If you travel on Louisiana roadways, it’s critical that you understand how to stay safe on the road as well as what to do if something goes wrong. If you live in Lafayette, you likely frequent I-10, which is known for its heavy commercial traffic, including countless delivery trucks. It’s wise to know what to do after a FedEx truck accident on I-10 near Lafayette.
FedEx drivers are responsible for maintaining safe practices on the road. If they’re involved in an accident, they can be held liable for the damages. That said, the company is responsible for them, too. As an injured party, it’s imperative that you understand the nuances of FedEx truck accident laws, such as who you can file against and how you can support your claim. The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy can work to recover the damages you’re owed.
Truck Accidents on I-10 Near Lafayette
I-10, specifically, is listed as one of the most dangerous highways in the state. As the longest and most-traveled highway in Louisiana, I-10 is a hotspot for all types of motor vehicle accidents, including truck accidents. I-10 spans approximately 275 miles and serves as a major commercial corridor. The highway runs from Texas to Mississippi and connects Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans throughout Louisiana.
High volumes of truck drivers on the road can make driving more dangerous on average, including large FedEx vehicles that are transporting heavy cargo. In addition to increasing the risk of collisions on the road, heavy commercial traffic can significantly speed up wear and tear on Louisiana roads. Louisiana ranks in the top ten states in America for the worst road conditions. This is largely due to poor maintenance and road infrastructure.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident With a FedEx Truck in Lafayette
As a major logistics and transportation company, FedEx trucks are everywhere. FedEx Corporation provides transportation, e-commerce, and business services in the United States and across the globe. The company currently has a fleet of more than 200,000 motor vehicles as well as nearly 700 aircraft. It’s estimated that they ship an average of 20 million pounds of freight every day.
If you’re involved in an accident with a FedEx truck, it’s imperative that you know what steps to take to protect yourself and secure your access to the compensation you’re rightfully owed. You typically have two years from the date of an accident to file a claim and recover damages for your losses. That said, it’s wise to start the process as soon as possible.
Motor vehicle accident scenes will likely be cleaned up as quickly as possible. It’s imperative that you document the damages and your injuries before critical evidence is moved. The wake of an accident can be chaotic and stressful. It helps to have a rough plan in place for how to navigate the aftermath.
Every case is unique, but you can generally aim to follow these steps after a FedEx truck accident on I-10 near Lafayette:
- Contact local law enforcement, and give a statement.
- Exchange information with the other driver or drivers.
- Take detailed notes, photos, and videos of the scene.
- Talk to witnesses at the scene.
- Request a copy of the police report.
- Seek medical attention, and keep a copy of all your medical records from the incident.
- Contact a Lafayette FedEx truck accident attorney.
FAQs About FedEx Truck Accident
Who Can I Hold Liable in a Truck Accident Case Involving a FedEx Truck in Lafayette?
Who you can hold liable in a truck accident case involving a FedEx truck in Lafayette depends on the details of the accident itself. There can be more than one at-fault party in a truck accident case, including the drivers immediately involved in the crash.
Other liable parties can include the company itself. It’s critical that you understand what happened so you can hold the appropriate people accountable and recover the full scope of your losses.
Is Louisiana an At-Fault State for Truck Accidents?
Louisiana is an at-fault state for truck accidents. This means that any party found to have caused the accident through negligence or intentional misconduct can be held liable for the damages. More than one party can share fault for an accident, which affects compensation.
Since Louisiana follows a modified comparative fault law, injured parties can file to recover damages as long as they are the minority party at fault. Their total settlement can be reduced by any percentage of fault.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a FedEx Truck Accident Case in Lafayette?
You do not have to go to court for a FedEx truck accident case in Lafayette. In fact, most car accident claims settle out of court through negotiations. Securing a successful settlement out of court ultimately depends on your lawyer’s ability to advocate for you.
An insurer is likely going to present a low offer. If negotiations fail, you can enter litigation in the 15th Judicial District Court to settle a claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer in Lafayette?
How much it costs to hire a FedEx truck accident lawyer in Lafayette can vary based on the difficulty of your case and how much they can recover in your settlement. Lafayette personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis.
With a contingency fee, you only pay attorney fees if they successfully recover compensation for your losses. You don’t have to worry about paying anything out of pocket because your attorney collects their payment directly from your settlement.
Hire a FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer in Lafayette to Discuss Your Case in More Detail
The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy has been representing Louisianans in complex personal injury cases for over 50 years. We’re built on five generations of experienced attorneys, and we’re just getting started.
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, reach out to set up a meeting with a member of our team today. Our office is located on Polk Street, near the I-10 and I-49 interchange in Lafayette.
