FedEx Truck Accidents
Federal Express, Inc. (FedEx) operates a variety of trucks, including straight trucks, semi-trucks and vans. Because these trucks and their cargo can be extremely heavy, a FedEx truck accident can result in significant damage, injury and even death.
How likely is a FedEx truck accident?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), FedEx has around 125,000 drivers operating over 102,000 vehicles, logging more than 3.2 billion miles annually. FedEx delivers almost 10 million packages daily. On an average day, a FedEx driver drives about 125 miles and delivers between 75 to 125 packages. During the busy holiday season, FedEx hires many additional delivery drivers.
As a result of the sheer volume of trucks, miles and stops, FedEx truck accidents do happen. According to the most recent statistics available, between September of 2017 and September of 2019, FedEx drivers were involved in a total of 442 accidents, including 149 involving injuries, 13 with fatalities, and 280 requiring one or more vehicles to be towed.
What causes FedEx truck accidents?
FedEx vehicles range from semi-trucks to straight trucks and delivery vans. The trucks are heavy, and thus can cause serious damage and injuries in collisions with smaller vehicles.
Drivers are on tight schedules and in a hurry to make all their assigned deliveries in any weather. The vast majority of accidents are caused by driver error. While FedEx has rigorous training and strict safety rules, accidents occur. Common causes of FedEx truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or other traffic violations
- Poor vehicle maintenance
In the 24-month period ending September 27, 2019, FMSCA cited FedEx drivers 267 times for unsafe driving violations, often for actions such as texting while driving, distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding and violations of federal hours of service laws. Any one of these actions could lead to a serious injury or fatality. During the same period, FMCSA inspections uncovered 525 vehicle maintenance violations, such as insecurely fastened truck hoods, insufficient brake linings and improperly secured loads.
How are FedEx drivers trained?
FedEx Ground has a mandatory qualification certification driver training program for all new and existing drivers. All drivers must complete this certification program no matter how much experience they have or other training programs they have participated in.
Drivers are evaluated in three categories: a written exam that tests their general knowledge about trucking and understanding of safe driving rules, first-aid, and firefighting; a pre-trip inspection based on the procedures that most FedEx drivers follow every day; and a course driving test that covers numerous driving situations. This training is in addition to the commercial vehicle license requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Who’s liable if you’re in an accident with a FedEx truck?
In the case of FedEx trucks, the trucking company is not always FedEx. FedEx Express delivery trucks are owned by FedEx and operated by employees, but FedEx ground service trucks are owned by third-party service providers and operated by their employees. Responsibility for injuries and deaths caused by company-owned vehicles and company drivers lies squarely with the company and its insurers.
In the case of an accident with a third-party owned and operated vehicle, responsibility may not be as clear. Determining fault in these accidents can be complicated. Like all drivers, FedEx truck drivers can be distracted or tired, experience equipment breakdowns, and be driving dangerously given road and/or weather conditions. Only an experienced truck accident attorney can review your case to determine its merits and whether the company, the driver and other parties could be held liable.
What might you be able to recover?
Unlike personal injury claims resulting from car accidents, claims regarding accidents with FedEx trucks may be of higher value because injuries may be more serious and more insurance coverage is available. Only an experienced truck accident attorney can give you a specific answer based on all the facts. Potentially recoverable personal injury damages can cover:
- Medical expenses
- Physical therapy expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of function
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
What should you do if you’re involved in an accident with a FedEx truck?
If you or a loved one is involved in an accident with a FedEx delivery vehicle, contact the local police and seek medical attention immediately. Common injuries in these types of accidents include cuts, broken bones, whiplash, traumatic brain injuries and paralysis. Your injuries may not be immediately visible.
Before speaking with anyone, including representatives from FedEx, you are encouraged to contact an experienced FedEx truck accident attorney. Determining fault in accidents like these can be complicated. An experienced truck accident attorney can review your case to determine its merits and whether the company, the driver and other parties could be held liable.
How can PCVA attorneys help?
PCVA’s attorneys can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation and damages from FedEx and others who may be responsible for the accident. If you would like to speak with a PCVA lawyer, complete our online form or call us at (253) 777-0799 or (206) 462-4334.
How much do you charge?
Our work is done on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay us on an hourly basis, and we advance the costs of litigation. If we help you resolve your case, we receive a percentage of the amount you receive, and you reimburse us for the costs we advanced on your behalf.