If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a FedEx driver running a red light in Calabasas, you're likely wondering what steps to take next. From understanding your legal rights to determining potential compensation, choosing the right Calabasas car accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. This blog post will guide you through key considerations when hiring a lawyer, the types of injuries involved, corporate negligence, and why Howell LLP is uniquely positioned to represent your interests.
Types of Injuries Resulting from Collisions with Corporate Drivers and FedEx
When a business driver, such a FedEx employee, runs a red light, it can result in a collision that can cause serious and irreversible injuries. Due to their size and weight, delivery vans sometimes have far more impact force than a normal passenger car. In Calabasas car accident attorneys can assist victims in seeking justice and obtaining the damages they are entitled to.
Common wounds consist of:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Can result in long-term cognitive impairment or permanent disability.
- Spinal cord injuries: May cause partial or full paralysis, especially in high-impact crashes.
- Broken bones and fractures: Particularly in the ribs, pelvis, arms, and legs.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage: Difficult to detect initially but potentially fatal.
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Common but painful, and sometimes chronic.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), commercial vehicle accidents account for over 4,000 deaths annually in the U.S., and thousands more suffer serious injuries. When delivery drivers ignore traffic laws such as running a red light, the risk to public safety is immense.
If you are unsure whether your injuries merit a legal case, speaking with a qualified Van Nuys car accident attorney can help clarify your legal standing. These professionals often work alongside other regional attorneys to ensure victims receive full and fair representation.
Why Howell LLP Is the Right Firm for Your FedEx Accident Case
In car accident lawsuits claiming corporate carelessness, such as those involving FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and other commercial delivery services, Howell LLP has represented a large number of clients. Our skilled group of Calabasas car accident attorneys has a history of holding businesses responsible for the conduct of their workers.
What sets us apart:
- Experience: We've handled dozens of complex personal injury and corporate liability cases.
- Reputation: We are well-respected in the Southern California legal community, with many referrals coming from past satisfied clients.
- Client-focused communication: You'll never feel left in the dark. We make sure you understand every step of your case.
- Free consultations: There's no cost to talk to us. To assist you make an informed choice, we'll help you comprehend your options.
Every case is carefully considered by our staff, who make sure that every possibility is explored by a Calabasas car accident attorney in order to get justice and the most money possible for our clients.
Why Hiring a Lawyer for Accidents Like These Is a Good Idea
Corporate accident claims are not like regular car accidents. The stakes are higher, the legal complexity is greater, and the other side has powerful attorneys defending their interests. When you're up against a company like FedEx, hiring an experienced Calabasas car accident attorney is essential.
Here's why:
- Corporate legal teams are aggressive. They will often try to shift blame away from their driver.
- Evidence must be kept as soon as possible. Driver records, dashcam film, and vehicle data can all vanish if you don't take quick action.
- Negotiation leverage. Insurance companies take you more seriously when you have strong legal representation.
- Maximum compensation. An attorney, especially a skilled Calabasas car accident attorney, knows how to calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical expenses and lost earning potential.
If you don't have an advocate, you risk settling for far less than you deserve or worse, losing your case entirely.
Strategies Defendants Use to Avoid Paying in Civil Cases
FedEx and other corporate defendants have deep pockets and a lot to lose. Their legal teams often use calculated strategies to avoid paying fair settlements. Here are some common tactics:
- Deny liability: They may claim the driver didn't run the red light or that you were partially at fault.
- Delay the process: Hoping you'll get desperate and accept a low offer.
- Discredit your injuries: By hiring “independent” medical examiners to minimize your condition.
- Lowball settlement proposals: making a hasty monetary offer to get you to leave, much less than the value of your case.
- Lost evidence: Not keeping driver logs or important camera footage.
A skilled Calabasas Car Accident Attorney from Howell LLP knows these strategies inside and out and knows how to fight back.
If your accident occurred near areas like Granada Hills, a consultation with a Granda Hills car accident attorney can also be a valuable first step, especially if the incident involved multiple jurisdictions or occurred while commuting between neighborhoods.
How Injuries from a FedEx Accident Can Affect You for the Rest of Your Life
A serious car accident can change your life in seconds. Beyond the short-term physical harm, many victims experience the following long-term effects:
- Persistent ache that doesn't go away
- Absence of independence or movement
- Trauma to the emotions and PTSD
- Job loss or a change in career
- Financial burden brought on by lost income and medical expenses
For sufferers of brain trauma or spinal injuries, lifelong care may be required. A Calabasas car accident attorney who is aware of these effects and works to secure a settlement that takes them into account is essential.
The Top Three Points Following a Vehicle Mishap Involving a FedEx Driver
- Seek medical intervention right now. Even if you're feeling fine, injuries could show up later.
- Document everything. Take images of the event, get the contact details of witnesses, and request a police complaint.
- Get in touch with a Calabasas car accident attorney. It is more likely that you will obtain important evidence and develop an entrancing case if you consult an attorney as soon as feasible.
An experienced Calabasas car accident attorney can make all the difference when it comes to supporting your rights and securing confirmation. Keep in mind that every minute matters.
Common Questions Regarding FedEx Mishaps in Calabasas
Who can be held responsible if a FedEx driver runs a red light and causes an accident?
In many cases, FedEx as a company can be held responsible under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which makes employers liable for their employees' actions when performed within the scope of their job. If the driver was actively delivering packages or on duty, FedEx may be held financially liable for any damages caused.
What if FedEx claims the driver was an independent contractor?
This is a common defense, as FedEx often classifies many drivers as contractors. However, California courts may still find FedEx liable if the company exercises significant control over the driver's work, including schedule, uniforms, and vehicle branding. An experienced Calabasas Car Accident Attorney can investigate these claims thoroughly.
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value of a case depends on several factors including medical bills, lost income, severity of injuries, property damage, and long-term health consequences. A case involving corporate negligence—like a FedEx driver running a red light can result in substantial compensation, especially if negligence or safety violations can be proven.
Will I have to go to court if I file a claim against FedEx?
Not necessarily. Most cases are settled through negotiations. However, if FedEx refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial. Howell LLP prepares every case as if it's going to trial to ensure the best possible outcome.
How soon should I contact a lawyer after the accident?
Immediately. Preserving evidence such as dashcam footage, delivery logs, and eyewitness accounts is crucial. The sooner you speak with a Calabasas Car Accident Attorney, the stronger your case will be.
What kind of evidence is needed to prove the FedEx driver was at fault?
Evidence may include traffic camera footage, black box data from the vehicle, delivery schedules, driver logs, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction. Police reports and medical records also play a critical role in building a compelling case.
What damages can I recover after a commercial vehicle accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, future earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in severe cases, punitive damages if the company's conduct was grossly negligent.
What if I was partially at fault in the accident?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your own fault. A skilled attorney can help limit this percentage and maximize your recovery.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit against FedEx in California?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. If you're filing for property damage only, you have three years. Missing the deadline could forfeit your right to compensation, so act promptly.
What does it cost to hire a Calabasas Car Accident Attorney?
Howell LLP works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay any legal fees unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, and our initial consultation is free, allowing you to understand your legal options without financial pressure.
Conclusion
There may be serious legal and bodily effects for FedEx drivers who run red lights in Calabasas. When corporate recklessness risks the lives of innocent people, it should never be tolerated. It takes legal expertise, a thorough comprehension of commercial liability, and a law practice that puts its clients' needs first to hold delivery behemoths like FedEx responsible.
At Howell LLP, we have the resources, commitment, and expertise to take on strong defendants and get our clients significant outcomes. It is imperative that you take action if you or a loved one has been impacted by a delivery vehicle accident. Give our skilled Calabasas car accident attorney a chance to help you obtain the justice and recompense you are due. Come see us immediately to arrange your free consultation and find out more about our ability to defend your rights.
