The number of Amazon delivery vehicles on the road have increased dramatically. Specifically, due to online shopping experiencing an unprecedented boom resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Local to South Pasco County Amazon has a hub located near the Bexley community off of State Road 54. However, with more delivery vehicles on the road, there are also more accidents. If you suffered the painful and expensive consequences of getting into an accident with an Amazon delivery van, we are here to protect your legal rights and can help you determine whether you could recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Get started today and call experienced personal injury attorneys at Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm to schedule your free consultation: 727.849.5353.
Causes of Amazon Delivery Van Accidents
Just like with any other type of accident on the roadway, Amazon delivery van accidents can happen for a range of causes, such as drivers ignoring road signs or signals, driving intoxicated, driving while drowsy, distracted driving, or generally driving recklessly.
Overworked Drivers
Driving a delivery van for Amazon or another delivery company can be an extremely stressful and time-pressured job where drivers have to constantly meet strict deadlines and quotas. Consumers nowadays want their packages delivered as fast as possible, and Amazon caters to these demands with speedy prime and overnight shipping. However, faster delivery and increased pressure to rush deliveries can translate to more accidents due to speeding and other causes.
Drivers under pressure from their employer can also suffer from fatigue. While commercial truck drivers have to adhere to strict laws and mandatory rest periods, Amazon van drivers generally do not have to abide by such regulations and may be on the road for long hours without adequate breaks. Often delivery drivers will try to combat exhaustion yet driving while fatigued can result in unsafe driving and poor decisions on the roadway.
Other driver-related causes of Amazon delivery van accidents can include:
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Tailgating
- Driving distracted (texting while driving, etc.)
- Speeding
Inadequate Maintenance of Amazon Vans
Although most vehicle accidents are caused by driver error, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), lack of servicing and repair to any vehicle can lead to mechanical faults and material fatigue, which can cause accidents.
Negligent Hiring and Lack of Training
Delivery companies such as Amazon should background-check their drivers and adequately train them for the job. Failing to do so could potentially render Amazon or a third-party delivery company wholly or partially responsible for a crash, even if the driver is to blame.
Determining the Liable Party Can Be Complex
If you experienced an accident with an Amazon delivery van, there could be several defendants in your case, including but not limited to:
- The van driver
- Amazon or a third-party delivery company
- The van manufacturer
- Government entity repairing a roadway
- A mechanic that failed to properly fix the van or vehicle
The legal complexity of Amazon delivery van accidents can make it challenging for victims to handle a lawsuit on their own. However, an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer from The Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm can develop an independent investigation to determine which parties are legally liable and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
The Dangers of Amazon Delivery Van Accidents
Delivery trucks can cause considerable damage to cars as they tend to be much larger and heavier. Moreover, a fully loaded Amazon delivery van can take a longer time to come to a stop and be cumbersome to maneuver. Consequently, Amazon delivery truck accidents can have devastating and potentially deadly consequences for motor vehicle occupants.
Amazon delivery van accidents can leave victims with serious and expensive injuries such as:
- Severe whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone breaks and/or fractures
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Cuts and lacerations
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder or other emotional injuries
Recovering Compensation After an Amazon Delivery Van Accident
Attempting to recover compensation after an Amazon delivery van accident can prove to be legally challenging and complex. In many cases, Amazon’s delivery drivers are not employed by the company but instead by third-party delivery services such as Fed-Ex or UPS. Therefore, depending on your accident, filing a claim directly against Amazon, or even the driver, may not even be an option. However, victims could potentially file suit against the employer of the driver, such as FedEx or another delivery company.
Types of Compensation
While it can be challenging to recover damages from Amazon or a driver directly, you could be entitled to compensation if the driver or company acted negligently and directly caused your accident. While every accident will have its own set of unique facts and circumstances, some of the types of compensation that a victim of an Amazon delivery van accident could receive includes:
Medical Expenses
Medical costs from a serious accident can be astronomical. If you can prove negligence, you could potentially recover all your medical expenses, including but not limited to:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Medical devices
- Specialist appointments
- Physiotherapy and other rehabilitative therapies
- Medications
- A home health aide
- Future medical costs
Lost Income
Individuals who suffered serious injuries may not be able to return to their job for some time or even permanently. Therefore, if a negligent party caused your injuries, you could seek damages for:
- Lost income
- Future lost income
- Future lost earning capacity
Pain and Mental Anguish
In addition to any monetary damages, individuals could also be entitled to non-economic damages, especially if they suffered significant injuries. Non-economic damages relate to the degree of suffering you experienced as a result of the accident and can include but are not limited to:
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Reduction in the overall quality of life
- Annoyance
Since every claim is unique and compensation will depend on your Amazon delivery van accident circumstances and injuries, consider visiting with an experienced personal injury attorney who can accurately and comprehensively calculate your economic and non-economic damages and determine the full and fair value of your claim.
Learn How Our Experienced Attorneys Can Ensure Your Legal Rights Remain Protected
Standing up against a large global company like Amazon can feel overwhelming and stressful. Moreover, large corporations tend to have teams of lawyers ready to vigorously fight any claims from victims following an Amazon delivery van accident.
You do not, however have to struggle with your Amazon delivery van accident claim on your own. The compassionate and experienced attorneys at The Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm can stand up against large corporations, fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys in Pasco County can ensure that insurance companies do not take advantage of you by forcing you into an unfair or low settlement offer. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or losses in an accident with an Amazon delivery van, consider visiting with our legal team today at The Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm at 727.849.5353, and let us help explain all of your legal options and rights.
