The Shoulder
The Shoulder
58
Property damagesteady-heron-377

FedEx driver blew a stop sign and totaled my car — their corp team just ghosted me

I don't even know where to start with this because it's been such a nightmare and I feel like I'm going crazy.

About six weeks ago a FedEx Ground driver ran a stop sign at a residential intersection and T-boned me. My car had to be flatbedded out of there. The responding officer literally said to me, "you had the right of way, nothing you could have done" — but still didn't issue the driver a citation, which I guess is just how it goes sometimes.

I filed directly with FedEx's corporate claims line the next day. The rep I talked to was super friendly and walked me through everything — said to keep my rental receipts, said my vehicle damage would be covered, the whole thing. I felt okay about it.

Then the silence started.

I've called back eight times over six weeks. I've been told:

  • My claim was in the wrong queue (twice)
  • A supervisor would call me back (never happened)
  • It was being "escalated" (three times)
  • My car was under review for total loss

Then out of nowhere I get a voicemail from someone I'd never spoken to before saying that because of how liability is structured with their contracted drivers, they're "unable to process" my claim and I should go through my own insurance.

I called my own insurer and they were shocked. Said this is not how it should work.

I'm not trying to sue anyone into oblivion. I literally just want my car replaced and my rental costs covered. That's it. My mom keeps telling me to get a lawyer but I always assumed lawyers were for, like, big injury cases. Is it worth it for property damage and out-of-pocket rental bills? Has anyone dealt with a delivery company giving them the runaround like this?

11replies

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11 replies

  • 7
    mellow-grouse-797

    Oh my gosh this is almost exactly what happened to me with a different delivery company two years ago. The "wrong queue" excuse is so real — I heard it four times. The moment I mentioned I'd spoken to an attorney, suddenly someone with actual authority called me back within 48 hours. I'm not saying that's a magic fix but the runaround often stops when they realize you're not just going to keep calling politely.

    • 8
      mellow-newt-704

      For what it's worth, most personal injury attorneys also handle property damage and out-of-pocket losses from accidents — it's not just for broken bones. A lot of them do free consultations, so the only thing you're really risking is an hour of your time. They can also send what's called a demand letter on your behalf, which sometimes shakes these corporate claims departments into actually responding. The fact that you have documented promises of coverage is something a lawyer would probably want to know about.

    • 7
      thankful-road-soul315

      Saving this whole thread. Really appreciate the honesty here.

  • 15
    spry-newt-617

    That move where they tell you to go through your own insurance? Classic deflection tactic. They're hoping you'll just do it, your insurer pays out, and the delivery company never has to touch it. Your own rates could even take a hit depending on how your policy handles it. Don't let them off the hook that easy.

  • 12
    quick-crane-072

    I used to work in commercial claims and I want to be real with you: the "contracted driver" thing is a gray area they exploit constantly. FedEx Ground specifically uses independent contractors in a lot of markets, which they use to create distance from liability. But that doesn't automatically mean you have no claim against them — courts have gone both ways on this. The fact that you were given verbal assurances of coverage multiple times is also potentially meaningful. Document every date, every name, every thing you were told. Save every voicemail.

    • 7
      weary-rider999

      How long did it end up taking in your case?

  • 12
    tidy-sparrow-470

    Not legal advice, but the contractor liability question is genuinely complicated and fact-specific. What I'd flag is the repeated representations you received that your damages would be covered — that could matter depending on your state's laws around promissory estoppel or bad faith claims handling. Worth at least a free consult so someone can look at the full picture. Don't assume a lawyer will say "not worth it" before you've asked.

    • 1
      patient-walker390

      That lines up with what my adjuster told me too.

  • 8
    plain-lynx-404

    Six weeks of this would have broken me honestly. You've been so patient. Please just talk to a lawyer — even if it ends up being a short conversation that tells you your options. You deserve to at least know where you stand instead of waiting for another voicemail that leads nowhere.

  • 6
    hearty-newt-154

    Stop calling their claims line. It's not working and it's just giving them more time to drag this out. Send a certified letter to their corporate legal or risk management department laying out the timeline, what you were told, and what you're seeking. Then go get a free consult with a PI attorney. Do both this week.

  • 19
    mellow-heron-742

    Just want to make sure I'm understanding — did you get any of those coverage promises in writing, or was it all over the phone? Because "friendly rep said you'd be covered" is going to be a lot harder to lean on than an email confirmation. Not saying you're wrong, just that the strength of your position might depend on what's documented.