FedEx operates hundreds of thousands of delivery vehicles across the country—many of which come through Ohio cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and beyond. While many of those delivery trucks successfully complete their journeys, it is the unfortunate reality that not all of those deliveries reach their destinations safely.
If you or a loved one were the victim of a FedEx trucking accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bells, and uncertainty over what steps to take next. Facing insurers and contending with a major company’s legal team on top of navigating recovery can easily become overwhelming. But you aren’t alone.
At The Fitch Law Firm, you can depend on our legal team’s 30+ years of personal injury experience to help you build your case, face insurance companies, and hold at-fault parties responsible. Call us today at (614) 412-8930 for a free, no-obligation consultation, and learn more about the legal options available to you.
Why FedEx Truck Accidents Are Different Than Regular Crashes
While any road accident can be devastating, the aftermath of collisions and accidents involving large commercial vehicles can pose added risks and complications.
Larger Vehicles Are More Dangerous In a Motor-vehicle Accident
Unlike common passenger vehicles such as sedans and SUVs, many delivery and cargo trucks such as 18-wheelers or other semi-tractors are heavier, larger vehicles with more limited ranges of mobility. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 35,000 pounds while empty, and when fully loaded, they can weigh up to a staggering 80,000 pounds (TCS). In comparison, the average automobile weighs around 4,000 pounds (JDP). When they collide with other vehicles, the force of the truck’s impact can have devastating and grave consequences.
High Driver Turnover and Inexperienced Hires Heighten the Risk on the Road
The pressure to meet delivery demands comes with a side effect: FedEx has striking turnover rates. According to FedEx’s 2025 Corporate Responsibility Report, the company had a 95% employee turnover rate during the FY 2024. In comparison, the national average is reported to be 3.3%, and according to Gallup, a healthy turnover rate is one that’s less than 10% (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Their unhealthy separation rate could spell out potential danger: as workers continue to replace their departing workforce, the odds of minimally experienced drivers operating large delivery vehicles go up.
FedEx Express vs. FedEx Ground: Why the Difference Matters for Your Claim
Because delivery trucks are typically tied to businesses, there may be multiple parties that can be held liable in the case of a FedEx trucking accident:
- The person driving
- The company who employed them
- The company who owns the truck
- The truck’s maintenance crew
- The vehicle manufacturer
The accident may have been the fault of negligent driving, but it is also possible that it was caused by faulty machinery, negligent hiring and/or training practices, or inadequate upkeep and observation.
FedEx Express vs FedEx Ground Liability
FedEx has two delivery services that differ in aspects such as costs and speed, with FedEx Express typically being a quicker but more expensive delivery option than FedEx Ground. But another way that these services deliver is in the type of employees they utilize. Where Express employees are hired directly by FedEx, Ground workers are considered to be independent contractors. Despite this, Ground workers still wear FedEx uniforms, used FedEx handheld computers, and act in accordance with the company’s directives.
This distinction in employment category can add a layer of complexity when trying to discern at-fault parties in your claim.
FedEx may attempt to evade accountability by claiming that these “independent contractors” are not truly FedEx employees, but Ohio law recognizes otherwise. A principle called vicarious liability, or respondeat superior, holds an employer responsible for the negligence of their employees when wrongful acts are performed during their work (ORC § 2307.241). And while FedEx may try to claim FedEx Ground workers as independent contractors, their level of control and surveillance often demonstrate otherwise.
The Last Thing You Should Worry About Is How You’re Going To Pay For Your Medical Bills.
Can You Hold FedEx Responsible for a Trucking Accident?
Yes, FedEx can be held responsible for a motor vehicle accident caused by the negligence of their drivers, even if that worker was a FedEx Ground “contractor.” Assessing the company’s level of control over Ground workers will determine whether there is an employee/employer relationship and can reveal this contractor status as a misclassification.
It is always best to reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you understand the details of your case and the legal paths that are open to you. It can be overwhelming to try and navigate the complexities of the legal field after an accident, but The Fitch Law Firm is here to support you.
Common Causes of FedEx Truck Accidents in Ohio
The pressure to meet delivery demands can push some drivers to ignore safety precautions and partake in unadvised behaviors. Causes of FedEx truck accidents include:
- Speeding and other traffic violations: In order to complete their delivery routes during their shift times, some drivers may exceed speed limits, ignore stop signs, or otherwise violate traffic safety rules.
- Driver Fatigue: When faced with tight deadlines, drivers may work beyond their allocated shift times in order to make quotas. Some may be working multiple extended shifts can create fatigue that takes away from their alertness.
- Distracted Driving: Some drivers may be messaging while they drive or constantly referring to navigation screens and other work-related apps as they complete their route, but when their attention splits between the screen and the road, dangerous errors can take place.
- Poor vehicle Maintenance:
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Common Injuries Caused by FedEx Truck Accidents in Ohio
Because FedEx trucks are often larger vehicles that can create substantial damage in a collision, they can create catastrophic and even fatal injuries. Victims of trucking accidents may suffer harm such as:
- Severe Burns
- Multiple bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Amputations
- Organ Damage
These injuries can require extensive or even lifelong medical care, which can be costly to obtain. An experienced FedEx truck accident lawyer can help you assess the damages you have suffered and work to get you the full value of your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Ohio FedEx Truck Accident?
Depending on the details of your case, accident victims may be able to receive compensation for not only their monetary losses (economic damages), but their physical and mental suffering as well (noneconomic damages):
- Loss of income, benefits, etc.
- Current and future accident-related medical expenses
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
In the unfortunate case that you lost a loved due to the negligence of another driver, the following damages may be recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of inheritance
- Mental anguish
In extreme cases of misconduct, you can also recover punitive damages from an at-fault party and help deter future misconduct.
What to Do Immediately After a FedEx Truck Accident in Ohio
Truck accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and they can take place even when you follow safe driving practices around large vehicles. It can be difficult to prepare for the possibility of such destructive circumstances, but remembering the following steps can help you:
Prioritize your health
Your health and safety always come first. In the event of a truck accident, call 911 as soon as possible to get medical assistance and police on the scene.
Allow a medical professional to check you over even if you feel alright or believe that your injuries aren’t significant, as some symptoms and injuries may manifest later or worsen over time.
Document the scene
Don’t move your vehicle unless its position is putting you in further danger or if you’re explicitly instructed to do so authorities.
If you’re able to, try to collect as much evidence as you can (e.g. photos, information, and contacts) as soon as possible.
The following details may be helpful to collect for your claim:
- Damage to either vehicle
- The position of each vehicle on the road and their relative position to each other
- The license plate of the FedEx truck
- Any debris and skid marks on the road from the accident
- Relevant traffic signs
- Any visible injuries that you and/or your passengers have due to the wreck
Exchange information
Get the names and contact information of any other drivers who witnessed the accident and are willing to give an account of events.
It’s also important that you exchange identifying information with the FedEx driver, though an officer can help facilitate the process once they arrive on scene. Mark down details like the driver’s name, license plate, insurance details, and contact information.
Don’t forget to share your auto insurance and your own contact information in return.
Get a copy of the police report
In the state of Ohio, you are required to report the accident to the police if any of the following resulted:
- Personal injury
- Any fatalities
- Property damage greater than $1,000
When law enforcement arrives, ask the officer for their badge number, the police report number, and a copy of the report for your own records.
Do not admit fault
Be honest and cooperative when speaking to law enforcement and your insurer, but stick to the objective facts and avoid admitting fault or voicing any speculations about what occurred. This can help prevent you from mistakenly taking on any unwarranted blame for the accident, which can negatively impact your ability to recover damages down the road.
How The Fitch Law Firm LLC Handles Your FedEx Truck Accident Case
It can be frustrating and stressful to deal with a major company and its insurance provider after an accident, but you’re not alone. At The Fitch Law Firm, we can provide you with the legal service and support that you need right from the start so that you can recover the damages you deserve while being able to focus on returning to what’s important to you.
Our Ohio personal injury lawyers will help manage the hard work and legal legwork for you, including:
- Obtaining copies of the police accident report
- Obtaining your medical records
- Obtaining the truck’s maintenance records
- Speaking to eyewitnesses and relevant experts
- Examining FedEx’s policies in detail
- Assessing your potential recoverable damages
- Completing and submitting insurance claim forms
- Communicating with the at-fault party’s insurance provider on your behalf
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
We’ll keep you updated at every step in the process so that you can stay up to date, and we’ll break down the legal implications so that you’re always informed. We are here to support you on your path to justice and healing.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ohio FedEx Truck Accident Cases
Can I Sue FedEx Directly After an Accident?
Yes, you can directly sue FedEx if you were injured due to an accident caused by one of their drivers. A company can be held liable for the negligent behavior of their employees, which means that you can recover compensation for the harm and damage that you have suffered due to a FedEx truck accident.
How Much is My FedEx Truck Accident Case Worth in Ohio?
There is no guaranteed number tied to your claim. Each case is different, and each one’s circumstances will decide the possible compensation that can be obtained.
At The Fitch Law Firm, our case results demonstrate our dedication to getting our clients the justice they deserve. We have successfully obtained millions in verdicts and settlements for injured victims all throughout Ohio, and we are committed to holding at-fault parties responsible for the harm they’ve caused.
Reach out to one of our trucking accident attorneys today and learn more about the value of your case.
What if the FedEx Driver Was an Independent Contractor?
Yes, you can still sue FedEx even if the driver was a FedEx Ground employee (i.e. an “independent” contractor). As mentioned earlier, the legal principle of vicarious liability means that companies can be held responsible for the misconduct of their workers, even if they themselves don’t recognize them as formal employees. s
Should I Accept FedEx’s First Settlement Offer?
Do not accept FedEx’s first settlement offer without consulting an experienced trucking accident lawyer. Major corporations like FedEx have extensive legal teams that have the company’s best interests in mind, and a lawyer can look out for you so that you can make sure that you’re getting the full compensation you deserve.
How Much Does a FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer Cost in Ohio?
You’ll owe nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict for your case. Because we aim to make justice more accessible, our attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you’ll pay nothing upfront or out of pocket.
Ohio Cities We Serve After FedEx Truck Accidents
Our main office is located in the heart of downtown Columbus, but we also have satellite offices in Dayton, Marion, Springfield, and Delaware. Our FedEx truck accident lawyers represent injured victims throughout all of Ohio, we can meet in-person and virtually to discuss your legal journey.
Contact an Ohio FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you loved was injured in an FedEx trucking accident, don’t wait until the statute of limits passes. While there are exceptions, most personal injury claims in Ohio must be filed within two years of the date the accident took place (ORC§2305.10). Acting quickly may positively affect the outcome of your case. The sooner you speak with a qualified Amazon truck accident lawyer, the sooner you can take legal action and begin fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Contact The Fitch Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable FedEx truck accident lawyer. Our law firm will help you learn more about your rights as an injured party and will take the necessary steps to help you build a strong case for financial recovery. We have decades of experience representing injured victims, and we have successfully obtained millions of dollars of compensation for our clients.
We’ll fight for the justice and compensation you deserve, because you shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.