If you or someone close to you is involved in an accident for which a FedEx truck is to blame, you may be liable for compensation. However, determining who is liable is not always as simple as it seems. A North Charleston truck accident lawyer can untangle the intricacies, representing you through negotiations and, if necessary, court cases.
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our FedEx truck accident lawyers in North Charleston have been helping accident victims recover compensation for over 10 years. With professional representation, you stand a far better chance of receiving a fair settlement. Discuss your case with us today and get an opinion from a seasoned lawyer.
Why Accident Victims Choose Our North Charleston FedEx Truck Accident Lawyers
Whether you were injured as a pedestrian, motorist, or cyclist, you need a supportive North Charleston personal injury lawyer to guide you. It is almost certain that you will receive a far lower settlement if you attempt to represent yourself. Our clients choose Shelly Leeke Law Firm because we are:
- Focused on personal injury cases and have a wealth of experience with FedEx truck accident claims
- A caring team that empathizes with your predicament and seeks to build rapport with every client
- Skilled in our field with a history of successful cases that demonstrate our ability to achieve positive outcomes
- Willing to offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee that allows you to get excellent representation no matter what your financial circumstances may be
Most accident victims are experiencing shock, trauma, and confusion. They may accept inadequate settlements because they are too emotionally drained to put up a fight and do not know how to counter objections to their claims. You need not let this happen. Allow us to advocate for you.
Your Settlement May Be Worth Far More Than You Know
Many people settle for less than they deserve because they do not fully understand the law. For example, they may only consider their current difficulties without thinking about the future effects of their injuries. In almost all instances, they lack the knowledge to negotiate effectively with insurance companies.
Without deep knowledge of the law, you may claim less than you deserve and receive even less than you claimed. A FedEx truck accident attorney in North Charleston will know how to calculate the value of your claim. This includes past and future financial costs and losses, as well as compensation for subjective damages such as pain, suffering, and trauma.
A lawyer will know how to substantiate the amounts claimed, enabling them to present a strong case. Their experience prepares them for potential arguments that may arise so that they are ready to defend your rights.
Why Liability In FedEx Truck Accident Cases Is Often Complicated
When you claim compensation after an accident, it is important to claim from the liable party. In any accident case, determining liability often requires an in-depth investigation. In FedEx truck accidents, there are additional possibilities to consider. These include:
- FedEx if the driver is directly employed by FedEx. The principle of vicarious liability means that employers are responsible for the actions of their employees
- An owner-operator (a driver with their truck), since FedEx makes extensive use of contractors
- A transport company that contracts for FedEx, since some companies contract for FedEx and employ drivers
- A component manufacturer if the accident was caused by a component with a manufacturing or design fault.
- A company that performed maintenance or repairs if the accident occurred because of their poor-quality work
Alongside these options, our South Carolina personal injury lawyers must also determine whether other parties shared some of the liability. For example, more than one driver may have contributed to your accident. This means that they are liable for a share of the compensation.
Negligence, Comparative Negligence, and Your FedEx Truck Accident Case
Most drivers would never deliberately cause an accident. Instead, accidents happen because someone was reckless or negligent. Our breakdown of negligence laws in South Carolina indicates that your lawyer must show that:
- There was a duty of care to protect you from harm.
- The duty of care was not met due to negligence.
- This negligence caused your accident.
- The accident caused your injuries.
Complicating matters, comparative negligence means that each negligent party is liable for their share of the damages resulting from the accident. If you were partly at fault, your compensation is proportionately reduced, and if you are found to be 51% at fault, you cannot claim at all. This encourages liable parties to try shifting blame to you.
Why Contacting a Lawyer as Soon as Possible Helps You
You should contact your North Charleston FedEx truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident occurred. Even though it may take time to determine the full implications of your injuries and calculate your claim, your lawyer can begin investigations.
Some very compelling forms of evidence may be time-sensitive. For example, CCTV camera footage showing what the FedEx driver was doing in the moments leading up to your accident may not be retained if it does not capture the accident itself.
Apart from this, you have seen that determining liability, especially when multiple parties are involved, and what their share of liability may be, takes time. Your lawyer can do all the legwork and file your claim sooner if you contact them promptly after the accident.
You Have a Limited Time to File and Hire a North Charleston FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer
There are many reasons why you may not have thought of calling a lawyer or were unable to do so. Although this may make your case more complicated than it already is, an experienced attorney can still help you. Reasons for delay may include:
- Not being aware of your rights until later on
- Believing that FedEx would automatically compensate you
- Disputes about liability that you did not initially expect
- Not being fully aware of the severity and consequences of your injuries
- Injuries so severe that you were unable to act or too upset to think clearly
- Not realizing that you can afford to get legal help on a contingency basis
According to S.C. Code § 15-3-530, you usually have three years to file suit after being injured. If you do not file suit before the deadline, your case will not be accepted. There are a few exceptional circumstances that allow for extensions, but these are rare.
Talk to Us to Find Out What Your Options Are
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we offer free consultations that enable you to explore your options with us. Our FedEx truck accident lawyers in North Charleston will be able to tell you whether you have a case that is eligible for compensation and the likely value of any settlement.
To get started, simply contact us, schedule a meeting, and receive a free opinion from a lawyer. This will provide you with greater clarity and direction regarding your course of action, enabling you to plan for your future well-being.
