Amazon will deliver almost anything imaginable to any home in California. It’s an amazing service, but to make those ultra-fast and convenient deliveries, there is sometimes a sacrifice in safety.
Every order made contributes to the launch of another big blue van out on California freeways and streets. These large, heavy vehicles add to already unsafe traffic levels. Additionally, the Amazon drivers behind the wheel are a risk to drive carelessly or recklessly as they complete their routes.
These lapses in judgment lead to devastating accidents each year. In some ways they are unavoidable, but if you are hurt by an Amazon driver’s mistake, it’s also important that this e-commerce giant is held accountable and provides fair assistance with your recovery.
Amazon Accident Dangers In California
Amazon drivers work long, difficult shifts. According to a Quartz article in late 2021, Amazon delivers more packages than FedEx and they are quickly gaining on UPS.
With all that shipping, drivers can be exhausted by lunchtime if they even get a lunch break. We all deal with days where we’re extra tired or unfocused at work, but the difference is, Amazon drivers are at the wheel when they work.
The pressure to make deadlines and finish a truckload of deliveries can tempt drivers to become a bit reckless and definitely start to step on the gas. A fully-loaded van can be much harder to stop for a red light a driver notices at the last second.
Amazon employees also deal with an amazing amount of distractions as they follow their daily routes. It’s a recipe for danger when you travel alongside or in front of an Amazon Van. It’s also a danger when you’re a pedestrian trying to cross the street or a cyclist hoping an Amazon employee notices your presence.
Amazon drivers use their cellphones or computers to receive package and delivery updates. Each glance at a screen for new instructions or navigation help means they are taking their eyes off your vehicle and the road ahead. Distraction is a leading cause of traffic accidents no matter who is driving.
Common Injuries in Amazon Involved Accidents
Emergency rooms deal with the consequences of California Amazon Truck Accidents each year. The severity of the documented injuries makes it all the more important that victims demand proper recovery support after a crash.
These are just a few of the potential injuries you may experience after a collision with a loaded-down blue van:
- Brain and Head Injuries: Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are suffered after taking a blow to the head. Concussions may be the first sign of a brain injury. A TBI can also cause non-stop headaches, blackouts, and an inability to communicate. Victims might even suffer short-term or long-term memory loss. Skull fractures are also possible in a powerful impact.
- Thoracic Spine Injury: The thoracic spine is located in the upper and middle part of the back. Damage to the upper discs can affect the ribs and lungs and the muscles that help you breathe. An injury suffered in the lower thoracic section affects nerves and muscles used in balance and posture. These muscles also help you cough and clear your airways.
- Broken Bones: Emergency room doctors say that broken bones in the legs and feet and arms and hands are some of the most common injuries seen after vehicle accidents. Bones are often set to heal properly. When they aren’t properly fixed they may require surgery in the years ahead.
- Soft-Tissue Injuries: Organs and the tissue that holds them in place can take damage. Ligaments and tendons are also at risk when “crush” or “puncture” wounds occur.
Where to Direct an Insurance Claim After an Amazon Accident
Amazon carries a hefty insurance policy for its drivers, but not every person who delivers Amazon packages is considered an Amazon driver.
Amazon provides up to $1,000,000 in liability insurance for its employees who deliver packages. This million-dollar policy also applies to part-time drivers under Amazon’s Flex program. These workers drive their own vehicles to make speedy deliveries on certain items. If Flex workers have their Flex app open and are on a delivery when they cause an accident, victims can draw support from Amazon’s insurance coverage.
Unfortunately, there are times you’ll be struck by someone who seems like an Amazon driver, but isn’t. Amazon uses contract workers employed by local delivery companies to complete some of their orders. In these cases, the driver’s commercial insurance could be called upon. The smaller, contracted company may also provide limited coverage to their drivers.
In these cases, a skilled California Truck Accident Lawyer can find ways to still hold Amazon accountable for an accident, even when the at-fault driver isn’t its direct employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will getting insurance compensation from Amazon be easy?
Probably not. Amazon has corporate lawyers ready to question the fault in your accident and the severity of your injury. Even when an accident report points to an Amazon driver’s fault, a personal injury lawyer greatly increases the chances of you getting the support you need.
How long do I have to file my Amazon accident injury claim in California?
California grants truck accident victims up to two years after the date of an accident to file an accident claim. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible while it’s easier to gather fresh evidence and witnesses can still be located for your case.
What kind of things can Amazon compensate me for?
You should earn full compensation for all hospital bills and the wages you lose while away from work. The physical pain and emotional anguish you suffer in recovery can also factor into the amount of support you receive.
Contact an Amazon Accident Lawyer Serving California Victims
If you or a family member are injured in an accident involving an Amazon delivery vehicle please consult with a California Truck Accident Attorney as soon as possible. There are benefits available to you and your family that insurance companies and Amazon won’t be informing you of.
Attorney Martin Gasparian offers a free and confidential case evaluation to victims and their family members. This consultation comes with no obligation to you. Mr. Gasparian has extensive experience in fighting large corporations to make sure victims receive fair compensation for what they’ve been through.
