According to CNBC, nearly one in five Amazon delivery drivers suffered an injury from a vehicle accident in 2021. While Amazon relies on its fast-growing network of mostly contractor individuals and companies to deliver packages quickly, in some cases, safety is sacrificed for delivery speed. It is estimated that Amazon has contracts with as many as 50,000 firms, making it difficult to comprehensively track accidents.
The Wall Street Journal partnered with Michigan State University professor, Jason Miller, to analyze various sources of data regarding the number of Amazon delivery driver collisions. The result of this analysis was that between February 2020 and August 2022, contractors who worked mostly with Amazon were more than twice as likely as other similar companies to receive unsafe driving scores. Further, dozens of companies contracted by Amazon had received “conditional” ratings which is akin to being placed on probation by the DOT. Virtually everyone has crossed paths with an Amazon vehicle, whether a dark blue van or truck sporting the Amazon Prime arrow logo or one of the following:
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery vehicle, it is imperative that you speak to a Fort Worth Amazon delivery truck accident lawyer from Noteboom—The Law Firm, as quickly as possible. The sooner you have our highly experienced legal team on your side, the better outcome you can expect.
Having a knowledgeable Fort Worth Amazon delivery truck accident lawyer from Noteboom—The Law Firm in your corner means you have a strong advocate for the difficult days ahead. It’s easy to feel anxious about your future and overwhelmed following an accident with an Amazon delivery truck. Your injuries may be severe, requiring significant medical treatment and preventing you from returning to work. If you are unable to work you may also be unable to pay your normal monthly expenses, causing anxiety about your finances.
When your accident was caused by the negligence of the Amazon driver, you need to ensure your health and your financial future are fully protected. While it can feel like a monumental task to choose a Fort Worth Amazon delivery truck accident lawyer while you are injured and uncertain about your future, this may well be one of the most important steps you take aside from receiving medical treatment for your injuries. Not only does our firm have an in-house investigator, but we are well-known for preparing every single case as though it will go to trial.
What this means for you is that no matter your situation, and no matter the twists and turns your case may take, we are always prepared. Our firm has been handling catastrophic personal injury claims since 1982, honing our skills at every turn and fully committing a level of dedication to each client that is rarely seen among personal injury lawyers. Our team-based approach allows us to confidently tell potential clients, “If you can find a better law firm, hire them.”
As with any profession, some Amazon drivers are safer than others, and Amazon does have safety procedures in place. In the end, however, it all comes down to the individual driver, as the most important “safety feature” in any vehicle is a focused, attentive driver. According to a 2021 Seattle Times article, Amazon drivers sustain injuries at higher rates than other delivery companies. Amazon delivery drivers are hurt at higher rates than competitor UPS drivers and at nearly double the rate of fulfillment center employees. In 2020, Amazon drivers sustained 13.3 injuries for every 100 workers, while UPS drivers sustained only 9 injuries per 100 workers. It is likely that the relentless pace of Amazon deliveries is at the heart of these higher accident and injury rates, as Amazon expects drivers to maintain a fast pace. A representative for Amazon reiterated the company’s dedication to providing safe drivers.
After being involved in an Amazon delivery truck accident, it is normal to feel anxious and uncertain about what you need to do next. Amazon, like most huge corporations, has done a fairly good job of cushioning itself from accountability in regard to accidents involving its workers. Commercial vehicle accidents usually involve an employee-employer relationship, meaning that both the employee and the employer can be held liable. Amazon, however, has an entirely different business model. Amazon delivery drivers operate as third-party contractor fleets. Rather than being employees of Amazon, the drivers or fleet owners are contracted by Amazon.
So, regardless of the level of pressure felt by Amazon drivers to deliver packages quickly—pressure that comes directly from Amazon—the company will generally legally evade responsibility for Amazon delivery drivers. In many cases, you will file against the driver’s insurance (if the accident was the delivery driver’s fault). In certain other cases, you may file against the fleet company with the Amazon delivery contract. Because of the uncertainty regarding liability, it is essential that you speak to a knowledgeable Fort Worth Amazon delivery truck accident lawyer who can help determine who is responsible for your injuries and damages.
As with any auto accident, if you are involved in an Amazon delivery truck accident, call 911 right away. This will trigger both police and EMS to come to the scene of the accident. A police officer will take statements from all those involved—and any possible witnesses to the accident as well—which will result in a report that can be an invaluable resource for your claim. Make sure you get the medical treatment you need for your injuries, as this could be an extremely important component of a future claim. Swap driver and insurance information with the Amazon driver and, if you are physically able, take photographs of the scene of the accident. If there were witnesses to the incident, obtain their contact information. Once you are home, take the time to write down everything you can remember about the accident. Even the smallest detail could end up being important. Call your own insurance company to let them know about the accident, then contact an experienced Fort Worth Amazon delivery truck accident lawyer from Noteboom—The Law Firm. We will guide you through the claims process, answering any questions you may have, and ensuring that you understand all of your options.
The legal team at Noteboom—The Law Firm is wholly dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service from start to finish. We want to ensure that you feel informed and protected at every turn. With both the manpower and the resources to handle complex disputes, no stone will be left unturned as we seek to secure a full and fair settlement on your behalf. Contact Noteboom—The Law Firm today.