Federal Express Corporation, commonly known as FedEx, is one of the largest delivery companies in the world. They have a fleet of over 87,000 vehicles globally. In addition, they deliver upwards of 12 million packages daily. Hence, it’s no surprise we see their trucks every day. Unfortunately, however, the density of FedEx trucks also means a higher propensity for accidents.
FedEx has a variety of commercial trucks and cargo vans on the roads. The most common one we think of is the “step van” or “step truck.” The step-van style truck is unique because it allows the driver to operate the vehicle while sitting or standing. Furthermore, the walk-in design and open driving area allow for multiple stop routes.
A FedEx truck or van with cargo can weigh 25,000 lbs to a few tons. They also have smaller trucks for package delivery. When these trucks are involved in accidents, the results can be severe. The damage is almost always worse for the smaller car involved in a truck accident.
If you or a loved one was involved in a FedEx truck accident, contact an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer. You’ll need sound legal advice on how to proceed with a personal injury claim against a commercial entity. Strong legal counsel is the best way to ensure you get the maximum compensation for your injuries.
What To Do If You’ve Been In An Accident With A FedEx Truck
Here are the steps to follow after an accident with a FedEx or other commercial vehicle.
- Call 911. If you need emergency medical attention, make sure an ambulance responds to the scene. It’s also essential to have an accident report for your claim later.
- Evaluate your and your passengers’ injuries. Seeking prompt medical care is vital to your health and safety. In addition, you will need medical documentation later as evidence for your case. Be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. If you are unsure of the extent of your injuries, an ER trip could save your life—often, the adrenaline after an accident masks the pain or severity of an injury. Therefore, don’t hesitate to get medical help.
- Get the FedEx driver’s information. Be sure to get:
- The driver’s name and contact information
- their insurance details and insurance contact information
- Their delivery truck number
- License plate details on the delivery truck
- If there are witnesses, try to get their names and contact info. Your lawyer may want to contact them later for an interview. Witness testimonies can help your lawyer understand how the crash happened. They can also testify on your behalf later if your case goes to trial.
- Comply with the police and answer their questions, but do not overshare. Refrain from over-elaborating or offering details they don’t ask. Most importantly, it’s best to avoid admitting fault for the accident.
- Assuming you do not have severe injuries that require emergency medical attention, take pictures. Take as many as you can of:
- Your vehicle
- The delivery truck
- Any damages
- Your injuries
- Any injuries sustained by your passengers
- Any debris or other obstacles
- The accident scene
- The truck license plate
Are FedEx Drivers Safe?
While most FedEx and other company drivers undergo driver safety courses, they are human. That means they are vulnerable to making mistakes like anyone else on the road.
FedEx employees and contracts are required to follow strict driving guidelines for safety. That includes a limitation on the number and type of traffic violations. In addition, some FedEx vans and trucks require drivers to carry a special license. For example, a driver operating a 14′ or 22′ straight truck must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Despite the strict guidelines and regulations, accidents with FedEx trucks happen sometimes. The sheer size of commercial vehicles like FedEx trucks means they can do tremendous damage in a wreck. As a result, there is a real possibility of severe injuries or death from a truck accident.
FedEx Truck Accident Statistics
FedEx has nearly 53,000 employees across the nation. As a major commercial trucking company, their trucks have traveled millions of miles. In 2018 alone, FedEx trucks covered 954,520,014 miles. That means accidents are bound to happen from time to time.
In the 24 months preceding September 2019, FedEx drivers were involved in 442 accidents. Of those, there were 13 fatalities and 149 crashes involving injuries. In addition, of the 442 accidents, 280 required one or more vehicles to be towed.
FedEx Time Restraints And Safety Concerns
With a boom in online shopping, there is a high demand for deliveries. As a result, FedEx employees are encouraged to deliver their packages as quickly as possible. Consequently, FedEx drivers often drive while stressed by the pressure to meet deadlines. Unfortunately, the demand to meet deadlines also means drivers are often distracted while driving.
Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Colorado and the US. Such pressure to meet delivery deadlines makes the job taxing for many drivers. What’s more, a driver in a hurry paired with large cargo is a recipe for disaster.
It’s possible to hold the driver accountable or the company liable. Your attorney will be able to help you identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.
Were You In An Accident With A FedEx Truck?
If you were involved in an accident with a FedEx truck, we could help you. The litigation process with commercial entities is more complex than regular car accidents. In addition, you may be dealing with severe injuries and losses. We can help you through the process by handling all legal proceedings on your behalf.
It’s in your best interest to seek professional legal help from an experienced truck accident lawyer. That’s because you will need to prove liability against a large company, which will not be easy. Therefore, gathering evidence and having all the details sorted out before bringing a suit against a large company is essential. We are experienced in commercial trucking accident cases and committed to making the process easier for you.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Denver FedEx And UPS Accident Lawyers
Our Denver FedEx and UPS Accident Lawyers are skilled litigators with the right experience to help you compete against big-name companies like FedEx and UPS. In addition, we are prepared to go to court and aggressively negotiate settlements on your behalf.
While some attorneys will pressure you to accept an out-of-court settlement, we will never do that. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are prepared to represent you in court. We also have numerous trial success stories from our previous clients.
We take pride in our expert legal services and focus on what’s best for our clients. If you have sustained injuries in a FedEx or UPS truck accident, we are here to help. It would help if you didn’t have to deal with the aftermath of such a traumatic event alone. Let us handle the complex legal proceedings on your behalf so you can focus on recovering.
Contact us for a free case review or call (720) 500-HURT.
