Truck accidents can be complicated and going up against a company like FedEx requires a great deal of litigation and negotiation experience. That’s why people injured in accidents with FedEx vehicles should hire an experienced Orange County FedEx truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. The Crockett Law Group Orange County’s leading truck accident attorney, with a top-notch legal team that successfully collected large amounts of money for people injured in truck accidents. Call (800) 900-9393 to schedule a free consultation.
Federal Express was one of the first companies to provide the service of quickly delivering packages throughout the United States and internationally. In 1998 it became known as FedEx and the verb “FedEx” became a verb meaning “send overnight,” as in “FedEx it to me,” or “I FedExed it yesterday.” We see FedEx planes overhead and FedEx trucks on highways and in our communities, bringing packages to residences and businesses. With buying products on the internet becoming increasingly popular, FedEx fleets are growing, causing a large percentage of motor vehicle accidents with severe or catastrophic injuries.
Obligation To Train: Trucking companies such as FedEx are required to make sure that their drivers are thoroughly familiar with the operation of their particular vehicles by providing training on each vehicle they will operate.
Load Requirements: The FMCSA provides very specific guidelines for how much weight each type of truck can safely carry and how freight must be distributed and secured because overloaded improperly loaded trucks are more likely to spin out of control.
If you’re involved in an accident with a FedEx truck, violation of any of the above rules and regulations can cause FedEx to be liable for the injuries you’ve sustained. For more information call (800) 900-9393 to schedule a free consultation.
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Statistics For FedEx Truck Accidents
The Federal Express Corporation, known as FedEx, has its main office in Memphis, Tennessee, and employs over 50,000 drivers in the United States and its trucks travel on close to 1 billion miles of road a year. Most of their vehicles are straight trucks, trailers, and truck tractors. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), its trucks are authorized to carry letters, packages, and freight, and its drivers were cited with close to 150 violations a year. The lion’s share of these violations was for dangerous conduct such as failing to pay attention while driving, texting while driving, speeding, and failure to yield the right of way. They also found over 30 violations of the federal laws that specify how long a driver may be behind the wheel of a truck before taking a break, which is of concern due to how many accidents are caused by driving without proper sleep. FMCSA has also found a high incidence of violations such as insecurely fastened trunk hoods, improper brake linings, and failure to properly secure loads. It should be noted that other delivery companies have similar records and that FedEx doesn’t stand out as the worst offender. FedEx trucks generally weigh over 30,000 pounds, which means that collisions with smaller vehicles, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians often cause very serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a FedEx truck accident, it’s important to contact an experienced Orange County FedEx truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Call today to schedule a free consultation.What Causes FedEx Truck Accidents?
Like all motor vehicle accidents, there is a multitude of negligent, reckless, and/or intentional acts that can contribute to causing a FedEx truck accident. These are the most common causes:- Fires and Explosions caused by poor maintenance of FedEx trucks;
- FedEx drivers falling asleep at the wheel after working more hours than allowed under federal law;
- FedEx drivers failing to yield or passing other cars dangerously;
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, or other drugs;
- Cargo that has not been sufficiently secured;
- Faulty cargo doors;
- FedEx truck overturns due to turning at too high a rate of speed;
- Faulty maintenance and brakes;
- Improper hiring or training of drivers;
- FedEx truck hits a pothole or other type of hazard at too high a rate of speed;
- Runaway FedEx truck due to failure to reduce speed going down a hill and
- FedEx truck accident caused by improper design of truck by the manufacturer.
What is FedEx Responsible For?
FedEx, and all trucking companies, are responsible for ensuring that their fleet meets federal and local safety requirements and that their employees meet the criteria for hiring and training. These are some of the rules that apply:Regulations for Hours of Service
The FMCSA mandates the number of hours a truck driver may work before taking a break through the country, regardless of the state they are in. For example, a driver cannot be on the road for more than fourteen consecutive hours.Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
There is a specific protocol that must be followed before taking a truck out on the road that includes checking for leaks and inspecting brakes, tires, doors, seat belts, headlights, and the steering wheel. This information must be put into a written report that’s on file with FedEx.Employee Background Checks Are Mandatory
The FMCSA requires FedEx, and all trucking companies, to ensure that drivers have the following qualifications:- Minimum age of 21 years old;
- Read and speak English fluently enough to converse with the general public, respond to official questions, understand traffic signals and signs, and write legible reports.
- Driver safely;
- Physically able to perform their duties;
- Have a valid state commercial operator’s license;
- Proof that they have no been convicted of any motor vehicle; violations for twelve months prior to being hired; and
- Provide a list of all motor vehicle violations.
Obligation To Train: Trucking companies such as FedEx are required to make sure that their drivers are thoroughly familiar with the operation of their particular vehicles by providing training on each vehicle they will operate.
Load Requirements: The FMCSA provides very specific guidelines for how much weight each type of truck can safely carry and how freight must be distributed and secured because overloaded improperly loaded trucks are more likely to spin out of control.
If you’re involved in an accident with a FedEx truck, violation of any of the above rules and regulations can cause FedEx to be liable for the injuries you’ve sustained. For more information call (800) 900-9393 to schedule a free consultation.
