If you were hit by an Amazon delivery truck in Decatur, it is important to determine whether Amazon itself might be liable for your injuries.
Amazon’s drivers are either independent contractors or employed by delivery service companies that have contracts with Amazon. Because drivers are not direct employees of Amazon, the company is essentially immune from litigation if an accident occurs while a driver delivers packages in Decatur. Although suing Amazon might not be an option, victims can sue a driver or a driver’s employer for compensation. Regardless of how you recover damages, it is important that you exchange information with a negligent driver at the accident scene, call the police, and visit a doctor to be successful in your claim after an Amazon delivery truck accident in Decatur.
For a confidential and free discussion of your case with Howe Law, call our Decatur, AL Amazon delivery truck accident lawyers today at (844) 876-4357.
Amazon’s Liability for Delivery Truck Accidents in Decatur, AL
Amazon has structured its delivery truck driver workforce in such a way that the company is protected from litigation in the event of an accident in Decatur.
There are two types of Amazon delivery truck drivers: flex drivers and those involved in the company’s delivery service partner (DSP) program. Flex drivers are considered independent contractors who work for themselves. Flex drivers are not Amazon employees. They use their own vehicles to transport packages on behalf of Amazon. Because flex drivers are independent contractors, Amazon is not liable for any accidents they cause when delivering packages in Decatur.
The other type of Amazon driver is the DSP driver. These drivers are employed by a delivery service company, usually a relatively small, local one, as part of Amazon’s attempt to further shield itself from liability should an accident occur. Because DSP drivers are not direct employees of Amazon, victims cannot sue Amazon directly if a negligent truck driver harms them.
There are very few requirements to become a flex driver for Amazon, the primary ones being having a valid driver’s license, being 21 years or older, having a big enough vehicle, and having a smartphone. Flex drivers do not go through additional training that DSP drivers might, meaning they may be more likely to be involved in accidents while delivering packages for Amazon in Decatur.
Paths to Recovery for Victims of Amazon Delivery Truck Accidents in Decatur, AL
Despite most likely being unable to sue Amazon for injuries caused by a negligent delivery truck driver in Decatur, victims can still recover compensation in other ways.
Amazon provides liability insurance to flex drivers, which might be enough to cover the cost of your injuries without having to file a lawsuit. Amazon’s commercial liability insurance policy covers up to $1 million in damages per accident. Flex drivers also have their own liability insurance for the vehicles they use to deliver packages, which might also be sufficient. If not, you can sue a flex driver directly for compensation, even if you cannot enter into litigation against Amazon.
With DSP drivers, the route to compensation for victims is relatively similar. However, instead of just suing a negligent delivery driver directly, you might be able also to sue the company that employs the driver and is part of Amazon’s DSP program. Be sure to check whether or not a DSP driver is actually an employee of a DSP and not an independent contractor.
What to Do After an Amazon Delivery Truck Accident in Decatur, AL
If you are hit by an Amazon delivery truck, whether as a driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, it is important to get the driver’s insurance information, call police officers, and go to the hospital. Once you do, you can file a claim for compensation in Decatur.
Exchange Information
Exchanging insurance information at the scene of an accident is crucial. If the person that hit you is a flex driver for Amazon, they might not be driving a car that is visibly an Amazon delivery truck. If you do not exchange insurance information, you might not be aware that you can file a claim with the commercial auto liability coverage provided by Amazon, which may be better than the personal auto liability insurance of a negligent driver.
Alert the Police
Delivery service partner drivers will likely operate an Amazon delivery truck, making their identity clear. Still, just because a driver is working at the time, do not expect that they will be responsible, pull over, and provide you with the necessary information. So, victims should still call the police to ensure the proper details are exchanged and recorded in a police report.
See a Doctor
Although suing Amazon directly is typically not an option, you might still end up filing a lawsuit or insurance claim of some kind. Because of this, it is important that you document your injuries by going to the hospital right away. A thorough assessment of your injuries can allow a medical professional to determine their cause and prognosis more accurately.
File a Claim
If you sue an Amazon delivery driver or the DSP that employs them, you must adhere to the statute of limitations. In Decatur, victims have just two years to sue for compensation. The longer you wait to sue, the less compelling your case might become. Our Amazon delivery truck accident lawyers can help you build a strong case within that time frame so that you are able to proceed with litigation. Putting together a case will require evidence, such as medical records, photographs, witness statements, and surveillance footage, that shows the cause of your injuries and demonstrates why you require compensation after an Amazon delivery truck accident in Decatur.
Get Compensation for an Amazon Delivery Truck Accident in Decatur, AL
Call (844) 876-4357 to get help with our case from the Amazon delivery truck accident lawyers at Howe Law today.
