whether you need additional medical treatment.
Non-life-threatening injuries can still require:
- Primary care services,
- Radiology services,
- Orthopedic treatment,
- Surgical intervention and repair,
- Physical and occupational therapy, and
- Pharmaceutical services.
You may also benefit from medical treatment such as chiropractic care. Keeping copies of all receipts and records is essential whether you see one doctor or several. Having these organized and in a central location from the start can make seeking damages for your claim easier later.
Document the Accident Scene
If you do not require emergency medical assistance and are physically able, you should document the accident scene. The easiest way is to take pictures and video with a phone. You should snap photos of the vehicles, location, road, weather conditions, injuries, and anything else you think will be relevant later.
In addition to taking photos, you should also:
- Speak with the FedEx driver to obtain their name, driver’s license, and insurance information;
- Speak with the responding police officer to relay your version of events;
- Speak with any eyewitnesses who may have seen the accident take place and obtain their contact information; and
- Check the area for surveillance cameras, including on street lights and local businesses or residences.
Once you have a moment to sit down and collect your thoughts, it is wise to jot down in a notebook what you can remember from just before, during, and after the crash. Doing this while the events are still fresh in your mind generally leads to more accurate and detailed information than trying to recall it at a much later date.
Don’t worry if you cannot gather this information or evidence at the scene. At Gerling Law, we have the skills and resources to help you obtain all vital information, even weeks or months later.
Report the Accident
Like any motor vehicle accident, you should always report it to the police and auto insurance company. In addition, you should report it to FedEx and their insurance company. Multiple insurance carriers insure FedEx depending on the type of truck and location. Two of the company’s largest insurers are Liberty Mutual and Old Republic Insurance Company. Your attorney can assist you with reporting and filing an accident claim with the correct entity.
Consult a FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer
If you are involved in a FedEx truck accident in Indiana, consult a truck accident attorney to preserve your legal rights and discuss your options. A FedEx accident can lead to significant damages, including:
- Medical bills,
- Cost of vehicle repair or replacement,
- Lost wages, and
- Pain and suffering.
Let us help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Indiana FedEx Truck Accident Lawyers
At Gerling Law Injury Attorneys, we have over 50 years of experience helping victims of truck accidents, including those hit by large corporate delivery vehicles such as FedEx. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Gayle Gerling Pettinga
Born and raised in Evansville, Gayle is a respected, experienced lawyer and a valued community leader. She graduated near the top of her class at Indiana University’s prestigious Maurer School of Law. She’s practiced law with one of the largest firms in Indianapolis as well as one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. And that means she knows how big law firms and big companies think and how they operate – and she will put that knowledge to work for you.
Gayle has received numerous awards and honors including Martindale-Hubbell — Peer Review Rated: AV®, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Attorneys in Indiana for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service, and YWCA Evansville 100 Years, 100 Women Honoree, 2011.
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