FedEx truck accidents can contribute to devastating outcomes, involving serious bodily injury, property damage, and even lives killed on the roadway. The collision site can appear chaotic, inflicting long-term harm on victims and their families. Those affected by a FedEx truck accident are recommended to seek legal support to protect their rights and pursue justice. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our FedEx truck accident attorneys help personal injury victims recover compensation for bodily harm and other losses. With over $1.7 billion in settlements secured and a proven track record of client satisfaction, we are committed to present reliable and efficient representation to those who experienced a truck accident.
To book a FREE consultation, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our easy online contact form.
How Many Crashes Has FedEx Had?
There is no public data available that covers the number of accidents involving FedEx vehicles. However, we can take a look at large truck crash statistics in the United States reported by the National Safety Council (NSC) to provide context for commercial and non-commercial vehicle safety as a whole.
In 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal collisions, accounting for an 8.4% decrease compared to 2022, but a 43% increase within the last ten years. While the involvement rate per 100 million large truck miles went down by 8%, the number of accidents as a whole rose 22% over the past decade.
Although comprehensive data tied to FedEx accidents is not available, the company has made some notable improvements in its accident rates across several areas in fiscal year 2024. The company attained a 2.7% year-over-year reduction in its Pickup and Delivery (PUD) preventable vehicle accident rate, mirroring the effectiveness of its continuous driver safety initiatives.
Since establishing the Vehicle Event Data Recorder (VEDR) Program in 2021, FedEx has seen a 74% improvement in distracted driving cases, demonstrating progress in promoting safer driving behaviors. In addition, the company improved its highway preventable accident rate by over 7% year-over-year in FY24.
These enhancements demonstrate the company’s commitment to maintain safety through oversight, advanced technology, and efficient training programs made to lessen the number of accidents, however, accidents are always a possibility and should that happens,
How Do I Report a FedEx Driver?
If a driver is misbehaving on the road and you would like to submit a complaint, you will need to visit fedexalertline.com and send over a report through FedEx’s independent vendor. This will allow you to provide a confidential, anonymous, or identified report about unethical, unsafe, or improper behavior. For immediate assistance, you can contact the customer service line.
Prior to this, you should note down:
- The driver’s name
- Vehicle number
- License plate
- Date, time, and location of the incident
Once you have these details available, go to the FedEx Alert Line website to submit your report online. For serious violations, you can connect with FedEx Human Resources or the Legal Department.
If you witnessed reckless driving behavior, document the situation. Be sure to note down or take a photo of the driver’s license plate from a safe distance. Contact 911 if you believe the situation may pose a danger to others nearby.
What Kind of Insurance Does FedEx Have?
FedEx has a standard auto liability coverage available for the following vehicles:
- FedEx Ground
- Freight
- Logistics operations
The company provides a $5,000,000 combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage per accident. So, if a FedEx truck gets into a collision, the total amount of insurance will cover for all injuries and property damage from that single incident, and will be capped at $5 million.
This will apply to cases that are caused by FedEx drivers while they are using vehicles during the scope of their employment. FedEx also carries additional umbrella or excess liability policies for large claims. But, the $5 million represents the baseline protection for most collisions involving the company.
How Do I Claim Insurance for an Accident?
If you get into an accident with a FedEx truck and need to file a claim, you should first document the situation. Collect as much evidence as possible, such as:
- The driver’s name
- License plate or vehicle number
- Time, date, and location of the event
- Photos or surveillance footage of the incident
- Any witness statements
You will then need to contact FedEx’s Risk Management or Legal Department to have the accident reported. For most U.S. cases, this can be done through the local FedEx office or by calling the customer service line and asking to be connected to Risk Management or Claims. You should provide as much information as you can, including photos you took and documentation of property or vehicle damages.
FedEx will look into the matter, verify coverage under their auto liability insurance, and establish fault. Once the claim has been approved, their insurance provider will coordinate compensation for losses sustained up to the company’s policy limits. For serious cases, you can speak to an attorney to ensure your rights are protected, especially if damages surpass the company’s insurance limits.
What Are the Legal Implications of a FedEx Truck Accident?
Legal implications of a FedEx truck accident can involve lawsuits made against the driver, FedEx, and other third parties for negligence, with consequences that may include economic and non-economic damages, particularly for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Liability will depend on proving whether the driver’s actions or FedEx’s corporate practices directly contributed to the accident. Other possible parties may involve the truck manufacturer, maintenance companies, or cargo loaders if defective parts, inadequate maintenance, or improper loading lead to the crash. These cases are guided by:
- Negligence: An individual or entity did not maintain their duty of care, thus causing harm to others.
- Vicarious Liability: This holds employers responsible for an employee’s actions that were performed within the scope of employment.
- Comparative Negligence: In California, the pure comparative negligence rule is a legal doctrine that allows an injured individual to recover damages even if they are partly responsible for their own losses, with the recovery amount adjusted based on their percentage of fault.
Violations of federal regulations, particularly those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) covering driving hours, vehicle maintenance, and safety inspections, can help support claims and increase the consequences for FedEx or other liable parties.
What Happens if a FedEx Truck Hits Your Car?
If you are struck by a FedEx truck, you should consider doing the steps below to protect your safety and legal rights:
- Call 911: Try to move out of traffic, if possible, and contact local authorities. Once they arrive at the scene, they will conduct a police report. Emergency crew, like paramedics, may also be present to administer medical care to the injured parties. If you sustained serious harm, you may be transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries appear minor, you should still get yourself checked by a medical professional. They will look into your condition and determine whether you need short- or long-term care to heal. You can request a copy of your medical records to use as evidence if you plan on pursuing a personal injury claim against the at fault party.
- Collect evidence: Make sure to take some photos or video footage of your injury, property damage, and the accident scene. Be sure to get names and contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Gather information: Get the FedEx driver’s contact, vehicle, and insurance details.
- Consult with a Truck Accident Attorney: They represent a client’s best interests, handle negotiations, and explore legal options that protect their rights while pursuing favorable results.
Can I Sue FedEx for Hitting My Car?
You can sue FedEx for hitting your car. They can be held accountable under vicarious liability if their drivers are deemed as employees that were working within the scope of their work at the time of impact. To succeed, you will need to prove that the FedEx driver was negligent. Were they speeding? Or driving while distracted? If so, connect how that type of behavior directly caused you to suffer damages, like medical bills, lost income, or vehicle repairs.
Prior to suing, you will need to file a claim with FedEx’s insurance first. If the claim does not result in a fair settlement or if damages go over the policy limits, you may move forward with a civil lawsuit. A FedEx truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
Are FedEx Drivers Independent Contractors?
Federal courts in California have determined that, in certain locations, FedEx Ground and Home Delivery drivers will need to be deemed as employees because the company has control over how tasks are performed. Even so, FedEx’s Ground division continues its operations under its independent service provider (ISP) model. This is where small business owners contract with the company to manage specific delivery routes.
This complicated structure has resulted in varying conclusions among courts and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). But, in most cases, the trend has been to classify drivers as employees as a result of FedEx’s control over critical aspects of their work, like the vehicles they operate, the uniforms they wear, the routes they are assigned to, and the delivery procedures they are instructed to follow.
Court decisions, like Alexander v. FedEx Ground and ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals have discovered that FedEx drivers were misclassified as independent contractors. But, the company continues to work through a network of independent businesses to provide delivery services.
Following the initiation of FedEx’s 2024 consolidation of its Express, Ground, and Service divisions, Express and Ground driver statuses have remained the same. Even though the company operates under a single unified network, FedEx Express will continue to employ its drivers directly whereas FedEx Ground will still rely on independent contractors to fulfill deliveries.
How to Sue FedEx for Negligence?
To sue FedEx for negligence, the first step is to confirm whether you have a valid claim. Negligence happens when a party goes against their duty of care and causes harm as a result. In a FedEx-related case, you will need to demonstrate how the company or its driver:
- Owed you a duty of care
- Breached their legal responsibilities
- Directly caused you to sustain bodily injury or property damage
- Made you suffer actual damages, like medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress
Collecting evidence is important to help strengthen your claim. For FedEx Express, you would usually have to get in touch with the company directly as their drivers are deemed employees. For FedEx Ground, you may have to sue the independent service provider that contracts with FedEx since these particular drivers are, most of the time, not direct employees.
Once you have evidence at hand and know who the responsible party is, you should notify FedEx about the accident and file a claim with their claims department. Insurance companies may try to step in and provide a settlement offer before a lawsuit is necessary.
Speaking to a personal injury attorney is highly suggested as they can navigate you through this complicated corporate structure, identify the at fault party, and negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible outcome. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may head to litigation in which they may continue to represent you.
It is also important to keep in mind of time limits. In California, negligence claims involving personal injury will be two years from the date of when the incident occurred whereas for property damage it will be three years. You should act promptly because missing the deadline will restrict you from recovering compensation for your losses entirely, even if you had solid evidence.
How Long Does it Take FedEx to Investigate a Claim?
The time it takes for FedEx to investigate a claim will vary based on the intensity of the accident, the extent of damages, and whether there are injuries or disputes over fault. Property damage claims can be resolved within a few days or weeks if liability is clear and documented properly. Complicated cases involving multiple parties can take weeks to a few months to evaluate. During the investigation process, FedEx’s insurance or Risk Management team will do the following:
- Review the accident report and photos.
- Interview the driver and witnesses.
- Evaluate the property and vehicle damage.
- Confirm liability and the applicable insurance coverage.
Building efficient documentation, quickly reporting the situation, and maintaining thorough communication with FedEx can help speed up the investigation process.
How Much Do You Get if a FedEx Truck Hits You?
If you are injured after getting hit by a FedEx truck, the compensation you are granted will depend on:
- The extent of your injury
- Percentage of fault
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
The more severe the collision is, the higher the settlement amount may be. In tragic cases, involving fatalities, the outcome could involve substantial amounts with some cases that could exceed $100 million. Due to the unique circumstances involved with each truck accident, the value of a claim will always be different for each affected individual.
To get an estimate of what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by entering the losses you endured as a result of the impact.
Injured in a FedEx Truck Accident? Set Up a FREE Consultation with West Coast Trial Lawyers
If you or a loved one were injured in a FedEx truck accident, acquiring legal assistance can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Crashes involving large trucks can lead to serious injuries and long-term impacts. Taking on these types of claims can also be tricky, especially if it involves a major company, like FedEx. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our truck accident attorneys are readily available to protect your rights and help you proceed with confidence.
To book a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.
