Amazon is the second-highest-grossing company in the U.S., behind only Walmart. The Seattle, WA, e-commerce conglomerate brings in almost $600 billion in revenue annually.
It’s no exaggeration to say Amazon wouldn’t be the success it is today without its dedicated team of drivers. These drivers are now a ubiquitous sight on American roads, delivering upwards of 20 million packages daily. Over 275,000 Amazon drivers deliver more than 20 million packages daily.
Are you interested in working for Amazon? Make sure you understand what your Amazon driver responsibility will be before applying for a driving position to ensure safety and adherence to company standards.
Learn more below.
Employment Status and Liability
Amazon is always looking for new drivers. If you make safe driving a priority and want to work in the package delivery industry, you can apply for a driving position.
However, the majority of Amazon drivers are not full-time employees. Instead, Amazon contracts Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) to help with its order fulfillment process.
Each DSP is considered an independent third-party business. DSPs function just like Amazon employees, driving Amazon-branded vehicles, delivering Amazon packages, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
However, since DSPs aren’t Amazon employees, the issue of accident liability can be complicated. DSPs must carry their own commercial auto insurance policies, which they may need to rely on after trucking accidents.
At the same time, vicarious liability can come into play when Amazon’s contracted DSPs are in accidents. Courts may find Amazon liable if the company’s policies contributed to these crashes.
All of this does not apply to Amazon Flex drivers who use their own vehicles to make deliveries. They’re also considered independent contractors, but Amazon provides them with commercial liability insurance coverage.
Driver Responsibilities and Training
Your Amazon driver responsibility will require you to tackle the following tasks:
- Practicing good time management skills while delivering Amazon packages
- Extending positive customer service experiences to Amazon customers
- Demonstrating proficiency in route navigation while driving for Amazon
- Performing the proper vehicle maintenance on Amazon-branded trucks
You should not be required to take on these tasks without the necessary training. Otherwise, the company could share liability for accidents involving its drivers.
Courts might also assign blame to Amazon for its drivers’ accidents in other instances. For example, Amazon could be found liable for accidents if its tight delivery schedules contribute to driver fatigue, stress, or reckless behavior.
Delivery Technology and Monitoring
Amazon has introduced delivery technology and monitoring tools to make its drivers more efficient. These tools also protect Amazon legally.
Many Amazon drivers use apps that track delivery times and routes. In court cases, data from these apps can reveal everything from how fast Amazon drivers were going during accidents to how closely they were adhering to their designated routes before crashes.
Amazon has also started installing onboard cameras and telematics in many of its trucks to monitor driver behavior. The data Amazon collects is usually admissible in court and can be used to determine accident liability.
Negligence or Reckless Driving
As part of your Amazon driver’s responsibility, you will be required to avoid exhibiting negligence. You might assume liability in an accident while working for Amazon if the plaintiff in a lawsuit can prove you caused it by:
- Speeding
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Driving while distracted
In certain comparative fault cases, a court may also evaluate whether you and another driver should share the blame for an accident. If another driver played a part in it, this could reduce Amazon’s liability.
Insurance Coverage and Financial Responsibility
Amazon extends commercial auto insurance coverage to Amazon Flex drivers. This policy includes:
- $1 million in liability coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
However, Amazon Flex drivers must meet limits and conditions to qualify for commercial auto insurance. These could impact the outcomes of legal cases involving Amazon Flex drivers.
Amazon doesn’t offer commercial auto insurance coverage to DSPs. They’re required to secure their own insurance policies.
However, if courts find the company responsible for the actions of Amazon Flex drivers and DSPs, it may be forced to accept financial responsibility for them.
Previous Lawsuits and Legal Precedent
Amazon has been involved in its fair share of accident-related lawsuits. Here are several notable lawsuits filed against Amazon and/or the company’s drivers:
- A Texas family was awarded $105 million in damages from an Amazon driver, but not Amazon, following a fatal 2018 crash.
- A South Carolina motorcyclist was awarded $44.6 million in damages from Amazon and an Amazon driver following a 2021 crash.
- A Georgia family was awarded $16.2 million in damages from Amazon and an Amazon driver following a 2022 crash.
Over the years, Amazon has implemented internal policy changes in response to these lawsuits. The company has reportedly revised its driver training standards, improved the insurance coverage it provides to drivers, and clarified its stance on accident liability for independent contractors.
Public Perception and Reputational Damage
Lawsuits involving Amazon often attract considerable media attention. They can alter the public’s view of Amazon’s practices, explaining why Amazon has taken safety more seriously and made it a bigger part of its driver responsibility.
As an Amazon driver, you’ll be in charge of helping protect Amazon from reputational damage by practicing safe driving. You’ll also need to take advantage of the safety training opportunities Amazon provides.
If you’re ever involved in a crash that seemingly reflects systemic issues with Amazon’s driver policies, it could increase the likelihood of you and/or Amazon dealing with out-of-court settlements or class-action suits. The onus is on Amazon to prevent this issue and on you to keep up with Amazon’s latest policies.
Contact Us To Speak With a Trusted Lawyer About Amazon Trucking Accidents
As long as you understand your Amazon driver responsibility, driving for Amazon can provide a potentially lucrative career. You may, however, encounter unexpected legal challenges while driving for Amazon if you’re ever in an accident.Coluccio Law can help. We provide legal representation to those injured during truck accidents in Washington. Contact us today.
