What Can I Expect After Hiring A Rhode Island Fedex Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accident cases, especially those involving large corporations like Fedex, can be extremely complex and anyone from the Fedex delivery driver to the Fedex themselves or quite possibly another motorist may be liable. For these reasons, it is vitally important to hire a skilled and aggressive Rhode Island Fedex accident lawyer right away. In many Fedex accident cases, time is of the essence and your lawyer should immediately begin working on your case by:

Your lawyer should see you in person, whether at the office, your home, or the hospital.
Gather evidence about the Fedex accident, how it happened, and who may be responsible.
Determine the party or parties who may be liable.
Figure out what your case is worth.
Negotiate with the other parties or their attorneys.
File a lawsuit if required.
Build a case for settlement or trial, depending on the case.

DO I NEED TO HIRE A LOCAL RHODE ISLAND FEDEX TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER?

The FedEx Corporation is a US courier delivery services company based in Memphis, Tennessee. As a global leader in local delivery services, FedEx has generated $69.2 billion dollars in annual revenue in fiscal year 2019 alone. FedEx has a fleet of over 180,000 motorized vehicles on US roads transporting more than 15 million packages a day to homes and businesses across the country. Given the sheer size and scope of the operations of FedEx – countless number of miles covered by FedEx delivery trucks every day – accidents involving their vehicles are statistically bound to happen. Unfortunately, when they do occur, the resulting damages can be significant.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a FedEx delivery truck accident, you are likely dealing with a variety of issues that make life more difficult. In addition to the physical injuries, you may be dealing with a loss of income, mounting bills and medical expenses, and insurance companies. Factor in having to deal with recovering damages or filing a lawsuit against a major corporation such as FedEx can be especially stressful.

FedEx, like most courier companies, are reputed to deflect responsibility after their drivers have injured someone in an accident. They utilize insurance experts and defense lawyers whose mission is to minimize or limit liability and preserve the company’s bottom line, which lowers your injury compensation or damages payout.

As such, a FedEx delivery truck accident case can be complicated and should be handled by an experienced and skilled team of attorneys. Obtaining local legal representation can give you the time you need to heal physically and emotionally while still ensuring that you will be able to receive just legal compensation for your losses. Let our team of local Rhode Island Fedex Truck Accident Lawyers work for you to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT SUING FEDEX AFTER SUFFERING INJURIES IN A DELIVERY TRUCK ACCIDENT?

While car accident cases are relatively straightforward, determining liability in a FedEx delivery truck accident can be a bit more complex. Similar to other commercial trucking companies, FedEx maintains seven-figure policies on each of the vehicles in their fleet. In an effort to avoid paying out large monetary awards on accident claims, FedEx routinely resist admitting fault and employ a strategy of forcing victims to prove all aspects of their claims. This tactic is designed to intimidate, delay, and confuse the injured person to submit to the initial settlement offer, which is almost always lower than what the injured person deserves.

National and international shipping and logistics is huge business, and FedEx is no exception, so you need the right attorney to handle your case properly. This includes the handling of all communications with FedEx’s attorneys and/or the insurance companies, ensuring that the correct documents are filed properly and timely, and vigorously advocating in negotiations and/or litigation is necessary, to secure your full and fair compensation for the injuries you or your loved one has suffered.

My experience with Attorney Barrett is unmatched. He is always responsive to my inquiries. Always provides updates without asking. I had immediate confidence in his ability to represent my family. With Attorney Barrett on your side, you will not be disappointed!

Former Client K. Strickland

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF FEDEX DELIVERY TRUCK ACCIDENTS?

With FedEx’s fleet in excess of 180,000 vehicles transporting millions of packages across US roads, FedEx drivers are bound to be involved in trucking accidents with other motorists. Combined with the fact that FedEx drivers are often trying to deliver packages under set timelines and after long shifts, the odds of trucking accidents increase dramatically. These types of accidents happen all the time; many are avoidable and most of the time the cause fall into one of several common categories.

Driver Fatigue

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act regulates and sets strict limits on the hours that drivers may drive, how frequently they must break, and for how long. But with so much at stake and companies being on tight deadlines, oftentimes drivers spend more time on the road than is allowed by law. This can lead to sleep deprivation which can slow reflexes, motor function, reaction time, and may even lead to falling asleep at the wheel.

Drug or Alcohol Use

An unfortunate byproduct of the extra hours on the road is oftentimes the use of drugs to offset the fatigue. Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication is always a bad idea, but when the intoxicated driver is behind the wheel of a semi truck the consequences can be catastrophic.

Speeding or Roadway Violations

Whether trying to make a deadline, hitting a daily quota, or simply racing to get home faster, drivers speed for any number of reasons. Regardless of why a driver is speeding or otherwise not driving cautiously, it is a danger to everyone else on the road and increases the likelihood of an accident.

Mechanical or Engine Malfunction

Sometimes accidents are not the fault of the driver, but rather a failure or a fault somewhere on the rig. This can cause brake failures, tire blow outs, trucks swerving off the road, or any number of other crashes.

Load Issues

Sometimes the cargo being transferred was either loaded incorrectly, at an imbalance, or comes loose during transit. That much weight moving that fast or abruptly can often lead to accidents.

Unskilled or Underqualified Drivers

FedEx drivers go through rigorous training to obtain their CDL licenses, and oftentimes companies simply cannot find the manpower and are forced to hire underexperienced or unlicensed drivers. In some instances companies can even save money by intentionally hiring drivers with minimum or substandard qualifications. Driving a truck is not as simple as driving a regular car and a driver with a lack of experience can be a real hazard on the road.

Weather conditions

New England is known for inclement and rapidly changing weather. A driver attempting to drive through hazardous weather when it simply is not safe to do so may be liable in the event of an accident.

Blind Spot Accidents

Tractor-trailers have four major blind spots about the vehicle and oftentimes accidents occur when either the truck driver or the other motorist are not aware of or heed the danger of a potential blind spot.

WHAT ARE COMMON FEDEX TRUCK ACCIDENT INJURIES?

FedEx delivery truck accidents that involve passenger vehicles can be severe. Two passenger vehicles colliding can certainly have devastating consequences, but a passenger car is simply no match for the size and power of a tractor trailer truck. The damage from such an accident may be irreversible and last a lifetime, saddling you with current and future healthcare and life expenses. The following are typical truck accident injuries:

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)

The force generated by a Fedex truck crash can cause brain injuries extended beyond a mere concussion. Sometimes these injuries will not be symptomatic immediately, but the effects can be devastating.

NECK – BACK – SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Impact or whiplash to the neck and back can cause spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in full or partial paralysis and respiratory problems.

BROKEN BONES

With such a high degree of force broken bones and internal injuries and bleeding are commonplace in victims of a Fedex Truck accident.

SOFT TISSUE INJURIES

Fedex truck accidents can often lead to soft-tissue damage of muscles, ligaments, and tendons and the result can be pain, swelling, bruising, and damage.

BURNS

Burn injuries in Fedex truck accidents can also be caused by contact with hot metal, hot water or steam escaping from a damaged radiator, or contact with other heated elements of the Fedex truck.

AMPUTATION

Frequently, Fedex trucking accidents result in someone being trapped or pinned in or under a vehicle for a period of time. Sadly, this may result in the disabling for entire loss of a limb. This can require the use of a prosthetic, plastic surgery, or a lifetime of physical therapy and care.

DEATH

Unfortunately, many Fedex trucking accidents are so severe that individuals do not survive. If your loved one died as a result of a Fedex trucking accident, either immediately or after the fact, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death suit. Of course there is no amount of money that can bring a loved one back or heal the pain of losing them, but there may be unpaid medical bills, funeral expenses, life expenses, and pain and suffering that needs to be accounted for and to which you may be entitled.

Contact the Rhode Island Fedex truck accident attorneys at Marin and Barrett, Inc. if you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Fedex truck accident in Rhode Island. We can help you recover the compensation you are entitled to and we are available 24/7 at 401-228-8271.

How Long Do I Have to File a Fedex Truck Accident Lawsuit in Rhode Island?

If you have been injured in a Fedex truck accident, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages. However, Rhode Island limits the amount of time you have to take legal action. Generally speaking, Rhode Island General Law Section 9-1-36 provides that you must file your personal injury injury claim within three years of the Fedex truck accident. If you don’t file before the statute of limitations expires you will be permanently prohibited from pursing legal action for your injuries.

The best way to ensure that your Fedex truck accident case is filed on-time is to seek legal representation from a skilled local Rhode Island personal injury attorney. At Marin and Barrett, Inc., we are committed to helping you recover the money you deserve. Call us today at 401-228-8271 to schedule your no-obligation case evaluation.

HOW MUCH IS MY FEDEX ACCIDENT CASE WORTH? WHAT DAMAGES AM I ENTITLED TO?

Like virtually every type of case, all FedEx delivery truck accidents cases are different and there is a lot that goes into determining the value of a case and each case has its own particular facts and circumstances. Depending on your case you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.

Damages for injuries to Fedex truck accident victims in Rhode Island can include payment for:

ECONOMIC DAMAGE – such as tangible out of pocket costs which are often established with bills and invoices

Medical expenses, including past, present, and future bills
Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
Damage to vehicle or property
Transportation costs
Costs of medical devices and modifications and accommodations to your home or vehicle
Costs of assistive devices
Expenses for in-home healthcare and household services
Lost wages, both from missed work and missed future earning potential
Household bills

NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES – which include general intangible damages. These damages affect quality of life, but are oftentimes more significant, such as:

Pain and suffering
Disability
Disfigurement
Anxiety and post-traumatic stress (emotional distress)
Loss of companionship or consortium
Lifestyle Impairment

PUNITIVE DAMAGES – In some instances the responsible party’s conduct is so egregious, that punitive damages are appropriate as a means of punishment and a deterrent to future bad conduct.

In the event that loved one has died in a Fedex truck accident you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for those left behind. Of course no amount of money can bring your loved on back or provide adequate compensation, but you nevertheless may be able to recover for funeral and burial costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship.

The monetary and intangible costs of a FedEx delivery truck accident can be staggering; in addition to the mounting medical bills, there is a good chance that you’ve lost your income and earning potential as a result of the accident. You may only have a limited opportunity to get the money that you rightfully deserve after an accident. Here at Marin and Barrett, Inc., our Rhode Island Fedex accident lawyers stand ready to fight for your rights to ensure a full financial recovery. On these types of cases it is often helpful to work closely with expert witnesses to ensure that your injuries and damages are valued fully. This extra effort makes sure that you recover all you deserve for your Fedex accident injuries.

CAN I RECOVER IF I WAS ALSO AT FAULT IN MY FEDEX TRUCK ACCIDENT?

Were you partially at fault in the accident with the FedEx delivery truck? If so, don’t worry. You are still entitled to a financial recovery as long as someone else also shares blame in causing the accident. Under Rhode Island law, the amount of your recovery will be reduced by your proportional share in the fault. Because of this, it is vitally important that you gather evidence that limits your responsibility in the accident.

FEDEX TRUCK ACCIDENT STATISTICS

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), between 2018 and 2020, FedEx Ground and the FedEx Corporation were involved in excess of 2,500 crashes on US roads. Of the 2,500+ crashes, 79 resulted in a fatality, and 936 resulted in physical injuries to the crash victims.

During the same two-year time period, FedEx drivers were issued over 3,860 unsafe driving violations for infractions such as: speeding (1,414 citations), lane restriction and lane change violations (680 citations), failure to obey traffic control devices/stop lights/stop signs (533 citations), driving while texting or using a cellphone (237 citations), and inattentive driving (29 citations). Further, there were 15 documented drug or alcohol related violations in which the FedEx driver was under the influence of chemical substances.

Additionally, there were 8,469 FedEx vehicle maintenance violations found in the same time two-year time period. These violations included failed truck airbrakes or brake system pressure loss (over 400 violations), inoperative turn signal lights (over 250 violations), operating on flat tires or tires with minimal tread (over 300 violations), operating commercial motor vehicle without proof of periodic inspection (over 200 violations), and many other violations involving defective FedEx delivery trucks.

Statistics such as these are exactly why our Rhode Island FedEx delivery truck accident attorneys fight for our clients to hold companies like Fedex accountable for their negligence.

RHODE ISLAND FEDEX ACCIDENT LAWYERS: HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Across the country tens of thousands of people are injured every year in trucking accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Rhode Island FedEx delivery truck accident you have the right to seek financial compensation. The money you recover can help to cover expensive medical bills, make up for lost income while you recover from your injuries, and compensate you for the emotional stress of the accident and your injuries.

At Marin and Barrett, Inc., our team of local Rhode Island FedEx truck accident lawyers have seen first-hand the toll these accidents can take on the victims and their families. We’re here to help you assert your legal rights and recover the money you deserve. Call us 24/7 at 401-228-8271 for a free, no obligation case review and consultation.

To Learn More About Your Rights and Receive a Free Initial Consultation from local
Rhode Island Fedex Accident Attorneys, Contact us 24/7 at 401-228-8271
YOU ONLY PAY IF WE WIN

HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH MY FEDEX ACCIDENT CASE?

First thing is first, be sure to get the medical attention you need. Once you do that, the bills will start pouring in and the expenses add up in a hurry. Realistically you’ll want to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The evidence you may need is often the freshest shortly after the accident, and you can rest assured that the party or parties responsible for your injuries will be gearing up for their own legal fight and you will not want to be left behind.

Rhode Island Fedex Truck Accident Lawyers