Amazon has long been one of the most profitable businesses in the world. It maintains an extensive and complex supply-chain network, consisting of thousands of distribution centers, company-owned delivery vehicles, and independently contracted drivers. And we’ve come to rely on its speedy delivery. 
However, while most drivers prioritize safety, Amazon delivery accidents happen with alarming regularity. In the aftermath of a serious collision, victims could encounter unexpected obstacles to recovery, making it all the more difficult to reclaim their independence and rebuild their lives.
Amazon’s Different Delivery Vehicles and Services
Amazon has an expansive infrastructure, which includes the following types of delivery vehicles:
- Semi-trucks. The company relies on corporate-employed semi-truck drivers and contracted freight partners to haul heavy loads of cargo across the United States. Semi-trucks typically travel between warehouses and distribution centers.
- Delivery vans. Its employees typically operate Amazon’s delivery vans. These individuals may or may not have commercial driver’s licenses, although they may undergo special commercial vehicle safety training.
- Flex vehicles. Independent contractors operate Amazon Flex vehicles, which are their unmarked cars to deliver packages within a pre-defined zone.
Any type of Amazon vehicle can be involved in an accident.
Top Reasons for Amazon Delivery Accidents
While some auto accidents are simply unavoidable, many occur when Amazon employees and third-party contractors make mistakes or negligent decisions. The most common causes of Amazon-related accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Commercial hours-of-service violations
- Fatigue and physical exhaustion
- Undertraining and driver inexperience
- Distracted driving
- Substance abuse
There are various causes, but the consequences of a collision—no matter how minor—can be devastating for survivors and their loved ones.
Common Injuries in Amazon Delivery Vehicle Accidents
A vehicle's size, shape, and speed can heavily influence a collision's characteristics. Common Amazon delivery vehicle accident injuries include:
- Bruises and contusions
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken or fractured bones
- Traumatic head injuries, including concussions
- Internal organ damage
- Head, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Whiplash
- Death
After a Seattle-area accident, individuals have the legal right to file a claim for compensation against the person or party who caused their collision-related injuries. However, litigating a claim against Amazon could prove surprisingly difficult, especially if the company is unwilling to accept liability for an employee or contractor’s misconduct.
Establishing Liability After a Serious Seattle-Area Amazon Delivery Crash
Washington, like most states, employs a fault-based automobile insurance system. This means accident victims must typically file a claim for compensation against the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier to recover damages. If the at-fault driver’s policy limits can’t fully compensate the victim’s losses, they have the choice to file a personal injury lawsuit to recoup excess damages.
The potential defendants in an Amazon semi-truck crash, Amazon delivery van collision, or Amazon Flex accident may include the following:
- The company, on behalf of an employee
- A cargo shipper
- An Amazon freight partner
- An Amazon contractor
- An automobile maker or automotive parts manufacturer
However, Amazon—like most large companies—prioritizes its profitability, often to the detriment of accident victims.
How Amazon Tries to Limit Its Liability in Collision Claims
Amazon has a history of trying to limit its liability for automobile accidents by refusing to accept responsibility for employee and contractor negligence. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, the corporation could try claiming it’s not liable for the accident because:
- The employee involved in the crash wasn’t on the clock when the collision occurred.
- A third-party contractor caused the incident.
- It involved an automotive defect or faulty cargo.
Fortunately, accident victims don’t have to accept these excuses in places of a fair settlement.
5 Ways a Skilled Accident Attorney Can Help Protect Your Rights
An experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney could help establish Amazon’s liability by taking the following steps:
- Investigate the causes and circumstances of your Amazon delivery accident.
- Collect, preserve, and analyze crash-site evidence.
- Subpoena the vehicle operator’s call logs, work records, and violation history.
- Determine the extent to which Amazon controlled a contractor’s actions, potentially establishing they were erroneously misclassified as a contractor rather than an employee.
- Lead insurance negotiations and prepare to take your case to trial if Amazon refuses to accept responsibility for the accident.
Currently, Washington doesn’t cap damages in most commercial vehicle accident-related claims, so the value of your claim should cover all accident-related damages. However, there is a strict statute of limitations. If you wait too long to contact an attorney, you could lose your rights to a fair recovery.
