Illinois FedEx Truck Accident Lawyers

Knowledgeable Injury Attorneys for Victims Struck by FedEx Delivery Trucks in Chicago, Naperville, and Throughout Illinois

At John J. Malm & Associates,we represent individuals and families across Illinois who have been seriously injured in truck accidents—including crashes involving FedEx delivery vehicles. Our firm has extensive experience handling complex commercial trucking cases, including those involving delivery companies. We understand the devastating physical, emotional, and financial toll a large truck accident can take. When a FedEx driver or contractor causes a collision due to fatigue, improper training, mechanical failure, or reckless driving, our lawyers are here to help. We are dedicated to holding negligent companies accountable and helping victims recover full compensation for their injuries.

FedEx trucks are a common sight on Illinois roads, from busy expressways in Chicago to suburban delivery routes in Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, and Rockford. With the rise of e-commerce, FedEx vehicles—ranging from large tractor-trailers to box trucks and Sprinter vans—are logging millions of miles across the state each year. Unfortunately, this increased presence comes with an increased risk of serious and fatal truck accidents.

The Scope of FedEx Truck Accidents in Illinois

FedEx Ground and FedEx Express vehicles are involved in hundreds of crashes every year. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), FedEx trucks were involved in several crashes across the United States in a recent two-year period. In Illinois, there were over 1,762 crashes involving FedEx trucks, including 25% that resulted in injuries and 41 that caused fatalities. These numbers are especially concerning when you consider that FedEx uses double-trailer trucks and often contracts deliveries out to independent drivers who may not have adequate training or oversight.

Illinois is a major shipping corridor, with interstates like I-80, I-294, I-90, and I-55 frequently used by FedEx trucks for long-haul and regional deliveries. These high-speed highways are also where many of the most serious crashes occur, especially when driver fatigue or poor weather is involved.

Common Causes of FedEx Truck Accidents

FedEx truck crashes can result from a variety of factors, many of which are preventable. One of the most significant issues is driver fatigue. Commercial drivers working under tight schedules may exceed safe driving hours or skip rest breaks to meet delivery deadlines. According to FMCSA data, fatigue is a contributing factor in approximately 13% of large truck crashes nationwide.

Another major cause is improper maintenance. FedEx contracts much of its delivery fleet to independent operators, and those vehicles are not always subject to the same strict oversight. Mechanical failures involving brakes, tires, steering, and trailer couplings have been reported, with some drivers claiming that safety checks are rushed or even skipped entirely. One FedEx driver shared in an online forum that pre-trip inspections often overlook brakes and tires, leaving them vulnerable to catastrophic failure on the road.

Poor weather conditions, particularly during Illinois winters, add another layer of danger. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can drastically reduce stopping distances and increase the likelihood of jackknife or rollover accidents—especially with FedEx’s double-trailer setups. These longer combination vehicles are statistically more prone to tipping and have been involved in a significant number of fatal crashes.

Distracted driving is also a factor. FedEx drivers, like many commercial operators, rely on navigation systems, communication devices, and handheld scanners. Even a momentary distraction can result in a devastating collision with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist.

Notable FedEx Truck Accidents in Illinois

Several serious FedEx truck crashes have made headlines in Illinois in recent years. In February 2024, a FedEx double-trailer truck crashed on the I-294 ramp near Lake Cook Road and burst into flames. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and later died from his injuries. In another tragic case, a pedestrian was fatally struck by a FedEx truck on I-294 near Glenview in February 2023. The victim had previously been hit by another vehicle before the FedEx truck made impact. The incident highlights the dangers posed to vulnerable road users when large commercial trucks are involved in multi-vehicle incidents.

In January 2020, a woman and her young child were inside a disabled vehicle on I-90 near Rockford when it was struck by a FedEx tractor-trailer. The woman was killed instantly, and the child was seriously injured. These incidents illustrate the potentially deadly consequences of FedEx truck collisions, particularly when vehicles are traveling at highway speeds.

Legal Liability in FedEx Truck Accidents

Determining liability in a FedEx truck accident can be complicated, especially when the truck is operated by a third-party contractor. However, Illinois law allows injury victims to pursue compensation from any party whose negligence contributed to the crash. This includes FedEx corporate entities, independent contractors, vehicle maintenance providers, and others.

If the FedEx driver was at fault—for example, by speeding, driving while distracted, or violating hours-of-service regulations—then the driver and possibly FedEx or its subcontractor may be held legally responsible. In cases where vehicle defects or poor maintenance contributed to the crash, additional parties such as repair shops or vehicle manufacturers may also be liable.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we work quickly to gather critical evidence, including driver logs, GPS records, black box data, and surveillance footage. We also consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the crash occurred and who was at fault. Our goal is to maximize your recovery and ensure that all negligent parties are held accountable.

Common Injuries in FedEx Truck Crashes

Due to the size and weight of commercial delivery trucks, accidents involving FedEx vehicles can cause severe and often permanent injuries. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Severe lacerations and disfigurement
• Burn injuries, especially in high-speed or rollover crashes
• Wrongful death

Compensation After a FedEx Delivery Truck Accident

Victims of FedEx truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may also be available.

How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help After a FedEx Crash

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a FedEx delivery truck, it’s important to speak with an experienced Illinois truck accident attorney as soon as possible. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the complex regulations that apply to commercial vehicles and the tactics that corporate defendants and their insurance companies use to deny or minimize claims. We’ll help you build a strong case, negotiate assertively with insurers, and take your case to trial if necessary to achieve the justice you deserve.

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in commercial trucking accidents, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FedEx Truck Accidents

Q: Who is liable in a FedEx truck accident?
A: It depends. If the driver is directly employed by FedEx, then FedEx may be held liable under the legal principle of “respondeat superior.” If the driver is an independent contractor, liability may also extend to the contractor and any third party responsible for the vehicle. Our firm will investigate to determine which parties are responsible for your injuries.

Q: What should I do immediately after a FedEx truck accident?
A: Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Call 911 and file a police report. If possible, take photographs of the scene, gather witness contact information, and avoid speaking with FedEx representatives or their insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, evidence can be lost or destroyed quickly in commercial vehicle cases, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Q: Can I sue FedEx if I was a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a delivery truck?
A: Yes. FedEx truck drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely around all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. If you were struck while lawfully crossing a street or riding in a designated bike lane, you may have a valid claim.

Q: What types of compensation can I recover?
A: You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and future medical care. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members can also pursue funeral and burial costs, loss of consortium, and other damages.

Q: How are FedEx truck accident claims different from car accident claims?
A: Commercial truck accidents involve additional layers of complexity, including federal regulations, corporate insurance policies, and larger potential damages. These claims often require expert witnesses, crash reconstruction, and aggressive legal advocacy.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois FedEx Truck Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

FedEx truck accidents are serious and often life-altering. At John J. Malm & Associates, we know how to hold negligent drivers, contractors, and corporations accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a FedEx delivery vehicle, don’t wait to get legal help.

Our experienced Illinois FedEx truck accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery.