Any type of accident can be scary, but being involved in an Amazon truck crash can be confusing and make you feel like you’ve already lost the case.
What many people don’t realize is that Amazon itself is rarely involved in lawsuits and settlements involving its delivery trucks.
Have you or a loved one been involved in an Amazon truck accident? Here’s everything you need to know, including common causes, who’s liable, and what you should do after an Amazon delivery truck crash.
Common Causes of Amazon Truck Crashes
Before delving any further, let’s focus on the reasons why an Amazon truck wreck can occur as this can help identify the party responsible for the collision.
Driver Fatigue and Tight Delivery Schedules
Driver fatigue is one of the most common reasons for truck crashes and Amazon delivery vehicles are no exception.
However, the party held accountable for any Amazon truck accident liability is the logistics company as it’s the one responsible for organizing driver schedules.
So if you’re looking for compensation for an Amazon truck crash, this is always a great starting point.
Distracted Driving by Amazon Drivers
While this may also be attributed to overworked employees, it’s also relatively common for Amazon drivers to collide because they were distracted.
It’s true that this can occur to anyone, but an Amazon contractor truck accident usually causes more damage than the average sedan, so it’s important that you get compensated accordingly.
Weather Conditions and Road Hazards
Last but certainly not least, dire weather like storms can create dangerous driving conditions like slippery roads and deposit debris on your path, increasing the potential for crashes at the same time.
Liability in Amazon Truck Accidents
Now, let’s take a look at the type of liability that Amazon can have in a truck crash lawsuit.
If you’re looking for legal advice on an Amazon truck accident, remember to find a law firm that has experience helping victims in a similar situation and a clear understanding of the laws surrounding third-party liability.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
Understanding the Role of Amazon’s Independent Contractors
Amazon started franchising its delivery solutions to help support its own growth without having the entire responsibility of managing a delivery fleet.
As a victim of a truck accident, it’s important for you to understand that Amazon is not usually responsible for vehicle crashes and subsequent damages.
When Amazon May Be Held Liable
The retail giant was the subject of almost 120 lawsuits across 35 states in 2021, so it’s possible to seek compensation directly from the company.
As Amazon truck crash lawyers, we understand that this is a much bigger challenge than seeking compensation from the trucking company or independent contractor. As with the case we mentioned above, the key here is to have evidence that Amazon’s actions or lack thereof contributed to the accident.
Legal Recourse for Victims
What legal recourse and rights do Amazon truck collision victims have? Here’s what you can do.
Medical Treatment
The first thing you should do after an Amazon truck crash is seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you may have suffered injuries and traumas that will manifest later, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a medical expert who can help you track the evolution of your injuries.
Incidence Report and Evidence Collection
As with many types of car accidents, the Amazon driver may not want you to call law enforcement after the collision. However, you have the right to report the incident and gather evidence that can then be used in a court of law.
So, your best bet should be to contact law enforcement and get medical attention right away if necessary. If you can, you should also take pictures of the scene and vehicles involved, and collect other pieces of evidence.
Legal Representation and Compensation
You have the right to obtain legal representation and seek compensation for all damages and losses suffered as a result of the accident. These losses can include, among other things:
- Medical bills including long-term physical rehabilitation
- Doctor visits, both at a medical facility and in-house calls if necessary
- All personal property losses
Insurance Claim
Depending on the circumstances, you can file an insurance claim with either your own insurance or Amazon’s insurance company.
During this process, you may receive a low-ball settlement offer from Amazon or its insurance to deter you from filing a claim. Your best bet is to consult with an experienced Amazon truck crash attorney to ensure that any agreement you reach or the compensation you receive is enough to cover all damages.
Amazon’s Responsibilities
Since Amazon delivery trucks are actually franchised contractors, it’s very difficult to place any blame directly on the retail giant.
As a matter of fact, the entity responsible for adhering to safety regulations, road rules, and even vehicle maintenance best practices is either the individual contractor or trucking company who owns the delivery vehicle.
Now, this doesn’t mean that Amazon is never responsible for an accident or collision. As we mentioned before, hundreds of victims sue Amazon for vehicle collisions each year. However, you would have to possess proof that Amazon’s actions directly contributed to the crash.
If you’re looking for an experienced Amazon truck accident lawyer, Coluccio Law is here to help.
Involved in an Amazon Truck Accident? Get Help Today
Whether you were walking down the street or driving along minding your own business before the collision, being involved in an Amazon truck crash can be disorientating and frightening. This is even truer if it’s due to driver negligence, overworked employees, or inclement weather conditions.
As an experienced Amazon truck accident attorney, Kevin Coluccio has the knowledge, experience, and compassion to take care of all legal matters. Going up against a titan like Amazon can feel daunting, so our team of legal experts will take care of all necessary steps while you focus on what matters most: bouncing back to the best of your ability.
Have you or a loved one been involved in an Amazon truck accident? Contact Coluccio Law today to get the legal assistance you need.
