Amazon Delivery Vehicles Accidents
Amazon is the largest retailer in the United States, shipping an estimated 1.6 million packages nationwide every day. While Amazon relies on the Postal Service (USPS) and private shipping companies through its Amazon Relay program for some of its deliveries, it’s also launched a delivery service of its own. Amazon delivery vehicles include tractor-trailers to transport goods across state lines and smaller vehicles that deliver parcels to their intended destinations.
Unfortunately, accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles – including privately contracted services and the company’s own fleet – aren’t all that uncommon. One of the biggest concerns is that Amazon delivery vehicles and contractors have higher rates of safety violations than other services.
What Causes Accidents With Amazon Delivery Vehicles?
According to an analysis of FMCSA data conducted by CBS News, Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSP) – especially those involved in “middle mile” transport services – showed significantly higher rates of safety violations than other services.
In fact, Amazon’s delivery vehicle drivers had safety violation rates as much as 89 percent higher than other services across a 3-year period. Often, Amazon delivery services were cited for FMCSA safety violations twice as often as other carriers.
These safety violations are often directly related to Amazon delivery vehicle accidents.
Some of the leading violations and contributing causes of accidents with Amazon trucks include:
- Speeding
- Texting and driving
- Other forms of driver distraction
- Reckless driving
- Improper lane changes
- Braking errors
- Improperly secured cargo
- Drug and alcohol use
- Unqualified drivers
- Tailgating
- Negligent vehicle maintenance
Many times, Amazon’s own aggressive push to get packages from point A to point B as quickly as possible contributes to accidents involving its delivery vehicles. Amazon drivers and contractors may be pressured to speed, push boundaries of FMCSA hours of service limitations, drive aggressively, and falsify records to accommodate the multinational corporation’s business goals.
Who’s Liable For an Amazon Delivery Vehicle Accident?
It depends. Accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles can be complicated – especially if Amazon contracted its transportation services to another company. At the end of the day, it’ll be important to consider why the accident happened and who played a part in the collision.
Pursuant to Illinois state law, anyone who directly or indirectly causes an accident resulting in an injury or death can be liable for damages.
This could include:
- Amazon delivery drivers
- Contracted delivery drivers
- Amazon
- Third-party transportation and trucking services
- Cargo owners
- Drivers of other vehicles on the road
- Pedestrians or bicyclists involved in a collision
- Property owners
Companies like Amazon can be liable for their own negligence or, as is often the case, vicariously liable for the negligence of their employees. While Amazon might take steps to contract its services to avoid liability for a truck accident, it’s always important to explore its potential financial obligations when one of its delivery vehicles is involved in a traffic accident.
Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC Can Help After an Accident With an Amazon Delivery Vehicle
Amazon delivery vehicles can exert considerable force in a collision, causing victims to suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burn injuries, and other catastrophic trauma. Many Amazon delivery vehicles have been involved in fatal traffic accidents across the nation, too.
As a victim, it’s important to hold Amazon and its contractors accountable. Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC can offer the experienced and passionate legal advocacy you’ll need to make the most of your fight for compensation. We’ve helped clients win over $750 million in damages from powerful companies like Amazon. Now, we’re ready to stand beside you as you fight for top case results, too.
Contact our Chicago truck accident lawyers to schedule your free consultation today.