Delivery trucks from Amazon are all over the place. They work fast, are always busy, and often have to meet tight schedules. But when one causes an accident, the people who are hurt have to ask a big question: can Amazon be held responsible? Sometimes the answer is clear, and other times it depends on the details of the accident.
This is why you should talk to an experienced attorney for Amazon vehicle crash claims. When these kinds of accidents happen, they present unique challenges. Amazon often hires third-party delivery companies or independent contractors. This setup makes it harder to sue Amazon directly, but it’s not impossible. Follow us as we answer the question: is it possible to sue Amazon for an Amazon delivery truck accident?
Amazon’s Business Model Makes Lawsuit Complicated
A lot of Amazon delivery drivers don’t work for Amazon. Instead, they drive as Amazon Flex contractors or work for Delivery Service Partners (DSPs). Due to this, Amazon often claims it’s not responsible for what the driver does.
That doesn’t mean they can’t be sued. It’s possible to sue Amazon for its role in the crash in some cases. For instance, if Amazon made transport demands that were too hard to meet, that pressure could have caused the driver to drive recklessly. That may be something courts may consider when deciding who is liable.
Who Can Be Sued After an Amazon Truck Accident?
You may have more than one legal option after an accident. Some of these are:
- Filing a claim against the individual driver.
- Taking the delivery company to court.
- If possible, filing a claim with Amazon’s insurance company.
- Sometimes, going after Amazon directly.
Amazon may offer commercial car insurance if the driver is working through the Amazon Flex program. If an accident happens while the driver is actively delivering packages, this insurance might cover it.
When is Amazon Directly Liable?
Amazon may be held responsible if its actions helped cause the crash. For instance, the company could be partly to blame if it didn’t check the safety record of a transport partner or didn’t deal with known problems. In the same way, if Amazon’s strict delivery schedules made it unsafe to drive, a lawyer could say that Amazon made the conditions unsafe.
People who want to sue Amazon usually have to prove that the company had an active role in what led to the crash. It’s tougher to prove this, but not impossible.
What Should You Do After the Accident?
If you get hurt in an accident with an Amazon truck, do these things:
- Call 911 and ask for medical help right away.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to your car.
- Ask the driver what kind of insurance they have.
- Find out whether they work for a delivery partner or are they a Flex driver.
- Get a police report and witness contact details.
It doesn’t matter who ends up being responsible; these details can help your case.
Why Insurance May Not Be Enough
Sometimes, the driver’s personal or company insurance will not cover all of your losses. You could have a lot of hospital bills or lose your job. If the limits of your insurance aren’t enough, you might have to file a case. At that point, it’s very important to know who you’re fighting and whether Amazon should be on that list.
