FedEx Freight Truck Accident Lawyer

Protecting Victims of FedEx Freight Accidents Nationwide

When you’re injured in a collision with a FedEx Freight truck, the consequences go far beyond physical harm. The trauma, financial strain, and long-term effects can be life-changing. 

Accidents involving large commercial trucks like those operated by FedEx Freight are especially dangerous due to their massive size and weight of up to 80,000 pounds, which can make even low-speed crashes severe. These vehicles run thousands of routes daily under tight deadlines, increasing the risk of fatigue, mechanical issues, or rushed decisions.

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a FedEx Freight vehicle, you’ll face a major freight company with aggressive insurers. These cases are complex, and without legal support, it’s easy to be overwhelmed or pressured into accepting a low settlement. 

A skilled attorney can gather key evidence, identify all liable parties, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago trucking accident attorneys specialize in helping victims of truck accidents get justice and compensation. If FedEx Freight or its drivers were at fault, you have a legal right to pursue a claim, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

About FedEx Freight: Safety & Accident History

If you’ve been injured in a FedEx Freight accident, then you’ll need a qualified lawyer on your side to support you. Let’s break down some of the key facts about FedEx Freight and its history on Chicago’s roads.

Company Overview

FedEx Freight, Inc. (USDOT Number: 239039), is a division of FedEx Corporation, one of the largest less-than-truckload (LTL) freight carriers in the United States. With its headquarters in Harrison, Arkansas, it has over 14,000 trucks and trailers and employs more than 34,000 people. 

With such a vast network and daily operations across all 50 states, FedEx Freight trucks are a constant presence on U.S. highways. Their massive scale means even a small lapse in safety can lead to serious consequences for motorists nationwide.

Safety Violations & Crash Data

According to recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), FedEx Freight has encountered significant safety concerns over the immediately preceding two years, accumulating more than 1,000 safety violations within this period. During inspections, its vehicles have been taken out of service at a rate higher than the national average.

Crash statistics further highlight the seriousness of these issues. In the 24 months preceding the writing of this article, FedEx Freight trucks have been involved in 436 reported crashes. Of these, 146 resulted in injuries, and 14 tragically led to fatalities. 

These figures reflect a troubling pattern. Although FedEx Freight claims to prioritize safety, its large footprint and logistical pressures frequently contribute to hazardous conditions on the road.

Common Causes of FedEx Freight Truck Accidents

Preventable issues often cause FedEx Freight truck accidents. Driver fatigue is one of the most common issues, as long hours and tight deadlines can lead to violations of FMCSA hours-of-service rules, impairing judgment and reaction time. 

Poor vehicle maintenance is another factor; faulty brakes, worn tires, and missed inspections can all lead to mechanical failure. Speeding and aggressive driving also increase risk, especially when drivers try to stay on schedule.

Improperly secured cargo can have devastating consequences. If a load shifts or is unbalanced, it can cause a truck to tip or jackknife. Distracted driving remains a serious problem as well. 

In July 2024, FedEx driver Santos Valentin was involved in a fatal crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike after looking at his phone 25 times in 48 seconds. The accident took the lives of Donnell Hickson and his two children, highlighting the dangers of distraction and the need for strict safety enforcement.

Working closely with an experienced truck accident attorney to understand the cause of your accident will help ensure you take the right steps and receive a fair settlement.

Lawsuits Against FedEx Freight

With this less-than-stellar track record on the road, FedEx Freight has been involved in a number of lawsuits.

Recent FedEx Freight Accident Lawsuits

One notable case, Cargal v. FedEx Freight, Inc., stemmed from a devastating 2018 crash in Harris County, Texas. A FedEx Freight truck driven by David Forehand crossed into oncoming traffic, resulting in the death of Joseph Cargal. 

In 2021, a jury awarded $30 million in damages, finding FedEx Freight 51% responsible due to failures in driver training and supervision. The verdict highlighted the importance of strong safety protocols within commercial trucking.

Another widely reported incident involved the deadly I-35W pileup in Fort Worth during Winter Storm Uri. A FedEx Freight truck was among the many vehicles that lost control on the icy road, contributing to a crash that killed six people and injured dozens more. 

The lawsuit raised serious questions about FedEx’s response to dangerous weather conditions and its responsibility to protect both drivers and the public.

These cases underscore how complex trucking accident lawsuits can be, especially when large corporations and life-altering injuries are involved. Acting quickly is key. Early legal help can make a major difference in gathering evidence, identifying who’s at fault, and pursuing the compensation victims deserve.

If you or a loved one was injured in a FedEx Freight accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation.

Who Is Liable in a FedEx Freight Truck Accident?

Liability in truck accidents often goes beyond the driver and can involve multiple parties. The driver may be at fault if they were drowsy, distracted, or impaired. However, FedEx Freight could also be liable for unsafe practices, such as overworking drivers or neglecting safety protocols.

Other responsible parties may include maintenance providers who failed to fix mechanical issues, parts manufacturers if a defective component caused the crash, or cargo loaders and shippers who improperly secured freight. 

Even third-party logistics teams, warehouse staff, or government agencies can be held accountable if their actions, or inaction, contributed to the accident, such as through poor road maintenance or signage.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve secured major settlements for victims of truck accidents, including $18.5 million for a client injured in a head-on crash on the Kennedy Expressway and $12.3 million for a union plumber crushed by a flatbed truck near the Stevenson Expressway.

Compensation Available for FedEx Freight Truck Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a FedEx Freight truck, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages. This can include:

• Medical expenses such as emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages, including time off work and reduced earning capacity, if your injuries affect your ability to return to work.
• Pain and suffering for both the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property damage, including the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal property.
• Wrongful death damages are available to surviving family members if a loved one was killed due to FedEx’s negligence.
• Punitive damages awarded in cases where FedEx’s conduct was especially reckless or involved repeated safety violations.

Each case is unique, and an experienced truck accident attorney can help you understand the full scope of compensation available based on your circumstances.

Steps to Take After a FedEx Freight Truck Accident

Step 1: Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed

Contact emergency services at the scene. A police report is essential for documenting the accident and supporting your claim.

Step 2: Seek medical attention immediately

Even if injuries aren’t obvious, get examined promptly. Early documentation is crucial, as some injuries may not show symptoms right away. 

Step 3: Document the accident scene

If possible, take photos of the crash site, the FedEx truck, your vehicle, road conditions, and visible injuries. This evidence can help prove fault and severity. 

Step 4: Gather witness information and the truck’s DOT number

Get witness names and contact details, and record the truck’s Department of Transportation (DOT) number.

Step 5: Do not speak with FedEx’s insurance representatives

Avoid statements or signing anything without legal advice. Representatives may try to minimize your claim or offer a low settlement. 

Step 6: Contact a truck accident attorney

Consult an experienced truck accident attorney to ensure critical evidence, such as driver logs, vehicle records, and black box data, is preserved. Legal guidance early on can impact your case’s outcome.

Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a FedEx Freight Truck Accident Case

Handling a crash involving a commercial carrier like FedEx Freight requires more than a basic understanding of personal injury law. These cases often involve multiple parties, complex insurance policies, and aggressive corporate defense teams. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve built a national reputation for holding major trucking companies accountable and recovering compensation for victims and their families.

Our legal team brings deep experience in commercial vehicle litigation, access to expert witnesses, and the resources needed to pursue full and fair compensation, no matter the size of the company on the other side. 

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a FedEx truck accident, we’ll guide you through every step of the legal process and advocate for the outcome you deserve.

Get Legal Help After a FedEx Freight Truck Accident

Truck accident cases involving FedEx Freight are not ordinary injury claims. You’re up against a well-funded, highly defended corporation that will work quickly to protect its interests, not yours.

That’s why you need experienced, aggressive legal representation to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Call us today at (888) 424-5757 or use our contact form to schedule your consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.