Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer in Long Island

Do you need to hire a Long Island Amazon truck accident lawyer? Amazon is a retail giant that has become one of the largest companies in the United States largely due to its fast, easy, and cheap shipping of a seemingly endless array of consumer products. But there’s a hidden cost that comes with this convenience, as the company’s rapid growth has contributed to an increase in preventable delivery truck accidents nationwide. And even though Amazon is worth billions, it goes to great lengths to shield itself from liability and pass off wrong-doing to its legion of third-party delivery partners.

Were you hurt in a crash involving an Amazon truck or Amazon van? The company’s complex delivery network is designed to make it as difficult as possible for accident victims to get fair compensation. But don’t give up hope because Finz & Finz, P.C. is here to help. Our experienced and compassionate Long Island Amazon truck accident lawyer is ready to fight relentlessly for the compensation you deserve. We know how Amazon has structured its delivery model to protect itself, and we know how to beat the company at its own game.

Navigating the complexities of a personal injury claim on your own can be a daunting and exhausting task, especially when you’re already struggling to recover from painful crash injuries. Let the Long Island Amazon truck accident lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. take on this burden so you have time to focus on your health. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Long Island truck accident lawyer.

Common Causes of Amazon Truck Accidents

Amazon reportedly delivers as many as 7.7 billion packages worldwide each year. Delivering that many packages takes a significant fleet of drivers and vehicles, which Amazon outsources to a network of third-party delivery companies. While these companies are technically separate entities, Amazon controls their routes and nearly all other aspects of their practical operations, putting intense pressure on them to make deliveries as quickly and cheaply as possible. This pressure often translates to using overworked and underqualified drivers to complete deliveries, increasing the risk of delivery truck accidents. Because of high demand, many Amazon drivers work long hours, take infrequent breaks, and finish their routes as quickly as possible. These factors combine to create a perfect storm for accidents.

Some of the most common causes of Amazon truck accidents on Long Island include:

Distracted drivers who use their phones, eat, or fiddle with car controls while driving
Fatigued drivers with reduced alertness, slower reaction times, and impaired decision-making
Improper cargo loading that leads to imbalances or shifts in the truck’s weight distribution
Poor vehicle maintenance that leads to failures such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts
Speeding, which increases stopping distance and reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely
Inadequate driver training resulting in drivers not knowing how to respond to difficult situations
Underqualified drivers who lack the skills, experience, or knowledge to operate large trucks

In many cases, the careless actions of a delivery driver are to blame for an Amazon accident. If an Amazon delivery driver’s actions cause an accident that injures you, discuss your situation with a Long Island truck accident attorney immediately.

Common Injuries Sustained in Amazon Truck Accidents

Amazon delivery trucks and vans are bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles, so they can cause significant damage and life-threatening injuries to the occupants of those in smaller cars in a collision. Some of the most common injuries that happen in Amazon truck accidents include the following:

How Do I Prove Liability in an Amazon Truck Accident Case?

Proving liability for an Amazon truck accident can be complex. Amazon uses a sprawling network of subcontractors and third-party delivery companies to deliver its packages. This intricate system means it is often difficult to pinpoint who is liable for an accident – whether a driver, a Delivery Service Partner (DSP), or some third party. Furthermore, many delivery providers that work with Amazon have considerable incentive to minimize their liability, downplay the severity of the accident, or shift blame onto other parties, making it even harder to prove a claim.

You need extensive evidence to demonstrate liability in an Amazon truck accident case. Your lawyer can help you identify and preserve useful evidence such as:

Cell phone records
Dashcam and surveillance video footage
Expert testimony
GPS data
Medical records
Police reports
Witness statements

Does Amazon Insure Its Drivers?

Most Amazon delivery drivers are not employed directly by Amazon. Instead, most van and truck delivery drivers are independent contractors or employees of third-party DSPs that Amazon engages. This leads to a complicated situation regarding insurance.

Amazon’s network of independent contractors often operates under a program called Amazon Flex. Flex drivers use their personal vehicles to deliver packages. Amazon requires these drivers to carry personal auto insurance policies that meet state minimum requirements. Amazon provides supplemental commercial auto liability coverage for Flex drivers while they are actively delivering packages for the company. This supplemental coverage generally provides up to $1 million in liability insurance in the event of an accident.

Most Amazon-branded deliveries are handled by the company’s network of DSPs. So, if you’re wondering how to sue Amazon after a truck accident, the bottom line is that you likely won’t need to. Instead, you’ll pursue compensation from one of these smaller, quasi-independent companies.

Commercial auto insurance coverage for traditional Amazon delivery drivers is the responsibility of the DSPs that employ them. The specifics of the coverage can vary based on the policies of individual DSPs and the regulations in their specific locations. In New York, commercial auto insurance liability policies must meet the following minimums:

$100,000 per person in bodily injury coverage per accident
$300,000 in bodily injury coverage for all people per accident
$50,000 for property damage

Given the complexities of these insurance arrangements, victims of Amazon box truck accidents should always consult experienced personal injury lawyersfor help with their unique cases.

What Compensation Can I Receive Through an Amazon Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Every Amazon truck accident case is unique, but with a successful lawsuit, you could be able to recover compensation for the following:

Medical expenses
Lost income
Loss of earning capacity
Emotional distress
Pain and suffering
Property damage costs

An experienced Long Island personal injury attorney from Finz & Finz, P.C. can evaluate the specific circumstances of your case and determine the best way to hold the responsible party or parties accountable.

What If Someone Is Killed in an Amazon Truck Accident?

Large Amazon vans and other Amazon delivery vehicles can be extremely dangerous on the road, particularly to occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. In some tragic cases, Amazon trucks collisions turn fatal, leaving death and destruction in their wake.

Losing a loved one in an Amazon truck accident can be catastrophic. Although money could never make up for such a loss, surviving family members can file wrongful death claims against the responsible parties to demand accountability. The money from a wrongful death claim can give survivors the resources to attain financial stability and plan for the future.

If you have lost a loved one in an Amazon truck accident, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is essential. You have limited time to file a wrongful death claim, and the claims process is highly complex. Never accept any settlement offers from an insurer, DSP, or Amazon driver without first talking to a skilled Long Island Amazon truck accident attorney.

Is There a Deadline for Filing My Amazon Truck Accident Case?

Yes. New York law limits how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit following any injury accident. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your losses. If you fail to file by the appropriate deadline, you could lose your right to sue, which is why it’s so important to speak with a knowledgeable Long Island Amazon truck accident lawyer as soon as possible if you’re wondering how to file an Amazon truck accident lawsuit.

In New York wrongful death case, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident.

What Should I Do After an Amazon Truck Accident?

Your actions following an Amazon truck accident can influence your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. Consider taking the following crucial steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:

Seek medical attention immediately.
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely.
Take photos and videos and gather evidence of the crash.
Talk to witnesses who saw the collision occur.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Track all expenses and losses related to the accident.
Keep all medical bills and repair receipts.
Stay off social media and post nothing about the accident.
Start a pain journal to document your injuries.

Importantly, you should let your attorney handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf. Never accept or sign anything from an insurance company without first discussing your situation with a Long Island Amazon accident lawyer.

Speak with an Experienced Long Island Amazon Truck Accident Attorney

Were you hurt in an accident caused by an Amazon truck driver? Finz & Finz, P.C. is here to help. We know how to take on these complex cases and win, and we’re here to take the pressure off you while you recover from your injuries. Contact our nationally recognized office for a free case evaluation today to learn more about your legal options.