Most of us love the convenience of being able to tap our phone screens a few times and have something that we need or want delivered to our door. Around Long Island, the sight of Amazon trucks zooming through neighborhoods has become very common. But what happens if one of these truck drivers crashes into your vehicle?
Amazon delivery trucks tend to be a lot larger than passenger vehicles, which increases the likelihood of serious injury if one of these trucks collides with your car. If you are in an Amazon truck accident, you may be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Through this type of personal injury case, you can recover financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Based in Melville, The Odierno Law Firm advocates for the rights of accident victims in Suffolk and Nassau Counties. We offer free initial consultations and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. If you were in an accident with an Amazon delivery driver, reach out to our law offices to schedule an appointment with a Long Island delivery vehicle accident attorney.
What Causes Amazon Truck Accidents?
As a country, we are more reliant on online shopping than ever before. Our preference for fast, free shipping has made Amazon an incredibly profitable retailer. It also means that Amazon trucks are a near-constant presence in Long Island.
In 2023, Amazon delivered 5.9 billion packages – more than FedEx and UPS. While we all love the convenience, there is some risk associated with having so many Amazon delivery drivers on the road – particularly when it comes to motor vehicle accidents.
Amazon truck accidents happen fairly frequently. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are three main why large truck crashes occur:
- Issues with the driver (87%), such as falling asleep, engaging in distracted driving, being careless (negligent), or driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Vehicle issues (10%): this may include brake problems, shifting cargo, or problems with the tires, etc.
- Environmental issues (3%): this may include poor lighting, rainy weather, or ice/snow on the road.
Amazon delivery trucks are so much larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles — not to mention pedestrians and bicyclists. For this reason, delivery truck accidents can lead to serious or even fatal injuries.
What Should I Do After an Amazon Truck Accident?
If you are hit by an Amazon truck, try to not panic. The things that you do in the minutes, hours, and days after an accident can impact your legal rights in a personal injury case. Following these steps can be helpful when pursuing a claim.
First, check for injuries. If you are hurt, you should seek medical attention immediately. Getting medical treatment can make sure that you get the right diagnosis – and will also establish a connection between your injuries and the accident.
Second, call 911 to report the accident. Law enforcement will arrive at the accident scene, interview witnesses, and create a police report. This document will be handy when it comes to proving that the Amazon driver was responsible for the crash.
Third, get the contact information for the other driver, including their insurance information. If you are able to do so, you should also get contact information for any potential witnesses.
Fourth, document the accident scene by taking photos and videos. You can also take photos of your injuries.
Fourth, reach out to a Long Island personal injury lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation. During this appointment, you can learn more about your rights and how to handle the legal process.
Fifth, file a claim with Amazon by calling 844-311-0406 or through the Amazon website or app. This step will also help to get the claims process started.
Who Is Responsible for an Amazon Truck Accident?
As a general rule, if an employee causes an injury to another person while on the job, their employer is responsible for any losses. However, Amazon delivery drivers may not work directly for Amazon. Instead, they may be independent contractors – which can make filing a claim more challenging.
If the truck driver who hit you is an Amazon employee, then you can file a claim against Amazon and its insurance company. However, if the delivery driver was an independent contractor, that will likely limit your options.
Many delivery truck drivers are employed through Amazon Logistics and are considered contract workers – not employees. However, the company requires that these drivers carry insurance through Amazon Flex. An Amazon Flex liability insurance policy covers up to $1,000,000 in bodily injury and property damage for any third party involved in the accident.
Importantly, the driver must have actually been working at the time of the accident for Amazon Flex to cover the damages. If the driver was on the clock, then the insurance company will pay for all losses associated with the crash – such as property damage, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, medical expenses, future medical treatment, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the driver wasn’t working at the time of the collision, then you will need to file a claim with their personal auto insurance policy.
Hurt in an Amazon Accident? We’re Here to Help
Being hit by an Amazon truck can be incredibly scary. Afterward, you may be worried about how you can get fair compensation for your injuries – particularly when going up against a massive corporation like Amazon. Our Long Island truck accident lawyers are here to help.
The Odierno Law Firm represents clients who have been hurt in all types of accidents, including those that involve Amazon trucks. We understand how to litigate these often complicated claims and work hard to help our clients get maximum compensation for their injuries. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Long Island personal injury attorney give us a call at 631-994-1868 or fill out our online contact form.
The Odierno Law Firm, P.C., a personal injury firm serving the residents of Long Island, has been dedicated to helping the wrongfully injured recover the compensation that they deserve for the past 30 years. The legal team at our firm handles a wide variety of injury cases such as: auto accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death and many more! Our firm understands how devastating it can be to suffer a serious injury at the hands of a negligent party or individual, and for this reason, we do whatever we can to help our clients obtain the justice that they are looking for. If you have been involved in an accident and you believe that someone else is responsible for causing your injuries, do not hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer from our firm today. We offer a free consultation to anyone that is looking for answers.
