If you have been injured in a FedEx truck accident in Texas, understanding the nature of these vehicles is important. FedEx trucks are classified as commercial motor vehicles; many are considered large trucks under federal law. These vehicles weigh significantly more than passenger cars and can cause catastrophic injuries in the event of a crash. Drivers often operate under tight deadlines, leading to fatigue, distracted driving, and speeding—all of which are major causes of accidents involving FedEx delivery trucks and 18-wheelers.
FedEx Truck Accidents: Why They’re More Dangerous Than Regular Collisions
FedEx trucks are classified as commercial motor vehicles; many are considered large trucks under federal law. These vehicles weigh significantly more than passenger cars and can cause catastrophic injuries in the event of a crash. Drivers often operate under tight deadlines, leading to fatigue, distracted driving, and speeding—all of which are major causes of accidents involving FedEx delivery trucks and 18-wheelers.
Victims struck by FedEx vehicles often suffer severe trauma, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. Due to the scale of damage, these accidents are not just routine personal injury claims—they are high-stakes cases that require an aggressive legal strategy and extensive knowledge of commercial vehicle regulations.
Common Causes of FedEx Truck Accidents in Texas
The most common reasons for FedEx truck crashes include:
- Driver Fatigue: FedEx drivers often work extended shifts to meet delivery quotas. Despite federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, violations are frequent. Fatigue reduces reaction time and increases the risk of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Scanning GPS, reading delivery manifests, and using handheld devices while driving are frequent distractions.
- Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Worn-out brakes, tire blowouts, and steering failures can lead to preventable crashes. FedEx and its contractors are required to regularly inspect and maintain their fleets following FMCSA regulations.
- Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Many FedEx drivers operate on strict timelines and may speed to stay on schedule. High-pressure schedules compromise safety for everyone on the road.
- Unsecured Cargo: Shifting packages or overloaded cargo can destabilize the vehicle, leading to rollovers or loss of control.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a FedEx Truck Crash
Who Can Be Held Liable in a FedEx Truck Crash
Multiple parties may share legal responsibility after a FedEx truck accident:
- FedEx Corporate: If the driver is a direct employee or the company exercised control over driver behavior or vehicle maintenance, FedEx may be directly liable.
- Independent Contractors: Many FedEx drivers are classified as independent contractors. However, if FedEx maintains control over its schedules, routes, or operations, it may still be liable under Texas law.
- Third-Party Maintenance Providers: The company or technician responsible can be sued if negligent maintenance contributed to the crash.
- Truck and Parts Manufacturers: If a defect in the truck or any of its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable in the case.
Identifying all liable parties is essential to ensure maximum compensation. A thorough investigation involving accident reconstruction, black box data, and trucking logs is necessary.
What to Do Immediately After a FedEx Truck Accident
The steps you take after an injury accident matter.
- Call 911: Always report the crash and request medical assistance immediately.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even minor injuries should get a full evaluation. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately obvious.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, injuries, and road conditions.
- Collect Information: Obtain the driver’s name, FedEx truck number, and insurance details. Speak with witnesses and get their contact information.
- Do Not Talk to FedEx or Their Insurers: Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Let your attorney handle all communications.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a FedEx Truck Accident
Texas law allows victims to pursue economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages. Your potential compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for time missed from work and diminished living ability.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress, physical pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle and other personal items damaged in the crash.
- Wrongful Death: In cases of fatal injury, family members may recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and loss of financial support.
Insurance companies will aggressively work to minimize these payouts. Commercial carriers like FedEx often carry multi-million-dollar policies, but accessing those funds requires compelling evidence and skilled advocacy.
How Federal and Texas Laws Impact FedEx Truck Accident Claims
FedEx truck accident cases involve overlapping federal and state regulations. Key laws include:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs): These regulations establish mandatory standards for driver rest breaks, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. Violations can establish negligence per se.
- Texas Negligence Laws: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover damages. A strong legal strategy is necessary to avoid unfair blame-shifting.
- Statute of Limitations: In Texas, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years. Delays can result in your case being barred permanently.
Why Legal Representation Is Critical After a FedEx Crash
Powerful insurers and aggressive legal teams back commercial trucking companies. They move quickly to shield themselves from liability, sometimes dispatching investigators to the scene before injured victims receive medical care.
Without a skilled attorney, you may unknowingly accept a settlement far below what your case is worth. A truck accident lawyer with experience against FedEx will know how to:
- Demand black box and GPS data before it’s destroyed
- Obtain driver qualification files, maintenance records, and delivery logs
- Challenge attempts to classify the driver as an independent contractor to avoid liability
- Hire accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case
- Fight for full and fair compensation in court if a good settlement isn’t offered
Filing a claim against a trucking company, such as FedEx, must be handled promptly and correctly.
Call an Experienced FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer in Texas Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with a FedEx truck, take immediate action to protect your rights. Our trucking accident attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm hold negligent drivers, contractors, and corporations fully accountable. With decades of experience in high-stakes truck accident litigation, we fight for and win maximum compensation, regardless of the opponent’s strength.
Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111.
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, TX, 77069
