Truck Company Liability

Accidents With FedEx Delivery Trucks Lawyers

We’re here to help after you suffer an injury in a crash with a FedEx delivery truck in Columbus

FedEx delivery trucks are everywhere. Whether it's a FedEx Express van rushing to meet a deadline or a FedEx Ground truck hauling heavy freight, these vehicles are a common sight on roads throughout Columbus and across Ohio. While most deliveries happen without problems, serious accidents involving FedEx drivers do occur, and when they do, the results can be devastating.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a FedEx truck crash, you’re likely facing medical bills, time off work, and lots of confusion about your next steps. Who is responsible? The driver, FedEx, or someone else? Will insurance cover everything? What should you do next? At Soroka & Associates, our experienced truck accident lawyers are here to help.

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Understanding FedEx’s delivery system

To know who might be responsible in a FedEx truck accident, you first need to understand how the company operates. FedEx uses two main delivery systems:

The first is FedEx Express. FedEx Express handles time-sensitive packages, like overnight deliveries or next-day air shipments. Drivers in this division are direct employees of FedEx Corporation. That means FedEx is responsible for things like hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising these drivers.

The second, FedEx Ground, focuses on standard shipping and package delivery. But here's the twist: these drivers usually aren’t employed by FedEx. Instead, FedEx contracts with small independent businesses, sometimes called service providers, to make deliveries. These businesses hire their own drivers, operate their own trucks, and follow FedEx’s strict branding and performance rules.

So even though a truck might say "FedEx" on the side, the driver may not be a FedEx employee. This can make it harder to figure out who is liable after a crash, and that’s where an experienced truck accident lawyer becomes especially valuable.

What are some common causes of Columbus FedEx accidents?

FedEx drivers are under pressure. Delivery schedules are tight, especially during peak seasons like holidays. Unfortunately, this pressure can lead to dangerous driving habits. Here are some of the most common causes of FedEx-related accidents:

  • Trying to meet delivery quotas often leads to speeding. FedEx trucks, especially larger Ground vehicles, can take longer to stop, making speeding even more dangerous.
  • FedEx trucks, especially box trucks and tractor-trailers, have large blind spots. If a driver fails to check their surroundings or signals too late, they can cause serious side-impact or sideswipe collisions.
  • Many FedEx drivers work long hours, sometimes in back-to-back shifts. Fatigue reduces reaction time and increases the risk of mistakes behind the wheel.
  • Drivers may use tablets or phones for route tracking, scanning packages, or communication with dispatch. All of this increases the risk of distraction.
  • Poorly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents, particularly with large FedEx Ground trucks.
  • If a delivery company hires a driver with a poor driving history or doesn’t properly train them, they could be held liable for resulting accidents.

No matter the cause, victims of FedEx truck crashes often suffer serious injuries. These may include head trauma, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or long-term disability.

Who is liable in a FedEx delivery truck crash?

Determining who is responsible for a FedEx truck accident can be tricky. Liability depends on who owns the vehicle, who employs the driver, and what caused the crash.

FedEx Express employee accidents

If the driver is a FedEx Express employee, FedEx Corporation can typically be held liable under the legal principle of respondeat superior, which means employers are responsible for the actions of their employees while on the job.

FedEx Ground independent contractor accidents

This is where things can get complicated. FedEx Ground drivers usually work for independent service providers. In this case:

  • The driver may be personally liable.
  • The independent delivery company may be liable for hiring or training issues.
  • While FedEx is generally not liable for the actions of Ground drivers hired by independent contractors, if evidence shows it exercised significant control over daily operations or safety standards, there could be an argument for liability.

Sometimes other parties may share the blame. For example:

  • A maintenance company that failed to properly service the truck.
  • A parts manufacturer that made a faulty tire or brake system.
  • Another motorist who caused a chain-reaction crash involving a FedEx vehicle.

Truck accident liability and Ohio law

Under Ohio law, anyone injured by another person’s negligence has the right to seek compensation. This includes accidents caused by FedEx drivers, their employers, or other responsible parties. Ohio uses a comparative negligence system. Here’s what that means:

  • You can still recover compensation if you’re partially at fault.
  • However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • If you're more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages.

That’s why it’s so important to have a Columbus truck accident lawyer who can gather evidence, prove fault, and push back against any attempts to blame you for the crash. At Soroka & Associates, we’re here to help with your case.

What is the value of my Columbus FedEx delivery truck accident?

If you were injured in a FedEx truck crash, you may be able to recover financial compensation for:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future medical needs.
  • Lost income, if your injuries keep you from working. You can recover past lost income, future loss of earning ability, and missed promotions or job opportunities.
  • Pain and suffering, as not all injuries are physical. Ohio law allows victims to recover for their physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety or depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the crash, you can claim repair or replacement costs.

If you lost a loved one in a fatal FedEx crash, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages for funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.

What should I do after a Columbus FedEx delivery truck accident?

Take the following steps after a FedEx delivery truck accident to protect both your health and your legal rights:

  • Call 911 to get help right away. Request a police officer and an ambulance if needed. The police report will be important for your claim.
  • Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some symptoms don’t show up right away, and medical records help prove your case.
  • Take photos of all vehicles involved, your injuries, road conditions, and the truck’s logos and license plates. Get the names and contact info of witnesses. Ask the truck driver for their name, employer, and insurance information.
  • You may get a call from FedEx or an insurance adjuster offering a quick settlement. Never agree to anything or give a recorded statement without talking to a lawyer first.

The sooner you contact a Columbus attorney, the better. At Soroka & Associates, we’re here to investigate the crash, handle the insurance companies, and fight for every dollar you’re owed.

Why do I need a Columbus truck accident lawyer?

Going up against a company like FedEx isn’t easy. They have powerful legal teams and insurance companies on their side. A mistake early in the process, like saying the wrong thing to a claims adjuster or missing a deadline, could hurt your case. Our team at Soroka & Associates can:

  • Investigate the crash and gather evidence
  • Determine who’s responsible
  • Work with accident reconstruction experts
  • Deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to
  • Take your case to trial if necessary

We’ve helped truck accident victims throughout Ohio recover compensation for serious injuries, and we’re ready to help you, too.

What are the time limits for filing a lawsuit in Ohio?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. That might seem like plenty of time, but waiting too long can lead to lost evidence, missing witnesses, and reduced chance of success. The sooner you speak with a truck accident lawyer, the better your outcome is likely to be.

Do you have a Columbus FedEx delivery truck accident lawyer near me?

Yes. Soroka & Associates serves clients throughout Columbus and Central Ohio. Our office is located at 503 South Front Street, Suite 205, and we’re proud to represent people in Licking County, Delaware County, Fairfield County, and surrounding areas. If you can't come to us, we can come to you.

Injured in an accident with a FedEx truck? Call our experienced Columbus attorneys today

FedEx truck accidents can leave victims with serious injuries and lots of unanswered questions. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. At Soroka & Associates, we have the experience, resources, and dedication to help you take on big corporations and win. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash involving a FedEx Ground or FedEx Express vehicle, call our offices or contact us today. We review cases for free and can help you understand your legal options. Your recovery is our priority. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Soroka & Associates represents victims of truck accidents that happen in and around Columbus and Central Ohio, including in Licking County, Delaware County, Fairfield County, and beyond.