FedEx vehicles receive the same treatment as other trucks. This means the operators of these vehicles must follow not only company rules but also strict guidelines from the federal and state government. Additionally, FedEx must ensure all its vehicles adhere to specific safety standards.
If you are involved in an accident with a FedEx vehicle, multiple parties could be responsible. You may think you have an easy open-and-shut case if you are certain a FedEx vehicle caused your accident. However, these cases can be challenging because of FedEx’s size and the insurance company that will be fighting on its behalf. That’s when having a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer experienced with FedEx accidents and policies can be helpful. They will tell you what you need to know and how it relates to your case.
How Is Responsibility Determined In A FedEx Crash?
According to the FedEx website, the company has over 210,000 motorized vehicles. The company is responsible for ensuring this entire fleet of vehicles is properly maintained. If these vehicles are not maintained, it could lead to dangerous situations for drivers and those who share the road with them.
Reviewing Documentation
If there was an issue with the function of a FedEx truck, your attorney can review maintenance reports and inspection results to see if the truck was up to date in terms of safety. This documentation will allow your attorney to prove if a driver’s error or a maintenance issue caused the accident.
This documentation can then be reviewed by professionals, who can help determine whether the maintenance company did its job properly or whether it should also be considered at fault.
Checking Logs
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it is not the responsibility of each individual driver to keep a logbook. However, FedEx must keep accurate logs of the number of hours its drivers worked and the amount of mileage they drove.
If these logs are inaccurate or FedEx is making its workers work longer than the federal hours-of-service regulations allow, the company could be responsible.
When Is The Driver At Fault?
If a FedEx truck driver doesn’t obey the law, they could be responsible for an accident. Situations in which the driver would be responsible include:
- Speeding
- Disobeying traffic signs
- Running a red light
- Making an illegal turn
FedEx truck drivers must provide those they share the road with a duty of care. If they don’t, they are considered negligent and thus at fault for the accident.
Can The Driver And Company Be At Fault?
Yes. In some instances, drivers are breaking the law, but part of the company’s responsibility was not fulfilled. For example, if the driver is speeding and crashes, they would be at fault. But if an investigation determines the brakes were not properly maintained, both parties could be at fault.
This is vital for you to know if you elect to file a lawsuit for damages suffered during a FedEx crash.
Hiring A Lawyer Following A FedEx Accident
Because of the size of FedEx as a company, it could be challenging to obtain proper compensation on your own after an accident. That is why it can be very useful to have a lawyer who has handled these cases on your side.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
FedEx drivers include full-time employees and independent contractors. Independent contractors usually have their own auto coverage, but FedEx’s insurance policy covers full-time employees.
This coverage will do everything it can to ensure that FedEx pays as little as possible following an accident. For this reason, it is important that you hire a lawyer to fight on your behalf. They can seek the compensation you deserve from the insurance companies.
Determining Fault
As already discussed, determining fault is of the utmost importance. The insurance company may argue that the driver should be held solely responsible or that you caused the accident. This could delay payments, as they try to fight a payment altogether.
Your attorney can work quickly to prove fault and help you recover your damages as quickly as possible.
The Magnitude Of FedEx Crashes
Because FedEx vehicles are often large and carry significant amounts of cargo, the crashes involving them can be very severe. These crashes can lead to serious injuries to others involved in the accident.
These injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Paralysis
- Burns
If you suffered any of these injuries, it is the responsibility of FedEx or the driver to ensure you receive the proper compensation for all medical bills and any time off work you missed. You also may
FedEx’s insurance company may present you with a settlement that seems worth taking. However, it is important that you have a lawyer review the settlement first to determine if you are truly being treated fairly.
You Can Talk With A Lawyer Who Understands FedEx Policies
If you have been in an accident with a FedEx truck, you can seek compensation for your losses. You don’t have to take on your case alone. A personal injury lawyer with the Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine has experience with such incidents and can tell you what you need to know about FedEx Policies and Accidents. We could fight on your behalf to protect your rights and interests and ensure you receive fair treatment from the insurance company.
Give yourself time to recover physically following an accident. But do not let your physical recovery get in the way of your financial recovery. When you are ready to seek compensation, contact one of our lawyers for a free consultation and discussion about FedEx policies and how to handle such accidents.
