With thousands of FedEx trucks traversing New Jersey’s highways and local roads daily, accidents involving these massive delivery vehicles have become an increasing concern. The sheer size disparity between FedEx trucks and passenger vehicles often results in devastating consequences when collisions occur. How can accident victims hold this giant corporation accountable for truck accident injuries caused by FedEx delivery truck drivers?
In New Jersey, it’s possible to hold FedEx responsible for truck crash injuries and deaths, but pursuing justice can be an uphill climb for victims and their families. Here’s what to know about FedEx liability in personal injury and wrongful death cases, and how you can bolster your claim for fair compensation.
The Scale of FedEx’s Operations and Accident Statistics
FedEx operates an extensive fleet of over 405,000 motor vehicles worldwide, with a significant presence in New Jersey. Despite having a relatively good safety record, the courier giant is still involved in numerous accidents. During a 24-month period leading up to November 2024, FedEx Corporation had 954 crashes and FedEx Ground had 2,272 accidents in the US alone, according to government data.
FedEx’s Duties and Obligations: Corporate Responsibility and Safety Violations
FedEx is accountable for ensuring that all its vehicles and drivers comply with the laws and standards applicable to commercial vehicles and their operators. If these requirements are not met and an accident occurs, FedEx may bear some responsibility. The specific obligations include the following:
Adhering to hours-of-service rules
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that commercial drivers follow Hours of Service regulations, which limit how long they can drive without a break. For example, drivers transporting goods are restricted to a maximum of 14 consecutive hours of driving. These rules aim to minimize accidents caused by driver fatigue.
Meeting inspection and maintenance standards
Federal law obliges commercial drivers and companies to keep vehicles in safe, roadworthy condition. FedEx requires its drivers to conduct detailed inspections of their trucks before operating them. Drivers must document their findings in a Vehicle Inspection Report. If these procedures are neglected and an accident occurs due to a vehicle defect, both the driver and FedEx may be held liable for negligence.
Conducting employee background checks
Employers, including FedEx, must perform thorough background checks to ensure their drivers have clean records and are qualified to operate commercial vehicles. The FMCSA outlines the general qualifications for commercial drivers, which employers must verify. For instance, if FedEx knowingly hires someone with a history of reckless driving and allows them to drive a delivery truck, the company could be deemed negligent if that driver causes an accident.
Providing proper driver training
Companies hiring drivers must ensure they are properly trained to handle company vehicles safely. FedEx is responsible for ensuring its drivers hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), have completed entry-level driver training, and are equipped to operate large vehicles like delivery trucks or tractor-trailers.
Complying with load requirements
The FMCSA specifies the weight limits for commercial vehicles and how cargo should be secured. Overloading a truck or failing to properly secure cargo increases the risk of accidents, such as rollovers or loss of control during sudden stops. FedEx must ensure these guidelines are strictly followed to prevent such incidents.
Common Causes of FedEx Truck Accidents
FedEx drivers face intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines, which can lead to dangerous driving behaviors. The stress of tight schedules combined with managing large, difficult-to-maneuver vehicles creates hazardous conditions. Common driver errors include:
- Reckless driving under time pressure
- Distracted driving while managing deliveries
- Fatigue from working long hours
- Speeding to meet quotas.
What to Expect When Suing FedEx
FedEx typically denies liability until all evidence is presented. Even if you have a strong claim, the company will make you prove their responsibility for the accident. While it’s unfortunate that victims must fight for justice, a FedEx truck accident lawyer can handle the difficult work, advocating for fair compensation whether in and out of court.
To ensure you receive your rightful compensation from FedEx or their insurer, your attorney will advise you to keep detailed records and evidence of the following:
- Repair expenses: Costs to fix your vehicle or other damaged property
- Medical bills: Includes the cost of ambulance services, initial treatment on the day of the accident, and any follow-up care
- Medications: Expenses for drugs prescribed as part of your recovery from the accident
- Physical therapy: Bills related to rehabilitative care needed to regain your health and quality of life
- Medical devices and home adjustments: Expenses for items such as canes, walkers, or home modifications required for your recovery
- Home health aides: Costs for professional assistance needed to aid in your recovery
- Travel expenses: Transportation costs to and from medical appointments and rehabilitation centers
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost if you exhaust your sick leave or face short-term or long-term disability due to the accident.
Major trucking companies like FedEx hire teams of investigators to dispute evidence and challenge the amount of your compensation request. For this reason, a FedEx truck accident lawyer is crucial to manage your case and prevent you from settling for less than you deserve.
Can FedEx Be Held Responsible for My Accident?
Yes, if the company or their employed driver caused your accident, FedEx may be held responsible for paying for your losses. FedEx drivers and other shipping companies are often found negligent in their driving or shipping practices, making them liable for many accidents.
However, claiming your rightful compensation is rarely straightforward in these cases. Major corporations have veteran legal teams and insurance companies defending them, and they know how to minimize claims from accident victims. Injured claimants often encounter unreasonable delays, lowballing, and denials of claims.
To strongly assert FedEx’s responsibility in your accident, have an experienced personal injury attorney advocate for you.
Recent FedEx Accident Settlements
Several notable FedEx accident cases demonstrate the potential compensation available:
- $800,000 settlement (2024): For a minor passenger who suffered significant injuries
- $8,000,000 verdict (2023): Awarded for a woman’s permanent back injuries after her car was rear-ended by a FedEx truck
- $250,000 verdict (2022): For crushed vertebrae after a collision caused by a FedEx driver’s improper U-turn.
What You Should Do After an Accident with a FedEx Truck
If you are involved in a collision with a FedEx commercial vehicle, follow these steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights:
- Call 911 for assistance: Immediately contact emergency services to request police and medical assistance at the scene.
- Assess injuries:
- Check for any injuries you or your passengers may have.
- Seek medical attention promptly! If injuries seem minor, you may not need to visit the nearest emergency room immediately. However, it is crucial to see a doctor within a few days to document the accident, note any injuries, and undergo necessary tests.
- If you are unsure about the severity of injuries, visiting the emergency room could be lifesaving for you or your passengers. Don’t hesitate to request medical help.
- Document the scene:
- If you can do so safely, take photos of the accident scene.
- Capture images of all involved vehicles from multiple angles, including their license plates.
- Photograph any injuries sustained by you or your passengers.
- Gather the FedEx driver’s details:
- Obtain the driver’s name and contact information.
- Record the name and contact details of their insurance provider.
- Note the delivery truck’s number.
- Write down the truck’s license plate number.
- Collect information from witnesses:
- If there are witnesses to the crash, ask for their names and contact details.
- Witnesses may be valuable in helping your lawyer understand the circumstances of the accident and could testify on your behalf in court.
- Provide accurate but limited information to police:
- Answer the police’s questions truthfully but keep your responses concise.
- Avoid volunteering additional details that were not asked.
- Never admit fault for the accident.
By following these steps, you can safeguard your well-being and ensure proper documentation of the incident.
In New Jersey, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against FedEx. This deadline is crucial, and missing it could result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is FedEx different from other trucking companies in terms of liability?
FedEx operates as a self-insured entity, which means there are no policy limits to cap potential damages. This structure often leads to higher settlement values compared to standard auto accident cases. The company’s size and resources mean they have substantial assets to cover legitimate claims, but it also means they employ sophisticated legal teams to defend against these claims.
What evidence is needed to prove fault in a FedEx truck accident?
Building a strong case requires comprehensive evidence collection. Key elements include:
- Videos and photos of the crash or crash scene
- Police reports documenting the accident scene
- Witness statements and testimonies
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Driver’s logbooks and employment records
- “Black box” data from the FedEx truck
- Surveillance footage if available
- Medical records documenting injuries.
How long does it take to settle a FedEx truck accident case?
The timeline for settling a FedEx truck accident case varies significantly depending on several factors:
- The severity of injuries
- The complexity of liability issues
- The amount of evidence available
- FedEx’s willingness to negotiate
- Court schedules if litigation is necessary.
Most cases take between six months to two years to resolve, with more complex cases potentially taking longer.
What makes FedEx truck accidents more complex than regular car accidents?
FedEx truck accidents involve multiple layers of complexity:
- Federal regulations compliance issues
- Corporate liability considerations
- Multiple potential defendants
- Complex insurance arrangements
- Extensive documentation requirements
- Professional defense teams.
Can I sue FedEx directly for an accident?
Yes, victims can sue FedEx directly through various legal theories:
- Direct negligence in maintaining vehicles
- Negligent hiring or training of drivers
- Vicarious liability for driver actions
- Corporate policy violations
- Safety regulation violations.
To Seek Justice After Your FedEx Accident in New Jersey, Call Grossman Law
At Grossman Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact a FedEx truck accident can have on victims and their families. We have over 25 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured New Jersey residents, and have secured millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
We take pride in providing personalized attention while standing up to large corporations and their insurance companies. When you’re ready to pursue justice and fair compensation for your FedEx truck accident injuries, we’re here to help. Contact us today at (732) 625-9494 for a free consultation, and let us put our expertise to work for you. Remember, you’ll never pay us a fee unless we recover compensation in your case
