
FedEx Truck Accident Attorney in Austin, TX
A crash with a delivery truck can leave victims facing severe injuries, costly repairs, and months of uncertainty. Commercial delivery vehicles run tight schedules across Austin, which means FedEx truck crashes may involve driver fatigue, maintenance issues, liability concerns, and commercial insurance policies. Injured people can learn more about the claims process by speaking with an Austin FedEx truck accident lawyer.
Delivery trucks run through Austin neighborhoods and main streets every day. With thriving local businesses and growing ecommerce sales, FedEx trucks are constantly on the road, navigating between apartment complexes, office parks, and interstate highways, like I-35, MoPac Expressway, and U.S. Highway 183. When one of these crashes occurs, the resulting situation can be much more complex than your average passenger vehicle accident.
About The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, advocates for injury victims across Austin and the surrounding areas. Thousands of personal injury cases have been handled by the firm, including motor vehicle crashes, truck accidents, and negligence-related injuries. Situated at 4303 Russell Drive, Austin, TX 78704, The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, offers legal assistance for both English and Spanish-speaking clients.
Our office is available 24/7 for anyone who needs information following a serious accident. Attorneys can help injured clients by explaining their legal rights, preserving evidence, and managing the difficulties that often arise after a major truck collision.
The Seriousness of FedEx Accidents
One reason FedEx truck accidents can be more complex than regular car crashes is that they typically involve multiple parties. Businesses have commercial insurance policies and may be subject to federal trucking regulations. When a FedEx crash occurs, it may not be clear if the driver works for FedEx, is an independent contractor, or works for a different package delivery service.
According to the FMCSA, there were 19,302 large trucks involved in accidents across Texas. Out of these, 583 trucks were in fatal crashes, and 18,719 were in non-fatal crashes. Commercial delivery trucks must follow federal and state safety regulations. Accident investigations often involve:
- Trucking company delivery schedules
- Electronic logging devices
- Maintenance records
- GPS information
- Vehicle inspections
- Company communications
Truck driver error may also lead to a collision. In some FedEx truck accident cases, a driver may have faced unrealistic deadlines or improperly loaded a truck. Determining fault can become complex if a driver is pressed to make more deliveries within a certain timeframe.
FedEx Truck Accident Laws
Texas law provides remedies for people who are injured because of someone else’s negligence. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 states that most personal injury claims in Texas must be filed within two years of the incident. If this statute of limitations expires, the person may be barred from seeking recovery.
Texas Transportation Code § 545.351 requires motorists to drive at a safe speed relative to current conditions. Commercial truck drivers who are traveling too fast for the weather, traffic, or road conditions can be negligent if an accident occurs.
Commercial trucks are also subject to federal regulations through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These rules cover:
- Driver qualifications
- Maximum hours of service
- Vehicle inspection requirements
- Maintenance procedures
Some of these rules may apply in a FedEx truck accident case.
Common Causes of FedEx Truck Accidents
Delivery truck accidents can occur for any number of reasons. However, certain common causes tend to show up during accident investigations. Some of these include:
Delivery truck drivers can make hundreds of stops in one shift. The more stops drivers make, the more likely they are to stop and start frequently, reverse, make quick turns, and navigate through tight residential streets. These conditions can increase the risk of crashing into another vehicle, home, or pedestrian.
Hire a FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer
Victims who hire a FedEx truck accident lawyer can have someone to guide them through the legal process. Dealing with insurance companies and possible litigation can become overwhelming, especially after someone has been injured in a serious collision. An Austin FedEx truck accident attorney can:
- Look over police reports.
- Protect trucking records.
- Review insurance policies.
- Work to prove that other parties were negligent in causing the crash.
FAQs
Depending on the circumstances, an injured victim could file a claim against FedEx following a truck accident. Questions of liability may involve who hired the driver and whether they were working within the scope of their employment at the time. Negligence may also have been a factor in causing the wreck. Driver logs, maintenance records, and police reports can establish liability following a commercial vehicle accident.
Each FedEx truck accident claim is unique, so the potential compensation depends on:
- Injury severity
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Life impacts
Some victims sustain only soft tissue damage, while others suffer life-altering injuries. Permanent disability and prolonged rehabilitation are possible, too. Insurance policy limits, liability determinations, and proof can also affect potential payout amounts when negotiating a fair settlement or going to trial.
Texas truck accident settlements can vary greatly, depending on each person’s individual accident. Accidents differ in injuries sustained, insurance coverage, and liability. Some truck accident settlements only need to pay for medical bills and lost wages.
However, when serious injuries occur, the truck accident settlement can reach a higher amount. Future medical treatment, pain and suffering, and multiple parties being at fault can increase the value of a settlement.
FedEx does not have one standard claims limit for every truck accident claim. While most commercial trucking companies are required to carry large amounts of insurance, there may only be a certain amount available, depending on the vehicle type, whether the driver was a contractor or employee, and what happened during the crash. There could even be federally mandated insurance levels that commercial motor carriers need for large delivery trucks.
Contact The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
If you were injured in a FedEx accident, compensation may be available to you. At The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, we can pursue accountability from the responsible parties. Contact us today for more information.