Chicago FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer

Seek Justice and Fair Compensation for Accidents Involving FedEx Vehicles

If you were hurt in a collision with a FedEx truck in Chicago, our legal team is here to help. An experienced FedEx truck accident lawyer from our law firm is ready to fight for those harmed by careless or negligent delivery drivers. With commercial delivery trucks constantly on the road, accidents involving FedEx drivers are becoming more frequent. We are committed to helping you recover compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$8,979,000 Settlement – James was killed when a delivery truck made an improper left turn and struck his motorcycle on Chicago’s South Side. His family pursued a wrongful death case, citing the truck driver’s failure to yield and lack of visibility training. The settlement reflected the loss of income and emotional impact on his children.

$605,000 Settlement – While crossing a marked crosswalk near Lincoln Park, 72-year-old Gloria was hit by a commercial truck. She suffered multiple fractures and required months of rehab. The case value increased due to the driver’s violation of pedestrian right-of-way laws and video footage obtained from a nearby CTA bus.

$499,999 Settlement – Eric was injured in the West Loop when a delivery van ran a stop sign and struck his car. He sustained a shoulder injury that required surgery. Liability was clear from the accident report, and the settlement reflected both his medical treatment and time away from work as a union electrician.

Why Choose Our FedEx Truck Accident Attorneys

Our top personal injury attorneys have a proven track record in helping truck accident victims across Chicago recover millions in verdicts and settlements. Recognized by Super Lawyers and maintaining a perfect 10.0 score on Avvo, we bring experience, results, and personal attention to every case. We understand the serious toll FedEx truck crashes can take, physically, financially, and emotionally. We know how insurance companies and corporate defendants operate. Our goal is to protect your rights, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help you recover compensation that reflects the actual cost of your injuries.

What Are the Most Common Causes of FedEx Delivery Truck Accidents in Chicago?

FedEx delivery truck accidents in Chicago are often caused by a combination of driver error, company pressure, and overlooked safety standards. One of the most common issues is trucking hours of service violations, where drivers exceed legal driving limits due to unrealistic delivery schedules, increasing the risk of fatigue-related crashes. Distracted driving is another major factor, with some drivers using phones, route apps, or onboard devices in violation of the cell phone policy for CDL drivers. Speeding and unsafe lane changes are frequent on crowded city streets, especially when drivers feel rushed. Violations of cargo securement requirements can lead to loss of control or rollovers. Poor maintenance, particularly involving brakes and tires, is also a concern, despite the required CDL pre-trip inspection checklist. In some cases, accidents occur due to inadequate training or unsafe dispatch procedures, which may violate CDL requirements in Illinois. Hazardous weather, combined with tight delivery schedules, only increases the danger.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in FedEx Truck Crashes?

FedEx trucks–whether tractor-trailers or smaller delivery vehicles–are much heavier and harder to stop than passenger cars. Their size creates larger blind spots and longer stopping distances, especially in heavy Chicago traffic. Curbside deliveries add risk, as drivers often stop and maneuver in tight spaces, increasing the chance of hitting pedestrians, cyclists, or parked cars. Urban congestion and strict delivery timelines add pressure that can lead to rushed or unsafe driving. When truck reflective tape requirements are ignored, the chance of a crash rises.

In a delivery truck accident, victims often suffer severe injuries. These may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Crush injuries
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

What Damages Can Commercial Delivery Truck Accident Victims Recover in Illinois?

Victims of commercial delivery truck accidents in Illinois may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages through a truck accident claim. Compensation can include payment for medical expenses, both current and future, related to hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Victims can also seek recovery for lost wages if they are unable to return to work. In cases involving long-term disability or reduced earning capacity, additional financial recovery may apply. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are also considered. In wrongful death cases, families may be eligible to pursue compensation for funeral costs and the loss of companionship or financial support. A successful truck accident lawsuit can help victims move forward with stability and dignity.

What Is the Average FedEx Truck Accident Payout in Chicago?

Payouts in FedEx truck accident cases can vary widely depending on the details of the crash. According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average award is $15,823,375, with a median of $737,479. Case values can vary dramatically, from as low as $21,700 to $165,533,000.

Several factors influence how much truck accident victims may recover:

• Severity of the injuries
• Medical expenses and long-term care
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• The percentage of fault assigned under the (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) Illinois Comparative Negligence Law
• Whether FedEx met its commercial truck insurance requirements
• Evidence of serious safety violations, such as distracted driving or poor vehicle maintenance

Example Cases Involving FedEx Truck Drivers

$165.5 Million Verdict in Fatal FedEx Tractor-Trailer Crash

A 22-year-old woman and her 4-year-old daughter were killed when their pickup was rear-ended by a FedEx tractor-trailer hauling double trailers at highway speed. The FedEx driver, who died in the crash, failed to brake or change lanes despite having over a mile of visibility. The surviving child suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries. The family alleged negligence in FedEx’s driver training and nighttime safety protocols. The defense argued the decedent had stopped unexpectedly in the travel lane. The jury found FedEx 65% at fault and awarded over $165 million, reduced to $163,933,000 due to comparative negligence.

$30 Million Award in Head-On FedEx Freight Collision

A 68-year-old truck driver was killed when a FedEx Freight driver crossed the center line and struck his vehicle head-on. The decedent suffered fatal burns and trauma. His sons pursued wrongful death damages, citing loss of companionship and emotional anguish. The FedEx driver claimed he swerved to avoid debris but lacked training on alternative responses. The jury found FedEx Freight 51% at fault and awarded $30 million, evenly split between the two sons, for mental anguish, pecuniary losses, and loss of companionship.

$3.68 Million Verdict in Multi-Vehicle FedEx Delivery Truck Crash

A FedEx delivery truck was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer, pushing it into oncoming traffic and causing a collision with an SUV carrying a family of three. All occupants suffered injuries: the mother required abdominal surgery, the child had a broken wrist, and the father sustained soft tissue injuries. The family sued multiple parties, and fault was disputed among the commercial drivers. The jury assigned 80% liability to the tractor-trailer operator and 20% to FedEx, awarding the family a total of $3,683,173 for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost wages.

Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

FedEx uses several types of vehicles for local and regional deliveries, including tractor-trailers, box trucks, step vans, and cargo vans. Each carries different risks based on size, weight, and how they operate in tight city traffic. These vehicles are commonly involved in various truck accident types such as rear-end crashes, sideswipes, wide-turn collisions, rollovers, and incidents involving pedestrians.

Even if a FedEx logo is clearly displayed on the truck, that doesn’t mean the vehicle is owned or operated by FedEx directly. Many drivers work for independent contractors, third-party carriers, or delivery service providers (DSPs). In some cases, a broker, leasing company, or maintenance vendor may also share responsibility.

Because liability is often spread across multiple parties, it’s critical to have an experienced personal injury attorney who knows how to uncover the proper defendants and file claims effectively. Our team has extensive experience handling cases in the Cook County Circuit Court and understands how to pursue compensation in these complex commercial claims.

How Common Are FedEx Truck Accidents?

FedEx trucks are involved in a significant number of crashes each year, reflecting the risks associated with operating a large commercial delivery fleet. According to FMCSA data, in the period between 2023 and 2025, FedEx vehicles were involved in 841 crashes in Illinois. These included 29 fatal crashes, 236 crashes resulting in injuries, and 576 crashes requiring vehicle towing.

Where Do FedEx Truck Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

FedEx truck accidents in Chicago often happen in areas with heavy truck traffic. Common hotspots include major routes like I-90/I-94 (Dan Ryan Expressway), I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway), and near distribution centers around O’Hare and Cicero Avenue. Busy intersections like Western Avenue and Roosevelt Road, or Ashland Avenue near industrial corridors, also see frequent delivery truck accidents. Areas with a high density of businesses, such as the Loop, West Loop, and South Side warehouse zones, increase the risk due to double-parking, curbside unloading, and narrow streets. Accidents also occur on private premises–such as loading docks, retail centers, and corporate campuses–where FedEx drivers may back up or turn in tight spaces.

What Laws Govern FedEx Truck Accident Claims in Chicago?

Complex commercial trucking cases are governed by a combination of local, state, and federal laws that regulate commercial vehicle operation and roadway safety.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) apply to all interstate commercial carriers, including those operating tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks. These regulations cover driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and drug testing.

Illinois’ Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) sets state-specific rules for traffic safety, licensing, and commercial vehicle operation. It works in tandem with IDOT guidelines, such as those related to oversize and overweight permits. FedEx and its contractors must follow these guidelines when hauling large or heavy loads, or risk penalties and increased crash liability.

Chicago has its own rules for traffic and truck operation. Title 9 of the city’s municipal code governs truck routes, delivery restrictions, and safety requirements on city streets.

An experienced truck accident lawyer must evaluate which laws apply, depending on where and how the crash occurred, and whether the FedEx driver or related parties violated any safety rules.

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action Under Illinois Personal Injury Law?

Under (735 ILCS 5/13-202), victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. In cases where a FedEx truck crash results in a fatality, the deceased person’s family has two years from the date of death to file a claim, under the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/).

How to Determine Liability for Accidents Involving FedEx Drivers in Chicago

Determining truck accident liability requires a thorough investigation into who owned the vehicle, employed the driver, managed logistics, and maintained the truck.

Here are the parties that may share liability in a truck accident case:

• The driver may be liable for negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or ignoring safety regulations.
• The DSP (Delivery Service Provider)–the contractor that employs the driver–can be held responsible for poor training, unsafe dispatch practices, or negligent hiring.
• The motor carrier or trucking company may share liability if it failed to enforce safety protocols or violated federal regulations.
• Maintenance or repair contractors may be at fault if mechanical failures, like brake or tire issues, contributed to the crash.
• The loader or shipper can be liable for cargo securement failures that caused or worsened the accident.
• Broker or dispatch entities may face liability if their scheduling, pressure, or routing decisions created unnecessary risk.

An experienced legal team will examine contracts, maintenance records, and logs to build a clear picture of fault.

Common Defenses in Truck Accident Cases Involving FedEx Drivers

FedEx and other delivery companies often argue that their drivers are independent contractors to avoid being held directly responsible for a crash. This defense is common in complex commercial trucking cases and is meant to shift liability onto third-party delivery service providers.

But under Illinois law, in independent contractor truck drivers vs employees disputes, what really matters is who had control. If FedEx controlled how the driver was dispatched, monitored delivery times, enforced safety rules, or evaluated performance, they may still be liable, even if the driver worked for a separate company.

We look closely at contracts, training records, communication logs, and safety oversight to uncover who was truly managing the driver’s work. That’s what determines truck accident liability, not just job titles or business labels.

How to Strengthen Your FedEx Truck Accident Case in Chicago

Taking the proper steps after a collision with a FedEx vehicle can make a significant difference in your ability to file a truck accident claim. Here’s what to do after a truck accident to preserve your legal rights:

• Call 911 and request medical help – Make sure police create a police report and get a complete medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor.
• Photograph everything – Take pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, license plates, DOT numbers, and any FedEx or contractor markings on the truck.
• Get witness information – Names, phone numbers, and statements from people at the scene can be valuable later.
• Don’t give recorded statements – Trucking company insurers may call quickly. Wait to speak until you understand your legal options.
• Keep your medical records and follow all treatment plans – This helps show the full impact of your injuries.
• Contact legal counsel early – A FedEx truck accident attorney can secure key evidence before it disappears or gets altered.

How a FedEx Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a serious crash involving a FedEx vehicle, many victims face an uphill battle trying to deal with corporate insurers, unclear liability, and mounting medical bills. A FedEx truck accident attorney can take on the legal burden while you focus on recovery, and handle the complex process that most people simply can’t manage alone.

One of the most critical steps is a full truck accident investigation. We move quickly to identify all potentially responsible parties, which often includes not just the driver, but a delivery contractor, the motor carrier, or even a maintenance vendor. Time-sensitive evidence–like dashcam footage, dispatch logs, driver qualification files, and black box data–must be secured before it’s lost or destroyed.

We also deal directly with corporate legal teams and layered insurance policies that are designed to reduce payouts. Most importantly, we build strong negligence cases based on violations of federal safety regulations, holding companies accountable for unsafe practices that lead to injury.

FAQs

How much does a FedEx truck accident lawyer cost?

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

Who can file a FedEx truck accident claim in Illinois?

Several types of individuals may be eligible to file a truck accident claim, depending on the circumstances:

• FedEx drivers who are injured due to another party’s negligence
• Other drivers, passengers, cyclists, or pedestrians harmed in a truck crash involving a FedEx vehicle
• Family members of someone fatally injured in a wrongful death case

What evidence is needed to support a FedEx truck accident insurance claim?

To prove truck accident negligence, evidence may include driver logs, trucking ELD data showing hours on the road, and telematics records that capture speeding or harsh braking. Vehicle inspection and maintenance records can reveal if worn brakes or other safety issues were ignored. Dashcam footage or nearby business surveillance video may show how the crash occurred. FMCSA drug and alcohol testing results are also critical, especially after severe or fatal truck accidents. In some cases, bills of lading or other load records can show if shifting cargo contributed to the crash. Finally, where legally allowed, phone or device records may expose distracted driving.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a FedEx vehicle, we’re here to help. Our FedEx truck accident lawyers offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Contact us today to speak directly with an attorney about your truck accident case.