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Though it was once just an online bookstore, in the 21st century, Amazon has exploded into the world’s largest global e-marketplace. As the company has grown, Amazon has established its own delivery service, which operates over 40,000 semi-trucks and 30,000 vans, according to CNBC. Amazon currently employs over 400,000 drivers globally.
Due to the high volume of delivery trucks on New York City streets, the risk of getting into an accident with an Amazon truck or van isn’t as small as you might think. If you were seriously injured in an accident with an Amazon delivery vehicle, you could be entitled to recover compensation for expenses and losses you incurred.
The New York City truck accident lawyer at Finz & Finz, P.C. has the necessary knowledge and experience to help you determine liability for the accident and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
How Common Are Amazon Delivery Truck Accidents?
Collisions involving Amazon delivery trucks occur more frequently than you might realize. As Amazon’s business continues to expand, so do the number of accidents involving the company’s delivery drivers. Amazon drivers also work on tight deadlines and must deliver 999 out of every 1,000 packages on time.
Many Amazon drivers fear that if they fail to meet their deadlines, they won’t be eligible for year-end bonuses or might even be terminated from their job. Because of the intense pressure Amazon delivery drivers face, these individuals may be more likely to drive recklessly. Reckless driving can include running red lights, failing to come to a complete stop at intersections, neglecting to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic, unsafe lane changes, speeding, tailgating, and more.
Who Is Liable If I’m Hit By an Amazon Delivery Truck?
Determining liability in an Amazon delivery truck accident can be challenging. Even if Amazon is partly liable for the accident, they will likely put up a fight to shift blame. One of the ways Amazon avoids liability for delivery truck accidents is by classifying its drivers as independent contractors or turning to drivers who technically work under third-party companies.
Because most Amazon delivery drivers are independent contractors or are hired by local logistics companies that Amazon subsequently contracts, most Amazon delivery drivers are not technically Amazon employees. As a result, it may be challenging to file a claim against Amazon’s insurance company. However, if the driver was working at the time of the crash, you might still be able to file a claim against the third-party logistics company the driver works for.
One exception involves Amazon Fresh. Amazon Fresh delivery drivers are classified as employees of Amazon. If an Amazon Fresh driver hits you and you are seriously injured, you might be able to hold Amazon liable for damages. Amazon’s liability policy offers up to $1,000,000 in coverage. It’s essential to determine whether the driver was on-duty at the time of the accident and whether they are employed by Amazon, a local logistics company, or are self-employed.
If the driver wasn’t logged in at the time of the crash, you would likely turn to their insurance company for coverage, as long as you were seriously injured or your expenses exceeded your New York no-fault insurance limits. If your injuries are minor, you could also turn to your personal injury protection policy to cover any medical expenses and lost wages.
Steps to Take After An Accident Involving an Amazon Truck
If you are involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery truck, there are several steps you should take immediately following the accident:
- Call 911 – First, call law enforcement to the scene. You should pull your vehicle off the road to a safe location if possible. Once law enforcement arrives on the scene, they will typically create an accident report that contains important details about the accident, including driver information, witness contact information, a description of any injuries and damage to the vehicles, and an initial determination of fault. You will need to obtain this accident report from the appropriate police department later.
- Exchange information – You should exchange contact details and other information with the Amazon delivery truck driver. Make sure you get the Amazon driver’s name and phone number. Jot down the truck’s license plate number and the driver’s insurance information.
- Document the accident – If you can, you should collect preliminary evidence at the scene. Take photos of the delivery truck that hit you, damage to your vehicle, injuries you sustained, and the accident scene as a whole. If any bystanders happened to witness the accident, ask them if they would provide their contact details. You (or your attorney) can get a statement from them at a later date.
- Seek prompt medical attention – You should be evaluated within 72 hours of the accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent after a crash but could manifest themselves later. Most insurance companies require that you be evaluated within a 3-day window. If you fail to seek medical attention right away, the insurance company might deny your claim.
Lastly, you should consult with an experienced Amazon truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Going up against Amazon or a logistics company can be a challenge, and you need a lawyer who is up to the task.
How Finz & Finz, P.C. Could Help
If you sustained severe injuries after being hit by an Amazon delivery vehicle, you might be owed compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more. The New York truck accident lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. have the resources to investigate the cause of the accident, identify the liable party or parties, document and calculate damages you suffered, and aggressively seek the settlement you deserve.
For a free, no-risk initial consultation, call us at 855-TOP-FIRM or reach out to us online.
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Finz & Finz, P.C. is a New York and Long Island personal injury law firm based out of Mineola, NY. It was founded in 1984 and is highly rated, with many honors and awards of excellence.
