FedEx is one of the largest transportation and package delivery companies in the world and employs thousands of drivers across Louisiana. However, the high amount of company activity means that motorists can be at risk of accidents with FedEx truck drivers.
If you have injuries from a collision with a FedEx truck, a delivery truck accident lawyer serving Lake Charles from Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys can provide legal guidance. We can help you file a claim against the responsible entities to recover financial compensation for your medical bills, lost work income, and more.
We have been protecting the rights of the injured for nearly three decades and are dedicated to Turning Wrong Into Right, no matter the case. Contact us today to speak to a FedEx truck accident lawyer serving Lake Charles.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a FedEx Truck Accident
If you have been in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you need an experienced Lake Charles truck accident lawyer to navigate the aftermath. Your injuries might leave you in severe pain, and managing the insurance claims process can seem insurmountable when under financial and mental distress.
A lawyer can handle every aspect of the claims process after a FedEx truck accident. We can gather evidence from the accident scene, connect with expert witnesses, and represent you during settlement negotiations. If necessary, we can also take the liable party to court in a lawsuit to recover your payments.
The team at Galloway Jefcoat understands how difficult life can be after a serious injury. We promise to provide compassionate and empathetic counsel and won’t will not rest until we have exhausted every path to a satisfactory case resolution.
"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."
Possible Injuries from FedEx Truck Accidents
FedEx operates a large fleet composed of several trucks of differing sizes, ranging from small box trucks for local deliveries to large semi-tractor haulers for interstate cargo. Even small FedEx trucks are significantly more massive than passenger vehicles, so collisions can cause catastrophic injuries:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Bruising and soft-tissue injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns and abrasions
- Hand, wrist, and arm injuries
- Chest and torso trauma
- Leg and hip injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Hearing and vision loss
- Amputations and crushing injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional distress
"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"
How Does Insurance Work for FedEx Truck Accidents in Lake Charles?
FedEx trucking operations are built on a network of full-time drivers and contractors through the FedEx Ground program. What happens after a FedEx truck accident depends largely on whether the driver is an employee or an independent contractor.
If the Driver is a FedEx Employee
Since FedEx employees work directly for the company, standard rules for vicarious liability apply. In other words, FedEx as a business is generally responsible for the negligence of its employees. If a FedEx employee negligently causes an accident, you would file an insurance claim through the company’s employee liability insurance coverage.
If the Driver is an Independent Contractor
Different rules apply if the driver is an independent contractor. FedEx does not provide insurance to contract drivers, so the driver is responsible for having their own insurance coverage. They may have coverage through their personal auto liability policy or may receive liability coverage if they are employed by a third-party contractor.
FedEx might try to claim a driver is an independent contractor to absolve itself of responsibility for the accident. But just because FedEx says a driver is an independent contractor doesn’t mean they actually are one.
Louisiana labor law generally assumes that workers are employees unless proven otherwise. As such, there is a higher legal burden on employers to establish an independent contractor relationship. A personal injury lawyer serving Lake Charles can challenge FedEx employee misclassifications and hold the company responsible for the negligence of its employees.
"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."
Compensation You Can Recover in a FedEx Truck Accident Claim
Depending on your circumstances, our FedEx truck accident lawyers taking cases in Lake Charles can pursue compensation for your injury-related losses, including the following:
- The cost of emergency medical treatment and continuing medical expenses, such as prescriptions or physical/occupational therapy
- The value of lost income from missing work and reductions in your lifetime earning capacity due to disability
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and quality-of-life reductions
- The cost of necessary replacement services, like childcare, housekeeping, or transportation
- The value of damaged or lost property, like vehicle repair/replacement costs
We are adept at negotiating and will assess your case from every angle to find potential sources of financial compensation.
"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."
Time Limit for Filing a FedEx Truck Accident Lawsuit
According to La. Civ. Code Art. 3493.1, injury victims have two years to sue liable entities for injuries due to negligence in Louisiana. Once the two-year period expires, you will lose your chance to sue for compensation forever. The deadline starts counting from the day you received your injuries or could have discovered them through due diligence.
Two years might seem like a long time, but building a strong case can take months or even a year. If you wait too long, it will be harder to gather evidence and prove your injuries were the result of negligence. A personal injury lawyer can help you take timely action and preserve critical evidence.
Our FedEx Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Lake Charles are Here to Help
The last thing you need after a FedEx truck accident is dealing with complicated insurance claims and potential lawsuits. Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys can be your advocate and protect your rights and interests under the law. Let us handle the difficult legal legwork so that you can focus on recovering and rebuilding.
Contact us online or call today to schedule a free case consultation with a Lake Charles FedEx truck accident lawyer.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."
