Constant deliveries in Bakersfield neighborhoods can put drivers at risk of being struck by a large, heavy FedEx van or semi-truck. Victims who get hurt in collisions caused by its drivers can demand help from the international transport company.
Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Bakersfield offers a free, no-obligation consultation for all FedEx accident victims in Kern County. It’s a chance to make sure that large companies are held accountable for their employees, and that you receive everything needed to make a full recovery.
Should I Have a Lawyer If I’m Struck by a FedEx Driver?
If a FedEx van strikes your car, SUV, or Truck, and your injuries are serious, it’s a good idea to speak to a skilled Bakersfield truck accident lawyer. Also, reach out to us if a FedEx van strikes you while you are on a motorcycle, walking, or riding a bike, and your injuries go beyond some minor scratches or bruising.
An injury claim asking for help with rising medical bills can prompt FedEx’s insurers to seek ways to avoid blame. FedEx may also send its corporate lawyers after your case. Teams of lawyers can try to blame you for what happened, or downplay your injuries so they can offer you next to nothing to cover your recovery.
A skilled lawyer can protect you from these heartless tactics. Our lawyers also fight to boost your settlement amount, so you are never left without the support you need months or years from now. A great lawyer can often earn you much more for your claim than you could win by handling it yourself.
FedEx Driver Dangers in Bakersfield?
FedEx vans whip in and out of Bakersfield neighborhoods like Westchester all day long, in a rush to deliver padded envelopes and boxes. Their semi-trucks may be encountered out on Highway 99 as they make deliveries to different FedEx Hubs.
Most drivers do their best to focus on safety. But they also must work from the driver’s seat and monitor cargo, destinations, deadlines, and communications from their bosses. It’s all a distraction, not even counting their own cellphones, that can lead to inattention to the road and even running into other lanes unaware.
This loss of control is extremely dangerous when FedEx drivers command such heavy vehicles that take longer to stop at intersections and during traffic slowdowns. One missed red light can mean a loaded-down vehicle rear-ends stopped cars ahead with potentially deadly force. It can mean a delivery van misses a stop sign to T-Bone an SUV with double the force of a normal impact.
These can be devastating collisions that cause severe injuries like broken bones, neck and back injuries, and brain injuries. When these workplace accidents occur, it’s always critical to make sure that the fault stays with the right driver. A Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer would make sure Bakersfield police accident reports weren’t ignored. Our law firm even calls in accident reconstruction teams when necessary to force a transportation company to accept fault.
Does FedEx Provide Commercial Insurance for Drivers?
FedEx does provide vehicle accident protection for its full-time drivers, but not every driver in a white van is full-time.
Full-Time FedEx Employees – FedEx backs its full-time employees with at least a million dollars in accident coverage. It’s strong coverage for injured victims to rely on, but FedEx doesn’t always make it easy for patients to get help. The corporation’s lawyers and insurance adjusters dispute most cases vigorously, trying to get the finger of blame off its drivers. They can also question the severity of injuries, allowing them to make “lowball” offers that don’t cover all of the victim’s medical bills.
Contract Drivers – Unfortunately for accident victims, FedEx also relies on local drivers to handle some deliveries. The driver may work for themselves or may work for a local trucking company that contracts with FedEx. In this case, drivers, or the smaller companies they work for must carry commercial insurance. Victims won’t always be able to hold FedEx responsible in cases involving a contract driver, but they should still be able to get some help with recovery costs.
Determining who is liable for an accident will be a skilled attorney’s job. In some cases, there may be more than one delivery driver, company, or corporation that bears liability. A claim can be filed with all liable parties, giving victims the best chance to get all of their injury damages covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to speak to a lawyer after a Bakersfield FedEx-involved accident?
You should go over your case with a lawyer as soon as you can. Waiting can mean valuable evidence vanishes and witnesses become harder to track down. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner you can hopefully receive a settlement check. California allows victims up to two years to file a personal injury claim, but waiting months or years can hurt a case.
What kinds of things is FedEx expected to pay for after an accident?
Accident victims must first get help with their medical bills before they face bankruptcy over late payments. All bills now and any expected hospital and physical therapy costs in the future should be covered. Repair costs for a damaged vehicle or full replacement money should be a part of the settlement. The paychecks victims lose while missing work must be reimbursed. The physical pain and emotional trauma left for victims to cope with must also receive consideration.
What if I can’t afford to pay a truck accident lawyer?
You don’t have to have any money set aside to pay for the protection of a great lawyer. We don’t charge anything unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the check that FedEx is forced to write you. Anyone can afford a skilled lawyer.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Who Backs Your Claim with Evidence and Fights to Earn You More
Our attorneys never want to see you struggling to pay medical bills after an accident caused by a massive delivery company. Those costs are the responsibility of FedEx who sends out truck drivers to use our streets each day. Our attorneys are ready to get aggressive with companies and corporations that don’t immediately accept blame for the mistakes of their drivers.
If you have a serious injury, and a careless truck driver caused your accident, contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Bakersfield to schedule a free consultation. It’s a confidential, no-obligation review of your case with a real truck accident lawyer.