FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer in Orlando, Florida

FedEx Truck Accidents in Orlando, Florida

FedEx is a global courier and delivery services company that operates a large fleet of trucks to transport goods and packages across the United States. Orlando is one of the busiest cities in Florida, and FedEx trucks are a common sight on its roads. Unfortunately, these trucks are involved in accidents that result in serious injuries and fatalities. In some cases, the accidents are caused by the negligence of the FedEx driver or the company itself.

Common Causes of FedEx Truck Accidents in Orlando

While there are many factors that contribute to FedEx truck accidents, some of the most common include distracted driving, driver fatigue, speeding, mechanical failure, and inexperienced drivers. In this section, we will discuss each of these factors in detail and explore how they can be prevented to improve safety on the road.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of FedEx truck accidents. Drivers may engage in various activities that divert their attention from the road, including using their phone, texting, eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio. These distractions can significantly impair the driver's ability to react to road hazards and increase the risk of accidents. In some cases, distracted driving can lead to rear-end collisions or accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work long hours and may not take adequate rest breaks, leading to driver fatigue. Fatigue can impair a driver's reaction time, decision-making ability, and judgment. It can also cause drowsiness or even falling asleep at the wheel. A fatigued driver is more likely to cause an accident, especially on long hauls or overnight trips.

Speeding

FedEx drivers may exceed the speed limit to meet delivery deadlines. Speeding significantly increases the risk of accidents, as the driver may not be able to react quickly enough to road hazards or maintain control of the vehicle. Speeding is a leading cause of truck accidents and can result in severe injuries or fatalities, especially when combined with other factors such as distracted driving or driver fatigue.

Mechanical Failure

Poorly maintained trucks or faulty parts can cause accidents on the road. FedEx is responsible for ensuring that their trucks are properly maintained and in good working condition. If a truck has a mechanical issue, such as faulty brakes or a defective steering system, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and result in an accident.

Inexperienced Drivers

Newly hired drivers may lack the necessary experience to operate large commercial trucks safely. They may be unfamiliar with the vehicle's handling characteristics or unaware of how to react to road hazards. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to cause accidents, especially in adverse weather conditions or challenging driving situations. FedEx is responsible for ensuring that their drivers are properly trained and qualified to operate their trucks safely.

The Role of FedEx in Florida Truck Accidents

As a commercial carrier, FedEx has a responsibility to ensure that their trucks are operated safely and maintained properly. The company is required to comply with federal and state regulations governing the operation and maintenance of commercial vehicles. This includes ensuring that their drivers are properly trained, licensed, and have a clean driving record.

FedEx is also responsible for maintaining their trucks to prevent mechanical failures that could cause accidents. This includes conducting regular inspections and repairs to ensure that the vehicles are in good working condition. If a mechanical issue is discovered, it must be addressed promptly to avoid the risk of an accident.

In the event of a FedEx truck accident, the company may be held liable for the damages caused. To protect their interests, the company may have their own legal team to defend against claims and negotiate settlements.

Legal Issues in Orlando FedEx Truck Accidents

In the event of a FedEx truck accident in Orlando, one of the critical legal issues to consider is liability. Determining who is at fault for the accident and holding them responsible for the damages incurred can be complex, especially in cases involving commercial trucks. Liability may involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and other entities.

In addition to liability, other legal issues to consider include comparative negligence, insurance coverage, statute of limitations, and legal representation. In this section of the article, we will discuss each of these issues in detail and explore how they can impact a victim's ability to seek compensation. Understanding these legal issues can help victims protect their rights and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Liability

Liability is a critical legal issue in FedEx truck accidents. It involves determining who is at fault for the accident and holding them responsible for the damages incurred. Liability can be complex in truck accidents, as it may involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and other entities. A thorough investigation is typically required to determine the cause of the accident and who is responsible.

Comparative Negligence in Florida

In some cases, both the FedEx driver and the victim may share fault for the accident. Florida's comparative negligence laws allow victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault. However, the amount awarded will be reduced in proportion to their level of fault. For example, if the victim is found to be 30% at fault, they will only be entitled to 70% of the damages.

Insurance Coverage in Florida

FedEx is required to carry insurance coverage for accidents involving their trucks. The insurance company will typically be responsible for paying damages up to the policy limit. However, insurance companies may try to offer a lower settlement than the victim deserves, and negotiations may be required to reach a fair agreement.

The Statute of Limitations in Florida

In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four (4) years from the date of the accident. This means that victims must file a claim within four years of the accident or risk losing their right to seek damages.

Legal Representation

Legal representation is essential for victims of FedEx truck accidents. A qualified lawyer can help navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support the claim, and negotiate with insurance companies on the victim's behalf. They can also ensure that the victim's rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their damages.

Damages in Orlando FedEx Truck Accident Claims

If you are successful in your claim for damages after a FedEx truck accident in Orlando, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. These types of compensation may include the following:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are damages that are easily quantifiable, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. These damages are meant to compensate you for the financial losses you incurred as a result of the accident. A qualified lawyer can help you document your economic damages and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are damages that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are meant to compensate you for the physical and emotional impact of the accident. Your lawyer can help you document your non-economic damages and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, a judge or jury may award punitive damages to punish the negligent party for their actions. Punitive damages are meant to deter others from engaging in similar behavior and to send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated. A qualified lawyer can help you determine if punitive damages are appropriate in your case and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Overall, pursuing a FedEx truck accident claim can be complex, and there are several factors to consider when seeking compensation. A qualified lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. By working with a lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your damages.

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a FedEx Truck Accident in Orlando, Florida?

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident involving FedEx truck, you should speak with an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on our website to set up your free consultation by email, or you can call our Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm today at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your free consultation by phone. When you schedule a consultation at our law firm, you will get a consultation with a lawyer that handles commercial vehicle accidents, not a customer service representative or intake person.

If you need a South Carolina truck accident lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured another state, we can help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.