FedEx trucks are a common sight on the road in Lafayette, particularly on the interstates and freight corridors. When FedEx drivers get into accidents, the company can make it hard to seek compensation for losses. They may dismiss injuries or deny responsibility.
If you have injuries from a collision with a FedEx truck, a Lafayette delivery truck accident lawyer from Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys can help. Our firm has been a reliable legal name for nearly 30 years and has experience pursuing injury claims against large corporations.
Contact us today to see how a FedEx truck accident lawyer in Lafayette can assist you.
A Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer Can Be Your Advocate
After a collision with a commercial vehicle, you need all the legal assistance you can get. Trucking companies have deep pockets for lawyers and will use every tactic they can to avoid responsibility for your injuries.
An experienced truck accident lawyer in Lafayette can level the playing field and provide professional guidance. An attorney can manage the entirety of your claim and ensure that predatory insurance companies don’t take advantage of you.
The team at Galloway Jefcoat has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for deserving clients. We can stand up for your rights and protect your interests, no matter how big or small your claim.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
Is the Company or Driver Liable in FedEx Truck Accidents?
FedEx hires full-time employees and also uses contractors through its FedEx Ground services. Liability for accidents depends on the driver’s exact relationship to the company.
If FedEx directly employs the driver, then the company could be vicariously liable through the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. According to this doctrine, employers can be liable for their employees’ negligence. If a FedEx employee is out performing a delivery and causes an accident, you could file a claim against the company.
However, the issue is more complicated if the driver is a third-party contractor. Contractors are not employees, so vicarious liability usually doesn’t apply. In these cases, the contractor’s employer would usually share liability for their actions.
Other Parties That Could Bear Liability for FedEx Truck Accidents
A Lafayette personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident circumstances to identify other potentially liable parties, such as:
- Truck manufacturers. Truck manufacturers can be liable for accidents caused by defective parts, such as tires, brakes, lights, or trailer hitches.
- Other motorists. Other negligent motorists can cause a collision between you and the FedEx driver, in which case you could file a liability claim against them.
- Maintenance crews. If the truck malfunctioned due to improper or negligent maintenance, you could potentially sue the entity that is responsible for maintaining the vehicle fleet.
In some cases, multiple parties can share liability for your accident. In these cases, your attorney could pursue each party individually to recover the maximum amount of compensation.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
Compensation We Can Pursue After a FedEx Truck Accident
Accidents with FedEx trucks can cause extensive injuries and property damage. We can track and record all expenses you incur and demand appropriate compensation from insurers. We can pursue compensation for all your injury-related losses, including:
- The cost of emergency medical treatment and continuing medical expenses (e.g., prescriptions, rehabilitative care, medical devices, etc.)
- Lost wages/salary, overtime, bonuses, commissions, tips, and other missing employment compensation
- Differences between your pre- and post-injury expected lifetime earnings
- Out-of-pocket injury expenses, like childcare, housekeeping, and alternate transportation
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, scarring and disfigurement, and other intangible losses
We understand when aggressive negotiations are necessary and will not hesitate to initiate formal litigation if it presents the best chance of a satisfactory outcome.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
Comparative Fault and Shared Liability in Louisiana
Louisiana uses a comparative fault system to calculate damages in personal injury cases like truck accidents. According to comparative fault, any damages you receive are reduced according to your percentage of liability.
In other words, you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault. The catch is that any final award will be diminished by your percentage of fault. For example, a $50,000 settlement at 20% fault would result in a $40,000 final award.
This structure of comparative negligence means you need a lawyer who can persuasively argue your lack of fault. Minimizing your fault can maximize the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
How Long Can I Wait to Pursue Damages After a FedEx Truck Accident?
Louisiana Civic Code Art. 3493.1 gives you two years from the date you sustained your injuries to take legal action. If your injuries weren’t immediately obvious, you instead have two years from the date you discovered your condition.
A Lafayette FedEx truck accident lawyer can work quickly to ensure you meet any filing deadlines. Building a strong case can take months or over a year, so you don’t want to waste any time with delays. Starting while the evidence is fresh will significantly increase the odds of a successful resolution.
Contact Galloway Jefcoat to Speak to a FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer in Lafayette
Dealing with the fallout of a truck accident is never easy. You may need extensive medical care, and it could take months or even years before you can work at full capacity again. The attorneys at Galloway Jefcoat understand the difficulties of navigating life after a truck crash and can work to improve your situation.
Contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation with our FedEx truck accident law office in Lafayette.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."
