FedEx operates numerous trucks on the roads and highways throughout the United States, including here in Rancho Cucamonga, California. And while their system is set up for optimal efficiency and safety, FedEx truck accidents still happen on a regular basis. There are some dangerous intersections in this area – such as Foothill Boulevard and Haven Avenue and Archibald Avenue and 19th Street – where accidents involving FedEx trucks are more prone to happen. But these crashes can happen in less traveled areas as well.
FedEx truck accidents can have significant consequences, including widespread property damage, severe physical and psychological injuries, and a significant amount of lost income for affected parties. The reasons for such accidents vary depending on each individual circumstance, but there are a number of common factors that may cause or contribute to a FedEx crash.
FedEx History
FedEx, short for Federal Express, is a Memphis-based multinational delivery services company that was founded in 1971. The company has grown to become one of the world’s largest delivery companies, with a presence in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. Over the years, FedEx has been recognized for its innovative business practices, including being one of the first companies to introduce package tracking and overnight delivery services.
While FedEx has been successful in growing its business, the company has also experienced its share of accidents and fatalities. In recent years, there have been several high-profile crashes involving FedEx trucks, some of which have resulted in multiple fatalities.
FedEx Truck Crashes in California
One notable FedEx truck accident in California occurred on April 10, 2014, in Orland, a rural community that is north of Sacramento. While traveling on Interstate 5, a FedEx tractor-trailer collided with a tour bus carrying high school students who were on their way to visit a university.
The crash resulted in ten fatalities, including both the drivers of the truck and the bus. Several others involved suffered injuries as well.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation into the accident and found that the probable cause was the FedEx driver’s loss of control of the vehicle, likely due to a fire that had started in the truck’s trailer. The investigation also identified contributing factors such as poor highway maintenance, driver fatigue, and lack of oversight from the trucking company.
The Orland crash was a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with large truck accidents and highlighted the need for continued efforts to improve safety on California’s highways. As a result, the NTSB issued several safety recommendations to the trucking industry and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including improved vehicle design, driver training and oversight, and enhanced safety technologies.
Common Causes of FedEx Truck Accidents in Rancho Cucamonga
As was the case with the crash in Orland back in 2014, there are several factors that can contribute to FedEx truck accidents. Here are some of the most frequent causes of these incidents:
Driver Error
One of the most common reasons for FedEx truck accidents in Rancho Cucamonga is driver error. Distracted driving, fatigue, and speeding are just a few examples of driver behaviors that can increase the risk of a crash. FedEx drivers may be particularly susceptible to these types of errors because they are continually under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. This of course can lead to rushed and potentially unsafe driving practices.
Vehicle Malfunction
Another reason that many of the FedEx truck crashes in Rancho Cucamonga occur is vehicle malfunction. Brake failure, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and collide with other vehicles or structures. It’s important for FedEx to regularly inspect and properly maintain their fleet to prevent these types of accidents.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions
Inclement weather such as rain, fog, and ice can also contribute to FedEx truck accidents in Rancho Cucamonga. These conditions can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. Faulty road conditions such as potholes, uneven pavement, shoulder drop-offs, and roadway obstructions make the conditions even worse for FedEx drivers.
Other External Factors
Additional factors such as other drivers on the road and animals crossing the road can also contribute to FedEx truck collisions in Rancho Cucamonga. For instance, if another driver cuts off a FedEx truck, the FedEx driver may need to take evasive action to avoid a crash. Or if a deer runs into the road, the driver may need to swerve to avoid hitting it, potentially leading to a loss of control of the vehicle.
Consequences of FedEx Truck Crashes in San Bernadino County
When a FedEx delivery truck accident happens in the Rancho Cucamonga area, it can have significant consequences for all parties involved. This may include:
Widespread Property Damage
FedEx truck accidents can result in significant property damage to the FedEx vehicle, other vehicles, structures, and persons and objects in the area. This can be particularly damaging in areas where there are dense populations and a high volume of traffic.
Serious Injuries
Accidents involving FedEx trucks can result in injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Depending on the severity of the accident, these injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as head injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, and in the worst cases, wrongful death.
Lost Income and Productivity
If a person is injured in a FedEx truck accident, they may need to take an extended amount of time off from work to recover. This can result in lost income and productivity, which can be especially difficult for households in which the injured person is one of the primary breadwinners.
Non-Economic Losses
FedEx delivery truck crashes can also cause intangible losses that are not directly related to property damage, medical bills, or lost earnings. These losses may include:
- Physical Pain and Suffering: The injuries sustained in a FedEx truck accident can result in significant physical pain and discomfort, which can persist long after the accident has occurred. This can impact a person’s ability to work, sleep, and engage in activities they previously enjoyed.
- Emotional Distress: A large truck accident can be a traumatic experience, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles as well as pedestrians. The trauma from the crash can lead to various forms of psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Diminished Quality of Life: Injuries sustained in a FedEx delivery accident can impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, driving, or caring for their children. This can result in a reduced quality of life and loss of independence.
- Disfigurement: Some injuries that are sustained in large truck crashes may result in scarring or disfigurement, which can impact a person’s self-esteem and quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: When someone is injured in a FedEx delivery truck accident, their spouse or partner may also suffer as a result. This can come in the form of a loss of companionship, affection, intimacy, and support.
Legal and Financial Consequences
If a FedEx truck accident results in injuries or property damage, there can be legal and financial consequences for all parties involved. The injured party may need to file a personal injury claim against FedEx and/or the driver, while the company may be subject to fines and penalties if they are found to be in violation of safety regulations. Injured persons may also be eligible to file a legal claim against any third parties that are partly responsible for the crash.
Those who are affected by a FedEx truck accident should seek legal advice to understand their rights and options for compensation. It is best to do this as early as possible after the accident before memories start to fade and any of the important evidence begins to disappear.
Speak to our Reputable FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga
If you or someone you love has been injured in a FedEx delivery accident in the Rancho Cucamonga area, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. However, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with physical and emotional injuries at the same time.
At Muhareb Law Group, we understand the challenges that come with filing a large truck crash claim, and we are here to help. Our experienced commercial truck accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. We will work with you every step of the way, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome for your case.
Message us online or call us at (909) 519-5832 to schedule a free consultation and case assessment with a member of our legal team. We are ready to go to work for you!