Are Amazon Drivers Liable For Accidents?
Are Amazon Drivers Liable For Accidents? Amazon is one of the largest companies in the country, and they employ thousands of delivery service partners who are on the road each day, delivering packages to customers. Thus, even with the latest security features in place, these Amazon truck drivers can still figure into serious accidents that can cause personal injury or property damage.
This article will give you a comprehensive overview of liability regarding accidents involving Amazon delivery trucks in Florida. One of the most important things to remember if you are in an Amazon-related accident is that legal representation is crucial. In Hollywood, FL, get in touch with Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney. Jared’s team of lawyers can help you build an effective case and present it to the court if necessary.
Common Causes of Vehicular Accidents
Before discussing liability, you should understand the possible causes of an Amazon truck accident. Common factors that can lead to a crash include:
Dangerous Speed Expectations
During the weekdays, with rush hour traffic, drivers may find themselves driving faster than the speed limit to reduce delays in delivering Amazon packages. However, this could come at dangerous costs when drivers are unknowingly rushed and overburdened.
Distracted Driving
Texting, checking emails, and making calls take the driver’s attention away from the road and hinder their reactions to potential hazards. When distractions intertwine with dangerous speed expectations caused by the nature of the work, the driver is not at risk. Unfortunately, vehicle collisions and people being injured or killed can occur.
Speeding or Reckless Driving
This is when a driver willfully disregards the speed limit, often for no good reason. As a result, this increases the chance of being involved in an accident due to the increased momentum and reduced reaction time.
Defective Equipment
Amazon trucks must meet certain safety regulations to be used safely on the roads. When there are defects in the vehicle, such as failing brakes or worn tires, this can put drivers and other road users in danger.
Poor Road Conditions and Visibility
Poor road conditions, such as potholes, wet surfaces, and limited visibility due to fog or rain, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. This makes them more vulnerable to traffic accidents.
Driver Fatigue
Amazon delivery trucks can cover a large area in a single day. This means that the driver might drive for long hours, which can lead to fatigue and drowsiness on the road.
Vehicle Malfunction
Sometimes the vehicle itself can malfunction and put both the driver and other road users in danger. This could result from poor maintenance or a defect within the vehicle itself.
Accidents involving Amazon Trucks
Amazon delivery truck accidents in Florida have caused numerous injuries and several fatalities. Some of the worst injuries include fatalities, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones.
In 2022, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a cease-and-desist order to Amazon as the company liable, prohibiting it from operating its delivery trucks to deliver packages in the state until it could prove that its vehicles were safe. After a hearing in January 2021, the FDOT determined that Amazon had made sufficient changes to its trucks to ensure their safety and lifted the cease-and-desist order.
Retail giant Amazon faced rigorous regulations, such as mandating all drivers to possess a commercial driver’s license, restricting the hours of operation for each driver, and banning cell phone usage while on the road. Amazon also made several changes to its delivery truck fleet, including outfitting all trucks with automatic braking systems. They have also set up van cameras equipped with artificial intelligence connected to Amazon’s monitoring systems to detect if certain safety procedures are not followed.
Liability for Amazon Accidents
Several factors must be considered regarding liability for accidents involving Amazon delivery trucks. Generally speaking, the driver of an Amazon truck is liable for any damages or injuries resulting from their negligent actions. In most cases, Amazon itself may also have some degree of liability if it is found that the company did not take reasonable steps to ensure its drivers were properly trained and equipped with necessary safety measures.
In addition, other parties could be potentially liable as well, such as the truck’s manufacturer or other drivers involved in the accident. To determine who is liable for an Amazon-related accident, it is important to work with a qualified and experienced attorney from the firm of Jared Spingarn, who can review all the facts of your particular case and ensure that you receive full compensation for any damages incurred.
To find out who is held accountable when an Amazon delivery vehicle is involved in an accident, click here to read the news article.
So, are Amazon drivers liable for accidents?
It always depends on the situation. The liability of an Amazon driver in an accident will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. Under most circumstances in Hollywood, FL, your personal injury protection coverage will apply if you are involved in an accident while driving for Amazon. If it is found that the driver was negligent in any way and responsible for your injury or damages, then Amazon can be held liable for the accident. Also, it is of note that most Amazon delivery service partners are independent contractors. This means that they are not employed by Amazon. In these cases, the insurance coverage of the involved driver will apply.
What about Amazon as a company? Can they be held responsible for a crash?
If Amazon as a company is found to be negligent in its hiring, training, or monitoring of drivers, then the company may be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from an accident. The courts will look at the particular facts and circumstances surrounding the incident to determine if Amazon should be held responsible. For example, if Amazon was aware that a driver was not following safety protocols and failed to act accordingly, then the company could be found liable for any damages or injuries caused by that driver’s negligence.
Amazon may also be held responsible if they are found to have directly contributed to an accident. For instance, if the accident was caused by a defective Amazon delivery vehicle due to a manufacturing error or if Amazon failed to maintain the vehicle properly, and caused an accident, then Amazon could be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the crash.
Therefore, it is important to understand your rights and the potential consequences of being involved in an accident—both legal and financial. Knowing the risks can help you take preventative measures to ensure safe driving and protect yourself from any potential liability. Most commercial vehicle lawsuits
Amazon’s Duty of Care for Drivers and Others on the Road
The duty of care refers to Amazon’s responsibility as an employer. It is their duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained, follow safety protocols, and drive safely. If an Amazon truck driver is found to be negligent and at fault for an accident, the company can be held liable for any damages caused.
Amazon’s Delivery Drivers as Independent Contractors
Although Amazon operates its own delivery service, many of its drivers are independent contractors. Thus, they are not employees of the company and are instead hired on a contract basis. This means that if an accident occurs involving an independent contractor, Amazon may not be liable for any damages or injuries due to their driver’s negligence. However, in certain circumstances, such as when Amazon fails to vet its drivers or provide proper training, the company can still be held responsible for accidents.
How to Protect Yourself in case an Amazon Delivery Truck Accident Happens
The best way to protect yourself if you are involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery truck is to have the right insurance provider for ample insurance coverage. Ensure you carry auto insurance sufficient to cover any damages or injuries sustained in a crash. Additionally, it’s important to document all details of the accident as they occur, including photos, witness statements, and contact information for everybody involved. This can help bolster your case should a legal dispute arise. Lastly, it’s wise to consult an experienced attorney who can advise you on the best course of action and represent you in court if necessary.
Taking preventative measures such as these can help protect you from any potential liability associated with an Amazon delivery truck accident. Ultimately, knowing your rights and the risks associated with driving can help keep you safe. If you are involved in an Amazon-related accident in Hollywood, FL, contact the team of personal injury attorneys from the law firm of Jared Spingarn, P.A., immediately.
Conclusion
Amazon’s delivery services operate across the country, and accidents occur no matter how cautious the driver is. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving an Amazon delivery driver, or if you are a driver yourself for Amazon trucks, it is important to speak with Jared Spingarn law firm’s experienced legal team. Jared can help review the delivery service partner’s policies and procedures to determine if negligence was involved. They will help identify other potential defendants in your commercial vehicle lawsuit and file any claims that may result from their investigation. Jared’s team will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect your rights and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
If you’re involved in an Amazon-related accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney, at 1-954-781-2316 for a Free Case Review or drop a message on their Contact Us page.
