Q: In April I was involved in a rear end collision.
I was driving my FedEx truck and due to a sudden stop in traffic from a different accident up the road, I didn't stop in time. I made every effort to stop, giant skid marks and cameras prove that. FedEx trucks have inside cab cameras as well as external cameras. I still have my job because I was doing nothing wrong, hands were on the wheel, eyes were on the road, tried like hell to stop. I have court for this on Wednesday for "Failure to Stop". What can I expect to happen at court and what do I bring? My boss said that there have been no lawsuits filed, the driver in front of me that I hit (and in turn hit the car in front of him) was not a legal driver (no license, pretty certain not a legal US resident) and apparently nothing from the person up front. I was told there may have been an injury due to the person in the middle vehicle not having a seat or seatbelt. (Middle row, minivan, paint supplies and compressors all around which caused the injury.)
A: This sounds like you were cited for a failure to stop. What you have described is a common occurrence on the roads, but it is the requirement that every driver operate their vehicle so that they can stop in time to avoid collision with other vehicles, objects and people. To me it sounds like you were tailgating the vehicle, following too closely to stop when they hit the brakes on full lock. Happens all the time but you are at fault. I hope things went well for you on Wednesday. Thank you for using Justia's Ask a Lawyer, but don't rely on what you are told here, consult a local attorney who will obtain all the facts from you and review your documents.
A: I hope you and the other people involved in the accident are all okay. Unless you adjourned the hearing, you already had it by now. I hope it went well. If the other vehicles eventually sue, FedEx or their carrier should be defending you in any ensuing action. Your duty would be to cooperate with your company in their investigations or their defense of any claims against FedEx stemming from the accident. I doubt anyone in the other vehicles would sue you personally in claims, but if you do receive any legal papers related to an accident claim, make a copy and promptly turn it over to your supervisor. I hope you weren't injured, but if you feel the need to seek medical attention, that would be covered under workers' comp, being that the accident took place in the course of employment. Good luck
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