Wrongful death lawsuit filed after fatal crash involving FedEx semi-truck in KY
The family of a 24-year-old killed in a crash involving a FedEx tractor-trailer filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company, claiming the driver failed to pull off the highway during a mechanical failure.
The family of Addison Fowler filed suit June 13 against FedEx, ESP Express, Inc. and the truck’s driver, Alfred Qafa. Fowler was killed Dec. 10, 2024, in a crash on the interstate in Whitley County, after the vehicle she was in collided with Qafa’s semi-truck.
Qafa’s tractor-trailer experienced mechanical failure, causing him to decelerate for nearly a mile of Interstate 75, according to the lawsuit filed in Whitley County Circuit Court. However, his tractor trailer remained in the right lane without activating hazard lights or using required warning devices.
The truck came to a complete stop in the lane of traffic. The family believes Qafa had enough time to pull off into the shoulder while his vehicle began to decelerate, according to the lawsuit.
Fowler, a passenger in a Ford F-150, was killed when the vehicle collided with the rear of the stopped semi.
The lawsuit claims FedEx failed to maintain the tractor-trailer in safe, working order — a violation of federal law — and FedEx failed to properly train or supervise Qafa.
“This case is a clear example of corporate negligence leading to a tragic and preventable loss,” Tad Thomas, attorney for the family said. “Our client’s family is devastated by Addison’s death, and we are determined to hold FedEx, ESP Express, Inc., and their employee accountable for their reckless actions.”
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for the emotional and physical suffering, along with funeral expenses and punitive damages.
