FedEx Truck Accident Attorney Serving Baldwin County, Alabama

The aftermath of a FedEx truck accident can be incredibly overwhelming. These large, heavy-duty vehicles have the potential to cause significant damage, serious injuries, and even loss of life.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a FedEx truck accident, our personal injury attorney at Whit A. Thomas, Attorney at Law, is ready to help you seek justice and compensation. Having represented truck accident victims since 1980, we understand the devastating impact these incidents can have.

Dealing with a truck accident vastly differs from a typical passenger vehicle collision. FedEx trucks operate as part of a large corporation with significant resources at their disposal to defend claims.

This makes it especially important for accident victims in Alabama to have an attorney who prioritizes their needs and has significant experience in these cases. If you’re in Baldwin County, Escambia County, Mobile County, or Monroe County, our experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, assess your case, and fight for compensation. Call today.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a FedEx Truck Accident

FedEx truck accidents can be significantly more complicated than standard car accident claims. FedEx is a massive corporate entity with extensive legal teams and insurance coverage to protect its drivers and the company.

Pursuing a claim against them isn’t as straightforward as filing with a local insurance company. Here’s why having legal representation matters:

Determining Liability

Truck accident cases often have multiple layers of liability. Was it the truck driver’s negligence? Was the truck improperly maintained? Is FedEx liable as the employer? Uncovering these details can influence the success of your claim, and an experienced lawyer can help you investigate.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence like truck maintenance logs, delivery schedules, black box recordings, and driver hours of service logs is vital in proving your case. It can be challenging for ordinary citizens to access this information, but an attorney can obtain and use these records effectively.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

FedEx and its insurers are prepared to minimize payouts. Without proper representation, you are more likely to receive an unfair settlement offer. An attorney who understands the tactics these companies use can negotiate on your behalf and make sure you’re not taken advantage of.

Calculating Damages

Delivery truck accidents often result in significant medical bills, loss of wages, and long-term emotional trauma. Accurately assessing the value of your claim guarantees that every aspect of your suffering is fully acknowledged and compensated.

An experienced truck accident attorney can advocate on your behalf while you focus on recovery and moving forward.

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Causes of FedEx Truck Accidents

FedEx truck accidents can occur for various reasons, ranging from driver error to company negligence. Here are some of the most common causes we’ve seen in Alabama:

Driver fatigue: Delivery drivers often face strict schedules and long hours. Despite regulations limiting driving hours, drowsy driving remains a frequent cause of accidents.

Speeding: Tight deadlines may prompt drivers to exceed speed limits, increasing the risk of an accident.

Distracted driving: Handling delivery routes, checking navigation devices, or using mobile phones while driving can have disastrous consequences.

Improper maintenance: Issues like worn tires, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning taillights can lead to serious accidents. Maintenance failures are often the result of company-wide negligence rather than driver error.

Overloaded trucks: If FedEx trucks are overloaded or improperly loaded, the excess weight can impact the driver’s ability to stop or maneuver properly.

Understanding the cause of your accident is critical when building a strong case against FedEx and any other liable parties.

FedEx Truck Accidents and Alabama Laws

If you’ve been involved in a FedEx truck accident, it’s important to understand Alabama traffic laws and liability rules that may apply to your case.

Contributory Negligence

Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, which means if you are found even partially at fault for the accident, you cannot recover compensation. Insurance companies often use this rule to attempt to shift liability to the injured party. This is why attention to detail, meticulous evidence gathering, and strong legal representation are essential.

Truck Safety Regulations

Alabama law incorporates federal truck safety regulations to promote responsible practices among truck drivers and companies. These include Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which limit driving hours to prevent fatigue, and strict rules regarding truck weight, load security, and maintenance. Violating these regulations could play a critical role in proving negligence.

Statute of Limitations

There is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Alabama, including FedEx truck accidents. After this period, you lose your right to file a claim. Taking swift action is important to protecting your legal rights.

Comparative Liability in Commercial Cases

While FedEx may attempt to claim that an independent contractor, rather than the company itself, is responsible, Alabama law also allows you to hold companies accountable if certain legal thresholds are met. This is especially important in cases where multiple parties may share liability.

What to Do if You’re in a FedEx Truck Accident

If you’ve been in a FedEx truck accident, here's how you can protect your rights and build your case:

Call emergency services. Get medical attention immediately and report the accident to the authorities. Document the scene. Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, injuries, and other contextual evidence.

Get contact information. Obtain the truck driver’s name, employer details, insurance information, and contact information for any witnesses. Seek legal counsel. Reaching out to an attorney early helps you manage interactions with insurers and collect evidence effectively.

FedEx Truck Accident Attorney Serving Baldwin County, Alabama

With over 40 years of experience representing wrongful death victims across Alabama, our attorney understands the pain and financial hardships that often follow truck accidents. We have handled countless cases, helping clients secure compensation to ease their burden. If you’ve been involved in a FedEx truck accident in Baldwin County, Alabama, or anywhere in Escambia County, Mobile County, or Monroe County, call Whit A. Thomas, Attorney at Law, today for a free initial consultation.