What to Do After an Accident With an Amazon Driver
An experienced truck accident attorney can fight for your rights
Amazon’s growing delivery network has made their trucks and vans a common sight on the road. But with more deliveries comes a greater risk of accidents. If you’ve been involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery driver, you might be facing medical bills, vehicle damage, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. Understanding your rights and the steps to take after an Amazon truck accident can help you protect your claim and get the compensation you deserve.
Immediate steps to take after an Amazon accident
The moments after an accident are critical. Here’s what you should do if you’ve been involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery driver:
Prioritize safety and seek medical attention
Your health comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. Seeking medical attention creates a record of your injuries, which can be vital for your Amazon delivery accident claim. Additionally, delaying treatment could give Amazon’s insurance company a reason to argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.
Call the police
A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can be crucial for your claim. The responding officer will document the scene, take witness statements, and record all details of the accident. Be sure to request a copy of the report for your records.
Gather evidence
If you are safe and able, collect as much information as possible:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs.
- Contact information of the Amazon driver, including their name, phone number, and any details from their insurance.
- The Amazon delivery vehicle’s license plate number.
- Statements and contact details of any witnesses.
Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer
Amazon delivery accidents often involve complex legal and insurance issues. Because many Amazon drivers are classified as independent contractors and multiple companies may be involved (such as Amazon, a third-party delivery service, or an insurer), determining liability can be challenging. An experienced truck accident lawyer can fight for your rights.
Avoid these mistakes that can hurt your claim.
After an accident with an Amazon delivery driver, the steps you take – or fail to take – can impact your ability to recover compensation. To protect your rights and strengthen your claim, be sure to avoid these common mistakes.
Not reporting the accident or gathering evidence
Failing to report the accident to the police can make it much harder to prove what happened. A police report is an official record of the crash and can be valuable evidence in your claim. If you don’t take photos, gather witness statements, or collect important details at the scene, you may miss critical evidence that could help prove liability. Some pieces of evidence can be lost days after the crash, making it especially important to gather what you can while at the scene.
Not seeking medical attention promptly
Even if you feel fine after an accident, some injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal injuries, can take hours or days to show symptoms. Delaying medical treatment can hurt your health and give Amazon’s insurance company a reason to argue that your injuries aren’t related to the accident. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible ensures your injuries are properly documented, which is key to your claim.
Accepting the first settlement offer
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. The first settlement offer from Amazon’s insurer is usually much lower than what you actually deserve. If you accept it before fully understanding your medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact, you could be left paying out of pocket for expenses that should have been covered.
Trying to handle your accident claim without a lawyer
Amazon and its insurers have teams of lawyers working to protect their bottom line. Trying to negotiate a fair settlement on your own can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with injuries. An experienced Amazon truck accident lawyer can level the playing field, handle negotiations, and ensure you’re not pressured into accepting less than what your case is worth.
Admitting fault or saying too much
Even something as simple as saying, “I’m sorry” at the scene can be twisted into an admission of fault. When speaking with the Amazon driver and Amazon’s insurance company, avoid making detailed statements about how the accident happened, your injuries, or any details that could be used against you. Instead, stick to the basic facts and let your lawyer handle further communication. Saying too much to the wrong people – whether at the scene, to Amazon’s representatives, or to their insurance adjusters – can jeopardize your claim.
Posting about your accident on social media
Insurance companies and defense lawyers may look at your social media accounts to find anything they can use against you. A simple photo or comment could be taken out of context to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. It’s best to avoid posting anything about your accident until your case is resolved.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can protect your claim and improve your chances of receiving the full compensation you deserve. An experienced Amazon accident attorney can guide you through the process, help you avoid common errors, and fight for a fair outcome.
Who is liable in an Amazon driver accident?
Determining liability in an Amazon truck accident can be complicated. Unlike traditional trucking companies, Amazon drivers operate under different employment structures. Some are directly employed by Amazon, while others work for third-party delivery service providers (DSPs). Liability may fall on:
- The Amazon driver, if their negligence caused the accident.
- The DSP company, if the driver was employed by one.
- Amazon itself, depending on the circumstances.
- Other potentially responsible parties, such as another negligent driver or a manufacturer if vehicle defects played a role.
An experienced Amazon truck accident lawyer can help determine who is responsible and pursue the appropriate legal action.
Common causes of Amazon driver accidents
Amazon delivery drivers face tight schedules and high delivery quotas, which can lead to dangerous driving behaviors. Some common causes of Amazon driver accidents include:
- Speeding: To meet delivery deadlines, some drivers exceed speed limits, increasing the risk of crashes.
- Distracted driving: GPS use, checking delivery instructions, or phone usage while driving can lead to collisions.
- Fatigue: Long hours and tight schedules can result in drowsy driving.
- Improper loading: Overloaded or unbalanced packages can affect a driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
- Failure to obey traffic laws: Running stop signs, failing to yield, and illegal turns contribute to many Amazon accidents.
How an Amazon truck accident lawyer can help
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident with an Amazon delivery driver can feel overwhelming, especially when facing a powerful corporation and its insurance team. A dedicated Amazon truck accident lawyer can level the playing field, protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation. Your lawyer can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation: Your lawyer will gather evidence, such as accident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and black box data from the Amazon vehicle. They’ll also work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
- Determine liability and hold negligent parties accountable: Amazon often tries to avoid responsibility by claiming its drivers are independent contractors. An experienced attorney will analyze the situation to determine whether Amazon, the driver, a third-party delivery company, or multiple parties are liable.
- Fight back against Amazon’s insurance tactics: Insurance companies are known for offering lowball settlements – or denying claims altogether. Your lawyer will handle all negotiations, pushing for the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Take your case to court if necessary: If Amazon’s insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial, fighting aggressively for your best interests.
Give your case the attention it deserves with an experienced Lexington Amazon accident lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with an Amazon delivery driver, you don’t have to face the legal battle alone. At Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law, we understand the challenges that come with Amazon delivery accident claims and are ready to fight for your rights. Our experienced team will handle the legal details so you can focus on getting better.
We offer free case evaluations so you can get the answers you need. Let us help you navigate the claims process and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our legal team today to discuss your case with a dedicated Amazon truck accident lawyer. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of securing the compensation you need to move forward.
“I’ve worked with Kevin and Steven for years now. They are the upmost genuine people I have ever met. They work very professionally and efficiently to help your every needs. I highly recommend them and look forward to working with them in the future.” - Kevin H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Click here to download a printable PDF of this article, “What to Do After an Accident With an Amazon Driver.”