Driving on New York’s highways, sometimes it seems like every other truck is an Amazon truck. This isn’t so far from reality. As Amazon continues to grow in popularity and market share, more and more Amazon delivery trucks are driving on New York’s roads every day. The ever-increasing demand for fast deliveries is also leading to a rise in overworked or inexperienced delivery drivers working for Amazon. In turn, this increases the risk of accidents.
If you’ve been injured in an Amazon delivery truck accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses and damages. However, because of the complex nature of Amazon’s legal relationship with its drivers, proving liability can be tricky. Our knowledgeable and experienced lawyers can determine who may be liable and obligated to compensate you for your injuries and losses.
Truck accidents aren’t as simple as other personal injury cases, especially when an Amazon delivery truck is involved. It’s important to understand your legal rights in these cases. Our White Plains truck accident lawyers at Lever & Ecker can help. Contact us online or call (914) 288-9191 to schedule your free consultation.
Who Could Be Held Liable in an Amazon Delivery Truck Accident?
Amazon drivers are often hired through third-party Delivery Service Partners (DSP), which are independent businesses coordinated through Amazon Logistics. Because these drivers are not hired by Amazon, it can be difficult to hold the company directly liable for their negligence. However, DSPs may be liable for their drivers’ negligence. This depends largely on whether the DSP hired the driver as an employee or independent contractor.
Amazon also relies on individual drivers hired through Amazon Flex to deliver packages to customers. Similar to the business model used by rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, Amazon Flex drivers use their personal vehicles to deliver packages. In an attempt to further shield itself, Amazon argues that these “gig” workers are also independent contractors.
Even so, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for negligence, as well as Amazon if you can show that it exercised sufficient control over the driver’s work, did not maintain its vehicles properly, or did not properly screen drivers during hiring. For instance, the company may be on the hook if a delivery driver with a history of DUIs hits you while driving drunk.
What About Amazon Freight Carriers?
Amazon also relies on a network of freight carriers to transport packages over long distances. Accidents involving large commercial trucks like 18-wheelers can be especially devasting to occupants of smaller vehicles. Just as in accidents involving delivery trucks, injured victims should consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer to explore avenues toward compensation.
Your legal options depend partly on whether the accident involved an Amazon Relay truck driver or a third party. Because commercial truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries and losses, the monetary stakes can be particularly high. Our skilled truck accident lawyers are ready to defend your right to compensation when the at-fault parties try to undermine your claim.
How Compensation Works After an Accident with an Amazon Truck
Amazon and its third-party business partners and insurers will do everything in their power to avoid compensating injured victims in the event of a delivery truck accident. Our skilled New York truck accident lawyers can explore all potential sources of financial relief to help you recover after your accident and move on with your life.
Just as in any other personal injury case, you may be entitled to compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages. The damages you can recover will depend on many factors, including:
- The type, severity, and permanence of injuries
- The cost of your medical bills
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Your lost wages or lost earning potential
- Whether any victims died from the crash
There are many sources of compensation you can turn to after being injured in an Amazon delivery truck accident. For example, commercial vehicle drivers are required to carry higher levels of insurance than other road users, which provides a valuable source of compensation for accident victims. Further, depending on your case, you may turn to the at-fault driver’s personal auto liability policy.
Your own no-fault insurance, which is mandatory in New York, can also provide financial relief without the burden of proving liability in a lawsuit. You may even be able to turn to your own health insurance to cover your medical bills stemming from the accident.
How Can Lever & Ecker Help Your Case?
Again, an accident with an Amazon truck can be factually and legally complex. Our knowledgeable and resourceful New York truck accident lawyers have the skills and expertise needed to navigate this complex area of personal injury law.
Dealing with insurance companies can be tough after any accident, but negotiating a settlement with a corporate behemoth like Amazon and its insurers can be even more complicated. Don’t worry. The legal team at Lever & Ecker has decades of combined experience going to bat against powerful defendants and insurance companies eager to deny your claim.
The high quality of our legal service is reflected in our strong reputation in the community and the glowing reviews we regularly receive from our clients. Among other things, we will:
- Make sure you know your legal rights and options.
- Determine who can be held liable for your truck accident.
- Collect evidence like medical records, police reports, video footage, and witness statements.
- Consult with experts, such as accident reconstructionists, to strengthen your case.
- Assist in obtaining necessary medical treatment and documentation.
- File a claim for damages, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
- Negotiate a truck accident settlement on your behalf.
- Represent you in court if an appropriate settlement cannot be reached.
- Manage all legal paperwork and deadlines.
- Advocate for your best interests throughout the legal process.
Steps to Protect Your Potential Claim
After an accident with an Amazon truck, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and rights:
- Seek medical treatment – Call emergency responders to treat your injuries on the scene or transport you to a hospital if needed. Even if your injuries do not seem severe, get a medical examination as soon as possible just in case. Follow your doctor’s care instructions and keep all medical bills and records.
- Request a police report – Contact law enforcement after the accident so they can assess the damage and injuries caused, as well as create an accident report. This report will help build your case seeking compensation.
- Collect the driver’s information – Exchange information with the delivery truck driver and anyone else involved in the accident, including names, contact information, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurer information.
- Document the scene – Write down the accident’s date, location, and time, as well as your initial impressions about the cause. Collect photo and video footage of the accident scene and your injuries. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information and, if possible, their statements.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer – Contact our personal injury lawyers to give yourself the best chance of recovering full and fair compensation. Because we offer free, no-obligation consultations, there is no downside to reaching out. We will ensure you know your legal rights and options at no cost to you.
Contact Lever & Ecker to Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been in an accident with an Amazon truck, you may be dealing with injuries, stress, anxiety, and uncertainty about what to do next. Our White Plains personal injury lawyers at Lever & Ecker can help. Our approach is simple: we listen to you, guide you, and help you with what needs to be done immediately, whether that be finding a doctor, communicating with Amazon, negotiating with insurance companies, or arguing your case in court.
We offer top-tier legal representation and an open line of communication for every client. We’re motivated by helping people and making a difference in their lives. If you cannot come to us due to your injuries, we can meet you wherever is most convenient—at the hospital, your home, or over the phone. Contact us online or call (914) 288-9191 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
