Amazon Delivery Van Accidents: Why Claims Differ From Car Crashes
Unlike a normal car crash, a delivery van or Amazon trucking accident is often more legally complex. Since Amazon often uses delivery service partners (DSPs), identifying the wrongful party can be more challenging. That being said, these crashes often take longer to settle through insurance. Additionally, delivery van or Amazon drivers often have grueling schedules, contributing to unsafe behaviors that can result in significant injuries. After a crash, contact our truck accident attorneys in Sunbury, PA, for assistance.
Third-Party Involvement and Impact on Liability
As a modern-day conglomerate, Amazon often works with third-party delivery partners, known as delivery service partners (DSPs), to deliver goods. These DSPs are local businesses that contract with Amazon. If a delivery truck driver is involved in an accident, Amazon will likely argue that the DSP, not Amazon, is solely liable.
However, Amazon Flex and Amazon Relay drivers are independent contractors, only complicating matters. In some situations, multiple parties can be held accountable. Given the various parties involved in delivering a single package, it can be challenging to identify the responsible party.
Insurance Coverage
The numerous contractual relationships that exist within Amazon can be detrimental to your claim. If you are in a crash with a driver employed by Amazon, you will be filing a claim through the company’s commercial insurance. On the other hand, if you are in an accident with a driver who is an independent contractor or a DSP driver, you will have to file through that driver’s or the company’s insurance carrier.
While Amazon’s commercial policy will cover an independent contractor if the driver has an accident in the course of making a delivery, the driver’s personal auto insurance will apply when the driver is off-duty.
Sadly, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s minimum insurance coverage pales in comparison to Amazon’s corporate policy. Pennsylvania requires each driver to carry at least $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. In contrast, Amazon offers $1 million in liability coverage.
Grueling Schedules Equal Serious Injuries
Amazon drivers are required to adhere to strict schedules to meet unrealistic quotas, often delivering up to 400 packages per day. These demands only lead to driver fatigue and more occurrences of distracted driving. Unlike commercial truck drivers, who are limited in the number of hours they can be on the road, Amazon drivers are pushed to their limit and beyond. The pressures placed on these drivers only set them up for accidents.
Unlike a typical car crash, a collision with an Amazon truck driver or delivery van driver often results in more serious injuries. When higher compensation is being sought, you can expect the claims process to be drawn out. When you work with our truck accident attorneys, we will determine which insurer will provide you with the most compensation for your injuries. When insurance coverage is exhausted, our truck accident lawyers are prepared to take your case to court to help you recoup medical bills and lost income.
Hit by an Amazon Truck Driver? Speak with Our Sunbury Truck Accident Lawyers Now
Being involved in an accident with a delivery van driver or an Amazon truck driver can take a toll on your health and financial well-being. If you or a family member has been injured in an Amazon delivery accident, the legal team at Fanelli, Evans, & Patel is here to help. Our personal injury lawyers are happy to review your case to ensure that the appropriate claims paperwork is filed on time. To arrange your no-cost, confidential consultation with one of our Sunbury truck accident attorneys, contact us online or call (570) 286-6500 today.