You’ve no doubt seen the dark grey Amazon delivery vans scurrying about delivering packages all over the cities in the Central Valley. Amazon began a new initiative a few years ago to have its packages delivered by Amazon from origination to the customer’s front door
As if this isn’t aggressive enough, Amazon wants it done in two days in most cases, and even one day if the product is ordered by a certain time of the day.
While this is great for residents in the valley who have less access to some items that big city dwellers do, it creates a significant risk of injury and even fatalities.
Amazon’s Liability in an Accident
California law allows the victim of an accident to sue the driver of the car who caused the accident for all injuries and damages. If the driver works for a company, then the company is on the hook for the damages.
The only problem is, Amazon has hired independent contractors for their delivery drivers, and the driver doesn’t technically work for Amazon. So in many cases, you have to sue the driver who has their own insurance policy that will pay for damages.
Increased Incentive to Take Risks
To make money, the independent contractor has to deliver large numbers of packages every day and get them out fast. This gives them an incentive to speed, dart in and out of traffic, run red lights, blow through stop signs, and drive recklessly at times. Then when the driver hits someone, Amazon relies on the driver’s own insurance to foot the bill.
Amazon shows no signs of slowing down. They have an aggressive legal department that works hard to keep liability for their driver’s accidents off of them.
Common Injuries After Getting Hit by a Delivery Driver?
With more and more Amazon vehicles on the road, and the risks taken by their drivers, local EMS and other first responders have seen a trend in certain types of injuries. Some of the more common of these injuries are:
- Blunt Force Trauma
- Head Injuries
- Broken and Displaced Ribs
- Fractured Collarbone
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Whiplash
- Nerve Damage
- Airbag Injuries
If you were hit by an Amazon delivery vehicle, don’t talk to anyone from the insurance company before you talk to an attorney who can help you navigate thought all of the complicated legal issues. Remember, the person on the other end of the phone might seem genuinely concerned, but they have one job to do, and that is to pay you as little as possible. Talk to someone who is going to shoot straight with you.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer.
After an accident involving a serious injury in the Central Valley, contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and personalized attention.
