Who Can Be Held Liable in a Crash Involving a FedEx Truck?

FedEx trucks are everywhere on Denver’s roads, delivering packages to homes and businesses every day. But when one of these large vehicles is involved in a crash, the results can be devastating. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a FedEx driver, one of the first questions you probably have is: who can be held responsible?

Understanding Liability in FedEx Accidents

FedEx operates under a complex business model that includes both company-employed drivers and independent contractors. This setup can make it difficult to know exactly who should pay for your injuries and losses. Determining liability requires investigating how the driver was classified, what caused the crash, and whether FedEx itself may share responsibility.

1. The FedEx Driver

If the crash was caused by a driver’s careless or reckless behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws, that driver can be held personally liable. Common causes of FedEx truck accidents include:

  • Distracted driving (using GPS or scanning for deliveries)
  • Fatigue from long shifts or tight delivery schedules
  • Improper loading or maintenance of the truck
  • Failure to yield or follow traffic signals

Drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road. When that duty is breached, they may be responsible for damages that result.

2. FedEx Ground or FedEx Express

FedEx’s structure matters. FedEx Ground drivers are often independent contractors working for smaller delivery companies, while FedEx Express drivers are typically direct employees. If the driver was an employee, FedEx can be held vicariously liable under the legal principle of “respondeat superior,” meaning the company is responsible for the actions of its employees performed within the scope of their work.

However, when the driver is an independent contractor, proving FedEx’s direct liability can be more challenging—but not impossible. If the company failed to vet drivers properly, imposed unsafe delivery quotas, or ignored maintenance standards, it may still share fault.

3. The Contracted Delivery Company

Many FedEx Ground routes are operated by smaller businesses that contract with FedEx. These companies can be held responsible for negligent hiring, training, or supervision of their drivers. They’re also required to carry commercial insurance, which may be available to compensate victims for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

4. Third Parties

Sometimes other drivers or outside factors contribute to FedEx truck accidents. For example, another motorist might cut off a large delivery truck, or a defective tire or brake system might fail. In such cases, liability could extend to a parts manufacturer or another driver who played a role in causing the crash.

How Investigations Work After a FedEx Truck Crash

Investigating a FedEx accident involves collecting crucial evidence, such as:

  • Police and accident reports
  • Driver qualification and training records
  • Truck maintenance logs
  • Onboard GPS or electronic logging device (ELD) data

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces strict regulations on commercial vehicles and drivers. Violations of these safety standards can significantly strengthen your claim.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Determine Liability

Because FedEx and its contractors have large legal teams, pursuing compensation on your own can be overwhelming. An experienced Denver FedEx accident attorney can help by:

  • Identifying all responsible parties
  • Gathering and preserving evidence
  • Negotiating with multiple insurance companies
  • Filing a lawsuit if fair compensation isn’t offered

Truck accident cases can involve several layers of responsibility, and determining the right defendants is key to maximizing your recovery.

Potential Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Victims of FedEx truck crashes may be eligible to recover damages such as:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and loss of earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Emotional distress

The actual value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries and the level of negligence involved. To learn more about how compensation works in trucking cases, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for data on commercial vehicle safety trends.

Why Choose Treviño Law

Treviño Law has extensive experience handling commercial truck accident cases in Denver, including those involving FedEx and other delivery carriers. The firm understands how to navigate the corporate structure, identify liable parties, and fight for the maximum recovery available.

If you’ve been injured in a FedEx accident, don’t wait. Contact Treviño Law today to schedule your free consultation. The sooner you reach out, the faster your attorney can start protecting your rights and building your case.

For more on trucking regulations and safety, you can also visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s safety page. It’s a helpful resource to understand how these laws affect both drivers and accident victims.