As the holiday season approaches, an annual surge in delivery and shipping demands places an added burden on the nation's transportation network.
A familiar sight in San Antonio during this time, the iconic FedEx delivery trucks work tirelessly to ensure your holiday packages reach their destinations on time. However, with the holiday rush comes an unsettling trend—FedEx truck accidents tend to increase during this festive season, causing devastating injuries.
At Wyatt Law Firm, we are committed to helping accident victims and their families navigate the legal complexities that often follow such incidents. Contact our San Antonio truck accident lawyers today at (210) 340-5550 or through our online form for your free and confidential case consultation and to hear your options for financial recovery.
How Common Are FedEx Truck Accidents?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) collects data on the hundreds of accidents involving FedEx and UPS trucks each year. Here’s a breakdown of the latest statistics for FedEx delivery trucks:
FedEx Ground Package System (FedEx Ground) has nearly 125,000 drivers. In the 24 months before October 26, 2023, FedEx Ground trucks were in:
- 1,792 were so severe trucks required towing
- 863 accidents resulted in injuries
- 89 accidents involved fatalities
Federal Express Corporation (FedEx Express) has just over 42,200 drivers. In the 24 months before October 26, 2023, FedEx Express drivers were in:
- 217 were so severe trucks required towing
- 118 accidents resulted in injuries
- Nine accidents involved fatalities
FedEx Truck Drivers Are Under Pressure to Deliver—Especially During the Holidays!
FedEx is a leading worldwide shipping company, delivering more than 15 million express and ground packages daily.
One main cause of FedEx truck accidents is the pressure to meet daily delivery goals. That pressure mounts during the holiday season, when delivery drivers may need to speed, make improper lane changes, fail to use signals, or drive erratically to reach their destinations faster. It’s no surprise that during the holiday season when shipments increase, accidents do, too.
What Damages Are Available to FedEx Truck Accident Victims?
FedEx has a hefty $5 million liability limit on its insurance policy to compensate injured victims when their truck drivers are in an accident. But FedEx also has teams of lawyers to fight accident claims, and they don't make it easy for accident victims to collect the compensation they deserve.
This is why you need an experienced lawyer to value your claim and fight for your right to compensation.
You may recover include economic and non-economic damages, such as:
Economic Damages (Special Damages)
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses. They represent the actual out-of-pocket expenses and financial losses incurred by the plaintiff due to the accident.
Common examples of economic damages include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of past and future medical treatment, hospital bills, surgeries, doctor's visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing the victim's vehicle or any other damaged property.
- Lost Income: Victims may recover compensation for income lost in the accident, including past and future earnings that they could not earn due to their injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries sustained in the FedEx truck accident result in a diminished ability to earn income in the future, victims may recover damages for this loss.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This can include costs related to travel for medical treatment, home modifications, or any other expenses incurred due to the accident.
Non-Economic Damages (General Damages)
Non-economic damages, in contrast, compensate the plaintiff for intangible losses that are more challenging to quantify with a specific dollar amount. These damages address the non-financial aspects of the plaintiff's suffering.
Common examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering: These damages compensate victims for the physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma they endure because of the accident and their injuries.
- Emotional Distress: This includes damages for psychological and emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Victims may recover compensation for the loss of their ability to enjoy life and participate in activities they used to enjoy due to their injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: This refers to the harm suffered by a victim's spouse or family members due to the injuries sustained in the accident, including the loss of companionship and support.
What Should I Do if I Was in a FedEx Truck Accident?
If you are in a FedEx truck accident, protect your safety and legal interests. Here's what you should do:
- Ensure Safety: First and foremost, check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. Seek medical attention immediately if the accident injured anyone, and call 911 if necessary. If it's safe to do so, move your vehicle to avoid further accidents or hazards.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Call the police to the scene of the accident. A police report can provide valuable documentation of the incident, including the identification of witnesses and the involved parties.
- Exchange Information: Exchange information with the FedEx truck driver and any other parties involved, including names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, their positions, damage, and any relevant road conditions or signs. Make notes about the time, date, and location of the accident, as well as any weather or traffic conditions.
- Collect Witness Information: If any witnesses saw the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable statements about what they observed.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could seem like you admitted fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other parties involved, the police, and any insurance adjusters.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not immediately feel injured, seek a medical evaluation. Injuries may not manifest right away, and you need documentation of your medical condition for potential legal claims.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your own insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary information and cooperate with their investigation.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep copies of all relevant documents, such as the police report, medical records, and any communication with insurance companies. Preserve any physical evidence, such as your vehicle, in its current condition, as your lawyer may need to see it.
- Report the Incident to FedEx: Report the accident to FedEx. You can often find contact information on their website or the FedEx truck involved.
- Be Cautious With Statements: Avoid speaking about the accident on social media or with anyone other than your attorney or insurance company.
- Consult an Attorney: Call a personal injury attorney who handles accidents involving commercial vehicles like FedEx trucks. They can provide guidance on your legal rights and help you navigate the claims process.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My FedEx Truck Accident Claim?
To help you with your FedEx truck accident case, an experienced lawyer can:
- Apply their knowledge to your case so you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the legal process.
- Thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage, to build a strong case in your favor.
- Establish liability by examining the actions of the FedEx driver, the company's policies, and any potential contributing factors, such as vehicle maintenance or road conditions.
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Handle communications with insurance companies, including FedEx's insurer, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- File a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court if negotiations with the insurance company do not lead to a fair settlement.
- File all necessary documents on time and meet critical legal deadlines.
- Represent you in mediation or settlement negotiations to reach a resolution outside of court.
- Provide strong legal representation, presenting your case to a judge and jury and arguing for a favorable verdict, if your case goes to court.
Injured in a FedEx Truck Accident? Contact a Lawyer Today
As the holiday season fast approaches, so does the heightened risk of FedEx truck accidents. No one should have to endure the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that can follow a serious accident during a time of joy and togetherness like the holidays.