In recent years, Amazon has become the national leader in commerce. The company has done this on the back of its delivery services, many of which occur within days or even hours of the item being ordered and shipped. Based on injury data from a recent study, vehicle accidents were among the most common causes of injury for Amazon delivery drivers.
Amazon delivery drivers aren’t the only ones suffering injuries, especially when the accident involves large delivery trucks or vans. Because of the prevalence of these trucks and the probability of accidents, the likelihood that you will suffer an injury in an accident with an Amazon truck is becoming increasingly likely.
Dedicated Representation and Free Consultations for Fresno Amazon Truck Accident Victims
Attorney Martin Gasparian and his firm, Maison Law, proudly and ardently represent victims in accident claims against Amazon vehicles. Our Fresno Amazon delivery truck accident lawyers accept truck accident cases through contingency only basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost to have us represent you. We take pride in our ability to get compensation for our clients, and know how to fight back against Amazon and their vast resources. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation.
What Type of Trucks Does Amazon Have on the Road?
As the nationwide leader in online commerce, Amazon has virtually limitless resources to put all different types of commercial vehicles out on the road to deliver its products. In fact, it would be safe to say that almost everyone has crossed paths with an Amazon vehicle. They make numerous deliveries every day in virtually every major U.S. city, and Fresno is no exception. Unfortunately, because drivers are having to make so many deliveries, the number of accidents with one of these trucks has also increased.
Here are some of the typical Amazon delivery trucks that you may see out on Fresno roads and streets:
- Amazon Big Rigs
- Driverless Trucks
- Sprinter Vans
- Step Trucks
- Electric Vans
- Personal Vehicles
Common Causes Of Fresno Amazon Delivery Truck Accidents
Not surprisingly, because Amazon delivery truck drivers are pushed so hard to deliver packages and items, there are several common causes that result in an accident These causes typically include:
- The driver is in a rush to complete all of their deliveries and engages in unsafe driving.
- Reckless driving and/or speeding.
- Driver fatigue.
- Obstructed visibility due to packages.
- Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone while driving.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Ignoring traffic signals such as stop lights or signs.
Further complicating these causes is the fact that most Amazon truck drivers are not subjected to the same federal and state regulations regarding service hours, fatigue, and even commercial driver’s licensing in some cases. What this means, on a practical level, is that these drivers aren’t held to the same standards as normal truck drivers, which leads to inexperience and serious injuries when they cause accidents.
Injuries That Can Result From a Fresno Accident With An Amazon Delivery Truck
As with other truck and auto accidents, an accident caused by an Amazon delivery truck or van can result in a variety of injuries. While no two accidents are ever alike, the severity of your injuries should you find yourself in an accident depends on the type of vehicle, how loaded down it is, and how fast it was going, among other factors.
Still, there are some commonalities among the injuries that usually result from an accident with an Amazon delivery truck:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spine injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Fractured bones
- Cuts, lacerations, and burns
- Back and neck injuries
- Seat belt injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
What To Do After a Fresno Amazon Delivery Truck Accident
Whenever you’re involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery truck, there some immediate steps you should take, including:
- Contact the police – Calling the police should be your first step in any accident, as they will come to the scene and perform various tasks that will ultimately provide you with concrete documentation on the accident that will form the basis of your potential claim.
- Take photos and videos of the scene – While the police will take photos of the scene of the accident while onsite, if you’re able to do so, you should also document the accident scene with photos and videos. This evidence will show damage to your vehicle, as well as document any injuries you or passengers sustained.
- Seek Medical Attention – Like any other car accident, you should immediately seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured, you should still get checked out by paramedics at the scene. Because of the adrenaline, many injuries don’t present themselves until hours or days later. Additionally, insurance companies will try to use it against you if you don’t seek medical attention, using it as evidence that you weren’t really injured.
What Are Your Options After a Fresno Amazon Delivery Truck Accident?
Being in an accident with an Amazon delivery truck presents its own unique challenges. Because many Amazon trucks or vans driven by delivery drivers aren’t owned by Amazon directly, it makes it extremely difficult to determine insurance liability. In addition, most delivery drivers aren’t direct employees of Amazon, but are rather contractors. This only adds to the confusion in terms of liability, which your compensation happens to be based on.
What this means is that Amazon is able to get out of direct liability when their drivers or trucks are involved in accidents. Simply put, you cannot sue or bring a claim against Amazon itself after an accident with one of their delivery trucks. However, you can still seek compensation, because Amazon requires its drivers to carry liability insurance that Amazon offers.
Amazon Flex Insurance Coverage
Known as Amazon Flex Insurance coverage, the plan offers liability coverage of up to $1 million for any accident. This means that when a delivery driver is found to be liable for the accident, Amazon’s insurance plan will cover up to $1 million in injuries and damages suffered by you, passengers in your vehicle, or other drivers.
Potential Issues in a Fresno Amazon Truck Accident Claim
Every accident is different. But still, there are several common potential pitfalls to watch out for when pursuing a claim against an Amazon delivery truck accident, including:
- Statute of Limitations – Every state has a statute of limitations, which is a time frame in which you must file a lawsuit in a car accident case. In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file.
- Early Settlement – Insurance carriers want one thing, generally, and it is a quick settlement. If they offer you a low settlement amount and you sign it, you cannot ask for more compensation.
- Unexpected Costs – The costs associated with an accident go far beyond the basic injuries and the cost to repair the car. Especially in cases involving a large big rig or van, your injuries are likely to be more severe and require ongoing treatment.
Rely on the Experience of Maison Law
Maison Law and their team of experienced, compassionate Fresno accident lawyers know how difficult being in a car accident can be. Furthermore, they’re aware of the dangers of an Amazon delivery truck and know how to punch back against insurance companies who are trying to pay you as little as possible in a settlement. Let our experience and skill work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
