After a crash with a FedEx truck, determining who can be held liable for a FedEx truck accident is important. Liability may extend beyond the driver or FedEx itself to include the truck’s manufacturer, maintenance company, or even those responsible for loading the cargo.
These cases can involve unique challenges compared to typical car accidents. Multiple parties may be involved, making it more difficult to figure out who should take responsibility. Handling claims and addressing damages requires a clear understanding of your legal options.
A Charlotte truck accident lawyer can help you sort through these details. We are here to support you every step of the way, working to simplify the legal process and protect your rights.
How Can You Prove Liability in a FedEx Truck Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a FedEx truck accident, a Charlotte personal injury lawyer can help identify who is responsible. Liability may extend beyond the driver to FedEx, the truck’s manufacturer, maintenance providers, or cargo loaders.
Key Evidence to Establish Liability
Proving fault involves gathering key documents and records, such as:
- The police accident report
- The truck’s black box data
- Dashcam and surveillance footage
- The truck driver’s travel log and logging device data
- Driver’s license and qualifications
- Drug and alcohol testing results
- Maintenance, inspection, and repair records
Reviewing this evidence helps uncover negligent actions, holding the responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
What Is Vicarious Liability?
Vicarious liability is a legal concept that holds one party, like an employer, responsible for actions taken by another, such as an employee. This means FedEx could be held liable for an accident caused by one of its drivers under specific circumstances.
For FedEx to be held vicariously liable, the following must apply:
- The driver must be a FedEx employee, not an independent contractor. Contractors aren’t legally considered employees, so FedEx might avoid liability for their actions.
- The driver must have been performing assigned duties during the accident. If the truck was used for unapproved activities, FedEx could argue they weren’t acting within their employment scope.
- The crash must result from driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or breaking FMCSA regulations.
A Charlotte truck accident attorney can pursue vicarious liability claims, giving you access to larger corporate insurance policies.
Common Causes of FedEx Truck Accidents
FedEx trucks are involved in many accidents each year, with a company snapshot from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) showing nearly 90 fatal crashes and around 900 injury accidents over a recent two-year span.
These accidents happen for several reasons, often involving driver behavior or vehicle issues.
Some common causes include:
- Speeding or unsafe driving in poor conditions
- Failing to yield or pass correctly
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Fatigue from long hours on the road
- Poor truck maintenance or mechanical failures
- Defective truck parts
- Cargo that wasn’t properly secured
Understanding these risks helps pinpoint where negligence may have occurred, allowing you to hold the responsible parties accountable.
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What Should I Do After a FedEx Truck Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a collision with a FedEx truck, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical care right away and keep copies of your medical records.
- Create an evidence folder with photos of the accident, repair estimates, and a personal account of the event.
- Gather pay stubs, tax records, and work-related communication to document lost wages.
- Avoid discussing the crash with the trucking company without an attorney present.
It’s important to contact a truck accident attorney in Charlotte as soon as possible.
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Can I Sue FedEx for Injuries and Damages from the Accident?
If the FedEx driver was responsible for the crash and is a company employee, you may have grounds to sue FedEx for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle repair costs
A truck accident attorney can help by:
- Investigating the scene and collecting physical evidence
- Interviewing witnesses to gather statements
- Reviewing the driver’s logbook, driving history, and employment records
- Checking the truck’s maintenance and inspection reports
Your attorney will work to secure a fair settlement through negotiation. If FedEx doesn’t cooperate, your lawyer can file a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve in court.
Does FedEx Provide Insurance for Drivers Involved in Accidents?
FedEx, like all companies operating vehicles, must carry auto insurance in accordance with state laws. These policies typically offer broader coverage than standard personal auto insurance.
Commercial carriers must also meet federal requirements set by the FMCSA. Depending on the type of cargo being transported, FedEx’s insurance coverage can range from $750,000 to multi-millions.
This extensive coverage helps protect against the risks involved with operating large vehicles on public roads, offering financial protection when accidents occur.
How DeMayo Law Offices Can Help You Hold FedEx Accountable
At DeMayo Law Offices, we understand how overwhelming a truck accident can feel. If you were injured in a collision with a FedEx truck, determining who can be held liable for a FedEx truck accident is an important step toward holding the right parties accountable.
Our team has recovered over $1 billion for clients since 1992, and we are ready to fight for the outcome you deserve. Whether it’s the driver, FedEx, or another responsible party, we will work to uncover every detail of your case.
With the experience and resources to take on large corporations, DeMayo Law Offices and our Charlotte truck accident lawyers are here to support you through every stage of your claim. Let us help you seek justice.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
