Amazon is one of the biggest delivery service providers in Alabama, the United States, and possibly the world. With uncountable numbers of Amazon delivery vehicles on the road, an accident with one of them is an unfortunate possibility, and legal consequences might be complicated.
After an accident with an Amazon delivery truck, you can sue the person or parties you believe are responsible. Determining exactly whom to sue is tricky, as there are various parties in addition to the delivery driver that might or might not be off-limits. Amazon delivery truck accidents are often related to driver negligence, especially when drivers are in a big hurry to make deliveries on time. It is in your best interests to speak to an attorney about your claims, as the legal process can be complex and significant compensation might be at stake. Damages might include the monetary costs of the accident and non-financial injuries, like emotional anguish or physical pain.
Talk to our Amazon delivery truck accident attorneys about scheduling a free review of your case by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Who You Can Sue for Damages After an Amazon Delivery Truck Accident in Tuscaloosa
Even in the most straightforward of accidents with Amazon delivery trucks, figuring out who is responsible can be tricky. While delivery drivers often bear the brunt of the blame, other parties might also be indirectly liable. Depending on whom the delivery driver was working for, you might be able to sue the delivery service business. Amazon, however, is usually shielded from liability.
The Delivery Driver
Perhaps the first person injured victims point the finger of blame at is the Amazon delivery driver and for good reason. Many accidents are the direct result of delivery driver negligence. They are often on the road for so long that they become a little too relaxed behind the wheel or so tired that it becomes difficult to pay attention to the road.
Delivery drivers are also often distracted. They tend to rely on their phones and other communication devices to keep in contact with their employer, check travel routes, and update customers about deliveries. Distracted driving is a significant factor in many Amazon delivery truck accidents.
Amazon drivers are also under tremendous stress to make an insane number of deliveries each day. Being in a near-constant hurry to get the job done creates a serious risk of accidents. Many collisions with Amazon delivery vehicles are caused by negligent drivers speeding through traffic.
Delivery Service Partners
Amazon’s delivery network is vast, but the company does not own every delivery van or truck on the road. Many Amazon delivery drivers do not even work for Amazon. The company relies on what they call Delivery Service Partners to help their network reach the far corners of this country and the globe.
Delivery Service Partners are independent delivery companies contracted to work with Amazon. When you order a package through Amazon, it might be delivered by a local delivery company working with Amazon.
Since the delivery driver works for the Delivery Service Partner rather than Amazon, you can sue the Delivery Service Partner for your accident. Employers may be indirectly or vicariously liable for an accident caused by an employee’s negligence if that negligence happened during the employee’s normal job duties or within the scope of their employment. Our attorneys can help you determine which Delivery Service Partner the defendant works for.
Amazon
Generally, Amazon is shielded from liability in accident cases involving Amazon delivery trucks because drivers are often not considered employees. Instead, drivers are either the employees of Delivery Service Partners, as mentioned before, or they are independent contractors.
Since delivery drivers are often not legally considered employees of Amazon, Amazon is not liable for accidents and injuries caused by delivery drivers. However, it would be best if you double-checked this with your attorney. Amazon is known for controlling many aspects of delivery drivers’ jobs, and many in the legal field believe that they should be permitted to classify so many workers as independent contractors.
Do I Need an Attorney for Help After an Accident with an Amazon Delivery Truck in Tuscaloosa
While it is entirely up to you whether to seek advice from an attorney, doing so is usually a wise choice. People sometimes assume that vehicle accident cases must be very simple since they are rather common, but this could not be further from the truth. Determining liability, damages, and compensation usually requires time, effort, and navigating a complex legal system. A lawyer with experience with accident claims can help you through this process as efficiently as possible.
Lawsuits for accidents with Amazon delivery trucks can be especially complicated due to the various layers of employment relationships. The defendant might not even be an Amazon employee; their actual employee could be an entirely different business altogether.
It is also possible that the defendant has no employer and drives for Amazon’s Flex program, which allows people to use their own cars to make Amazon deliveries for extra cash. You should have an attorney to help you investigate the defendant and other implicated parties to get the compensation you deserve.
Claiming Damages for Your Injuries After an Amazon Delivery Truck Collision in Tuscaloosa
Medical bills, property damage, and other major costs are usually the highlight of legal arguments. However, your total damages might span a broad spectrum of losses and injuries, and not all damages are related to monetary expenses.
As mentioned before, medical bills and property damage are major factors in your damages calculations. Even minor injuries often require expensive medical care. On top of that, you might have to contend with significant property damage. Your vehicle might be totaled, and various personal items (e.g., phones, tablets, wedding rings) might be lost or destroyed. To accurately calculate your economic losses, your attorney can help you come up with an itemized list of all your expenses, which might be longer than you think.
Other damages might be unrelated to financial expenses but are based on painful experiences. Physical pain, emotional anguish, and other suffering might be significant. The pain from medical treatment should also be considered. A lot of accident victims are left with chronic pain and deep psychological trauma that might take years to overcome. Even though these experiences are not related to money, the court may still offer relief in the form of financial compensation.
Call Our Tuscaloosa Amazon Delivery Truck Accident Attorneys for Assistance
Talk to our Amazon delivery truck accident attorneys about scheduling a free review of your case by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
