Motor vehicle accidents are stressful under any circumstances. However, when the accident involves a large commercial vehicle like a FedEx truck, the situation can feel even more impossible to deal with.
Florida personal injury law does allow you to pursue a legal claim for compensation after a collision like this. That said, cases involving major delivery companies like FedEx come with their own set of legal challenges. Setting up a free consultation with a truck accident attorney in Florida is the best way to understand where you stand. In the meantime, here is some helpful information.
Common Causes of FedEx Accidents in Florida
Florida FedEx trucks travel millions of miles across Florida each year, often on tight delivery schedules. That pressure can contribute to dangerous conditions on the road. Some of the most frequent causes of FedEx accidents include:
- Driver fatigue: Long shifts and demanding routes can leave drivers exhausted. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to make critical errors.
- Distracted driving: Checking GPS devices and scanning packages can pull a driver’s focus from the road at the worst possible moment.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Pressure to meet delivery windows may push drivers to exceed speed limits or take unnecessary risks in traffic.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Things like worn brakes and faulty lighting systems can all lead to serious crashes. Both FedEx and any contracted maintenance providers have a duty to keep trucks in a safe working condition.
- Improper cargo loading: When packages inside a truck are not secured correctly, shifting weight can cause the driver to lose control.
- Blind spot collisions: Large delivery trucks have significant blind spots on all sides. Drivers who fail to check these areas carefully before changing lanes or turning can cause devastating crashes.
Understanding what caused your accident is a key part of building a successful personal injury claim.
What Are My Legal Options After a Florida FedEx Accident?
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, so you will typically start by filing a claim through your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, PIP only covers a portion of your losses and does not include compensation for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
If your injuries are serious or if another exception applies, Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and take further action. Your options at that point may include:
- Filing a claim against FedEx’s commercial liability insurance
- Suing the FedEx driver for negligence
- Holding FedEx responsible as the employer under vicarious liability
- Bringing claims against third parties, such as a maintenance company
There are technically two types of FedEx drivers, Express and Ground. Express drivers are usually considered employees, whereas Ground drivers may be considered independent contractors. This distinction could impact your claim significantly, making it wise to seek legal advice before moving forward.
A Trusted Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a FedEx Accident
If you have been involved in a FedEx accident in Florida, determining your legal rights and options is an important first step to take. You may be entitled to substantial compensation from at least one liable party.
Schedule a free consultation with an attorney at Elliott Law Firm today to get started with your case by calling (800) 300-0303 or by sending us a message online. We have over 20 years of trial experience and will do everything in our power to help you maximize the value of your claim.