Thanks to the booming e-commerce industry, FedEx trucks are more present on today’s roads than ever, and truck accidents involving FedEx trucks occur frequently. No matter how many deliveries a driver must make in a short time, they must still comply with all traffic laws and drive safely to prevent accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, both drivers and FedEx make mistakes that lead to serious injuries and losses to others.
If you have suffered an injury in a truck accident involving a FedEx truck, you should know your rights and options for seeking compensation. Speak with a Johnstown truck accident lawyer experienced in FedEx truck accidents immediately.
FedEx is a huge, global company with over 210,000 vehicles that delivers more than 16.5 million packages daily. With over 600,000 workers and 2,200 locations worldwide, it is undoubtedly one of the largest delivery companies. Most FedEx drivers do their part in safely delivering packages and sharing the road with others.
Others, however, make mistakes. When these mistakes occur, the risks to accident victims can be very high, sometimes involving serious injuries with long-term consequences or even fatalities. With more trucks on roadways and entering residential areas that often do not have large enough streets to accommodate their significant size, the risk of accidents and injuries increases.
Like any other commercial truck operator, a FedEx driver can cause an accident for multiple reasons. It is critical to determine the cause of these accidents to identify liability and how to seek compensation for your losses.
Here are some of the most common reasons FedEx truck accidents occur when others are liable.
Drivers working for FedEx directly or contractors of third parties may have to move dozens of packages every hour. Not only do drivers have to drive from one area to the next, but they also must carry those packages to customers’ doors, which can be tiring. Driver fatigue is a common reason why truck accidents like this occur. A tired driver is less capable of operating the vehicle safely and may be unable to respond to fast-changing road conditions.
In some situations, the cargo within the truck is the underlying problem with the vehicle. If the cargo is not balanced correctly, controlling the vehicle’s movement can be difficult, causing the truck to swerve or strike other drivers. In some situations, poorly secured cargo can also fall off the vehicle and hit other cars, causing damage.
As FedEx continues to ramp up its work, there is a common need for more drivers. Hiring and onboarding drivers for FedEx delivery does have requirements. Most of these drivers need to maintain a commercial driver’s license, which means they must have a high skill level to operate these vehicles. However, real-world conditions can be challenging, and inexperienced drivers are at a higher risk of causing an accident.
In some situations, a FedEx truck driver may have to rush, leading to speeding from one location to the next. They may fail to signal when turning, causing an accident. Other times, road rage causes the driver to brake-check the other driver or otherwise drive recklessly. These situations make it much more challenging to stop a vehicle when road conditions occur.
Road conditions throughout the country change daily. Trucks as large as most FedEx trucks need more time to stop correctly and more control and care when roads are wet, icy, or snow-covered. If a driver is operating the vehicle, they indicate they have the skill to control the truck in these dangerous conditions. If they cannot, they should not drive.
Driver intoxication is a genuine risk for any truck driver. It occurs when some substance makes it hard for the driver to control a vehicle due to a lack of coordination, limited response time, or poor adherence to laws. Alcohol can cause intoxication, but illicit drugs or, in some situations, prescription or over-the-counter medications the driver uses can also impair driving.
With the number of miles FedEx trucks operate daily, accidents can occur if the vehicle fails to receive the necessary maintenance to keep it operating safely, including tires, engines, and brakes. Poor maintenance is the responsibility of the truck driver and the vehicle owner.
Any time there is an incident with a FedEx truck, the procedure is generally the same as any other type of truck accident claim. First, always get medical care and file a police report. Then, refrain from speaking to the insurance company representing the driver or trucking company and operator. Instead, contact a truck accident attorney first.
Securing a lawyer is critical since FedEx insurance companies will work quickly to get you to settle your case immediately – and for much less than they owe you. Do not fall for insurance tactics or accept any offers without legal guidance, as this can put your entire financial future at risk.
Instead, it is in your best interest to reach out to a truck accident attorney who will handle every interaction with FedEx insurance companies for you. These tasks include:
Truck accidents involving FedEx trucks are fairly common and can lead to significant damages for victims. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney, you gain an advantage to pursue the best possible outcome in your situation.
Consultations are free with no obligation, so you have no reason to wait to seek legal representation. Act now following a FedEx accident and injury.
Marcus & Mack
