Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but when the driver at fault is behind the wheel of an Amazon delivery truck, the situation can become much more complicated. With Amazon’s ever-growing network of delivery drivers—particularly during busy times like the holiday season—there’s an increased risk of collisions. According to reports, Amazon has more than 50,000 delivery drivers on the road during peak times. With such a massive operation, accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles are becoming more frequent. If you’ve recently been in a crash and are left asking, “An Amazon driver hit my car in Pennsylvania—what are my legal options?” you may be feeling overwhelmed. This guide breaks down what you should do after an Amazon delivery trucks accident in Pennsylvania, how liability works in these cases, and what steps you can take to seek compensation.
What Should You Do After an Amazon Delivery Truck Accident in PA?
Being involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery driver can be disorienting, but staying calm and following the right steps can help protect your claim.
- Exchange Information from the Delivery Driver
The first step after ensuring everyone is safe is exchanging information with the Amazon delivery driver. The details you gather will be critical for your insurance claim and potential legal actions. Here’s what you need to collect:
- The driver’s name and contact information
- The delivery truck’s license plate number and details about the vehicle (make and model)
- The driver’s insurance information, including whether Amazon provides additional coverage
- Whether the driver was on duty at the time of the crash
Knowing whether the driver was actively delivering packages is crucial since Amazon might only be liable if the driver was on duty. If the driver hesitates to answer or provides incomplete information, it’s important to involve the police to help get the facts.
- Document Evidence of the Crash
Solid evidence is key to ensuring a successful claim after any accident, especially one involving an Amazon delivery vehicle. If you’re physically able, document the scene as thoroughly as possible. Take the following steps:
- Photograph injuries: Capture images of any injuries you or your passengers sustained.
- Take pictures of the vehicles: Photograph the damage to your vehicle and the Amazon delivery truck from multiple angles.
- Note the details of the crash: Record the date, time, location, and any important information, such as whether the driver ran a stop sign or was speeding.
- Get witness information: If there were witnesses, ask for their names and contact information and have them provide a brief statement about what they saw.
This information will be crucial when pursuing a claim against Amazon or the driver’s insurance. Additionally, this evidence can help clarify the circumstances of the crash, which may come into question if Amazon tries to avoid liability.
More: How to Document Your Personal Injury Case from Start to Finish
- Report the Accident
After the crash, you must report the accident to your insurance company. Let them know all the details so they can start the claims process. You should also report the crash to Amazon directly. While Amazon often distances itself from accidents involving its drivers (since most are classified as independent contractors), it’s still essential to make the company aware of the situation.
Depending on the specifics, your insurer might reimburse you for the accident or pursue a claim against the Amazon delivery driver’s insurance policy. However, since Amazon’s drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, you may need legal assistance to navigate any challenges in seeking compensation from Amazon directly.
Liability for an Amazon Delivery Car Accident
Amazon’s Use of Independent Contractors
Amazon hires many of its drivers as independent contractors, which means the company can argue that it does not have control over the drivers’ actions while on the road. By doing so, Amazon may try to shield itself from liability, claiming that the driver—not Amazon—is responsible for the accident.
However, this doesn’t mean Amazon is always off the hook. Recent investigations have revealed that Amazon exercises more control over its drivers than they might admit. According to a CBS News report, Amazon monitors its drivers’ routes in real-time and even communicates with them directly during deliveries. This level of oversight could be used to argue that Amazon has significant control over its drivers’ actions, potentially opening the door for the company to be held liable in some cases.
Amazon’s Insurance Coverage
Amazon provides insurance coverage for its Flex drivers while actively delivering packages. This means that if you are in an accident with an Amazon Flex driver who was on duty, you may be able to file a claim under Amazon’s insurance policy. However, if the driver was off the clock during the accident, you might only be able to pursue compensation through the driver’s insurance.
What If an Amazon Flex Driver Caused Your Accident?
Amazon Flex is a program that allows independent drivers to deliver packages using their vehicles. While this provides drivers with flexible work, it also increases the risk of accidents. Flex drivers often face tight deadlines and may rush to complete deliveries, leading to dangerous driving.
If an Amazon Flex driver causes an accident while on duty, Amazon’s insurance policy could cover your damages. However, just like with any independent contractor, you may need to pursue compensation directly from their personal insurance if the driver was off duty.
Amazon Flex drivers must meet specific criteria, such as being 21 or older, having a valid driver’s license, and maintaining personal auto insurance. Still, this doesn’t always mean their insurance will be sufficient to cover your damages, especially if you suffered severe injuries or significant vehicle damage.
Our Dedicated Pennsylvania Amazon Car Accident Attorneys Are Here for You
If you’ve been injured in a Pennsylvania Amazon delivery truck accident, you don’t have to go through the process alone. At Pacin Levine, P.A., our experienced Amazon car accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at 1-800-24-7-CRASH (2727) to discuss your legal options. Let us help you navigate the complexities of Amazon driver liability and get the justice you deserve!
