If a FedEx truck hits your car, the aftermath can feel chaotic. You may be dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and questions about who’s responsible. The most important steps are ensuring your safety, documenting the scene, and protecting your legal rights.
Accidents involving large commercial vehicles like FedEx trucks can be more complex than typical car crashes due to the involvement of corporate insurance policies and liability issues.
A Kansas City FedEx truck accident lawyer can help ensure you’re treated fairly and fight to recover the compensation you deserve. Let’s take a look at what to do immediately after the crash, how liability works in FedEx truck accidents, and why having legal guidance is critical to protecting your rights.
Immediate Steps to Take After a FedEx Truck Accident
After any accident, safety comes first. Here’s what to do right away:
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 for medical help if anyone is hurt.
- Move to Safety: If possible, move away from traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Call the Police: Reporting the accident ensures there’s an official record. This will be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal action.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the damage, skid marks, road signs, and any injuries. Get the truck driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details.
- Find Witnesses: If bystanders saw what happened, ask for their contact details. Their statements may support your case.
Remaining calm and collected during this time can help you preserve evidence and protect your claim.
How to Protect Your Rights After a FedEx Truck Accident
If you’ve already left the scene of the accident, there are still important steps you can take to protect your rights and strengthen your case. Acting quickly and thoughtfully is key to ensuring you’re treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve. Here is what you should do if a FedEx truck has hit your car:
Get Checked by a Doctor
Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately after the accident, some injuries—such as whiplash or internal damage—can take time to appear. It’s important to see a medical professional as soon as you can to identify any potential issues.
Medical documentation of your injuries will play a vital role in supporting your claim and proving the extent of your damages.
Request a Copy of the Police Report
If you called the police at the scene, their report will be a critical piece of evidence. Contact the local law enforcement agency to obtain a copy. This report will include details about the accident, witness statements, and any citations issued.
Preserve Evidence
If you took photos or gathered information at the scene, organize this evidence now. Save photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Keep records of repair estimates, medical bills, and anything related to the accident.
Avoid Speaking to FedEx’s Insurance Adjusters Alone
If a FedEx truck hits your car in an accident, FedEx’s insurers will likely reach out to you. Remember, their goal is to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against you. Politely decline to give a statement until you’ve consulted a lawyer.
Document Everything
Write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. Include the time, location, weather conditions, and what led up to the crash. This can help your attorney build a stronger case.
Stay Off Social Media
Avoid posting anything about the accident or your injuries online. Insurance companies may use social media posts to dispute your claims or minimize your settlement.
By taking these steps, you’ll be in a stronger position to hold FedEx accountable and protect your rights in the aftermath of the crash.
Contact a Lawyer
A Kansas City truck accident lawyer can guide you through the process. We have the experience and resources to help you understand your rights, handle corporate insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve. You can learn more in a free consultation.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Why FedEx Truck Accidents are More Complex
FedEx accidents involve additional layers of complexity compared to typical car crashes. These include:
- Corporate Insurance: FedEx has large insurance policies to cover accidents, which means their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.
- Federal Regulations: Commercial vehicles must adhere to strict federal trucking regulations, like limits on driving hours and vehicle maintenance standards. Violations of these rules can strengthen your case.
- Multiple Parties: Liability may involve the driver, FedEx, or even third-party contractors responsible for maintaining the truck.
These factors make it crucial to have an experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer on your side.
Contact a Lawyer to Find Out What Comes After a FedEx Truck Hits Your Car
Large corporations like FedEx have extensive resources, including skilled legal teams and corporate insurance providers, all working to minimize their liability. This makes it essential to have an experienced attorney on your side who can level the playing field.
We can handle negotiations with corporate insurers, who often try to offer low settlements that don’t cover the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Foster Wallace, we understand how difficult it can be to face these challenges alone. With extensive experience handling commercial vehicle cases, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
