FedEx has always been a major player in the delivery industry. In recent years, it has more delivery trucks and semi-trucks on the road than ever before. To meet the rising demand of consumers who indulge in online shopping, these trucks dominate the roadways.
This also means that with greater demands, the drivers are feeling the pressure to deliver everything on time. They may drive recklessly, fail to properly load the cargo, and perform other careless or neglectful acts to make their deliveries.
As such, FedEx truck accidents are on the rise. If you wind up in an accident with a FedEx truck, you should know what to do next. It will be far more complicated than any other type of accident.
What to Know About FedEx Truck Regulations
All commercial trucking companies, including FedEx, must follow the rules and regulations created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These are in place to help keep everyone safe on the road. Trucking companies like FedEx must ensure their drivers are properly trained, as well as keep up with maintenance and repair.
They additionally need to make sure the drivers obey the hours of service and have regular drug and alcohol testing. Unfortunately, the Safety Measurement System, part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, reported that FedEx had 888 violations as of August 2023.
Simply put, FedEx doesn’t seem to be taking these rules and regulations seriously, and it’s leading to more truck crashes.
How to Prove Liability After an Accident With a FedEx Truck
It stands to reason that if employers can be held legally responsible for the actions their employees take while performing their job duties, then FedEx should be liable. However, many of these delivery drivers are independent contractors. That means that FedEx isn’t their employer.
If an independent contractor driving for FedEx hits you, this driver may be liable. They could also work for a company that takes on FedEx contracts, which would make that company liable as well. But it gets even more complicated since many trucking companies, FedEx included, contract their maintenance out to a third party. If there is a mechanical malfunction, then this entity could also be held liable. Even the company that made the defective part could bear responsibility for the accident.
As such, proving liability in a FedEx truck accident is even more complex than other types of truck crashes. They will all point the finger at one another, and that means your compensation will be delayed. This is why you should work with an attorney who is experienced in representing victims of FedEx truck accidents. They can help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
What to Do if You Are in an Accident with a FedEx Truck
Regardless of the branding on the side of the truck, when you’re hit by one of these commercial vehicles in your passenger car, your vehicle is bound to be destroyed. You will most likely suffer from serious injuries, some of which may leave lasting impacts for the rest of your life.
If you were hit by a FedEx truck, you need to know what to do in the aftermath to have the best chance of securing fair compensation.
Call the Police
Calling 911 is essential after a major accident like this, especially when there are injuries. Let them know you need emergency services for medical attention and await their prompt arrival.
You may not be bleeding all over the place, but that doesn’t mean you’re not hurt. Many injuries aren’t easy to spot without X-rays or MRIs. If you skip treatment, you may make your condition worse.
The police will create a report that details their analysis of the accident scene. This evidence can be helpful in proving the FedEx truck driver was negligent. While you will want to exchange contact and insurance information with the FedEx driver, if you’re severely injured, this may not be possible. This information will be on the police report, though, so don’t worry if you need to be whisked away in an ambulance.
Capture Evidence of the Scene
If it’s possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene. You can take notes or even narrate what you remember as you record the video. Try to collect witness information if anyone was there to see what happened. Remember, your health is most important. If you’re injured, take care of yourself first. A good personal injury attorney can secure evidence while you work on healing in the hospital.
If you have an attorney, they’ll get right on talking to any witnesses. This will help provide further details of the FedEx truck crash that can be used in your case.
Obey All Medical Advice
Once you are treated by doctors, you should follow every bit of medical advice they give you. If they recommend you see a specialist, go see that specialist. This will improve your condition and serve as a way to show that your injuries are legitimate and deserve compensation.
Speak with a FedEx Truck Crash Attorney
Since FedEx is such a large delivery company, you shouldn’t try to negotiate with them on your own. Accidents are stressful enough, and the injuries you’ve sustained may be physically painful and cause you mental anguish.
You should also know that FedEx has a team of lawyers who focus on litigating and negotiating when these truck accidents occur. Don’t expect them to be fair when offering a settlement, as they will likely offer you an amount that barely covers your current medical expenses. With an attorney, you’ll have someone on your side to negotiate a fair settlement that includes future medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, and non-economic damages, such as your pain and suffering.
