Amazon has become the largest online retailer in the world. Every year, billions of Amazon packages are delivered throughout the United States.
When you purchase something on Amazon, your package may arrive at your door within a day or two, which is an astounding turnaround. Rather than relying on mail delivery services like USPS and UPS, Amazon created Amazon Logistics, which is its own shipping and delivery division that now surpasses FedEx by delivering approximately 3.5 billion packages annually.
Auto Accidents Caused by Amazon Delivery Drivers
Unfortunately, the rapid growth of Amazon Logistics has resulted in a significant increase in auto accidents involving Amazon delivery drivers. However, Amazon itself generally denies liability for such accidents by claiming that the driver worked for an independent contractor.
In fact, most delivery contractors for Amazon are local, small businesses. In recent years, thousands of small businesses have launched to specifically deliver Amazon packages – with many of them leasing their vehicles, not owning them. Since delivery drivers are independent contractors, Amazon can avoid any direct liability for delivery driver accidents.
Yet, the online retail company is currently facing many lawsuits involving delivery drivers. According to Bloomberg, Amazon Logistics has been named a defendant in at least 119 car accident lawsuits in 35 states in 2021 alone.
In a lawsuit filed in Georgia state court in June, the plaintiff alleges that since Amazon uses algorithms, apps, and devices to closely track delivery drivers’ every move, and even forces drivers to rush timely deliveries, Amazon’s technological control over its delivery partners makes it accountable for the crash. Amazon contractors say they are subject to an automated system that prioritizes delivery performance ahead of safety – and even penalizes drivers for being behind on deliveries.
Increase in Delivery Driver Accidents During the Holidays
Instead of shopping in crowded stores, many people have chosen to do their holiday shopping online, which means there will be a substantial increase in delivery drivers on the road. Delivery driver accidents can happen for a variety of causes.
The following are the common cases of delivery driver accidents:
Overworked and fatigued drivers
Stressed and pressured drivers
Distracted driving
Reckless driving
Inadequate maintenance of delivery vans and trucks
Negligent hiring and lack of training
Determining liability in a delivery driver accident can be complex since multiple parties may be involved in a single claim. Our experienced personal injury at Eliot Reiner, APLC can conduct a thorough investigation, gather and examine the evidence, determine all the liable parties, and pursue compensation on behalf of accident victims.
If you have been injured in a delivery driver accident in Sacramento, call (916) 778-3228 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free initial consultation. With more than three decades of trial-tested experience, our firm has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.