After an accident with an Amazon delivery driver, you should call the police, take photographs of the scene, visit a doctor, and consult a lawyer.
Recovering damages for a delivery truck accident can be difficult, especially when a large corporation like Amazon is involved. If you were injured in a collision with an Amazon truck, an Atlanta delivery truck accident lawyer from Van Sant Law can assist with your claim and help you pursue a fair settlement.
What Should You Do After an Accident With an Amazon Delivery Truck?
If you are involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery truck, you should:
- Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic without leaving the accident scene.
- Call 911: Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed.
- Exchange information: Get the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license information, insurance details, and vehicle information.
- Identify the delivery company: Ask whether the driver works directly for Amazon or for an independent delivery company operating on Amazon’s behalf.
- Take photographs: Photograph the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and surrounding area, as well as any visible injuries.
- Collect witness information: Exchange contact information with any people who saw the accident.
- Seek medical care: Get evaluated by a medical professional, even if your injuries initially seem minor.
- Keep records: Save medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, lost-wage documentation, and other records related to the accident.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company, but don’t provide any recorded statements or agree to a settlement until you speak to a lawyer.
- Consult a lawyer: If you suffered injuries or significant losses, a lawyer from Van Sant Law can explain your legal options and help you pursue compensation.
What Not to Do After an Amazon Truck Accident
After a truck accident, it’s crucial to avoid:
- Admitting fault: Do not apologize or tell the driver, police, or an insurance adjuster that the accident was your fault. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what caused the crash.
- Leaving the scene: Remain at the accident scene unless you need emergency medical treatment or law enforcement directs you to leave.
- Delaying medical treatment: Do not ignore pain or other symptoms because your injuries don’t seem serious. Some injuries may not become apparent until hours or even days later.
- Giving a recorded statement: Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company until you talk to a lawyer.
- Accepting a quick settlement: Do not accept a settlement offer from the insurance company until you consult an attorney.
- Posting about the accident: Avoid discussing the crash or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies may review your posts and attempt to use them against you.
- Destroying evidence: Keep photographs, medical records, repair estimates, receipts, and other documents related to the accident.
- Waiting too long to get legal advice: If you wait to talk to a lawyer, important evidence may disappear, and witnesses may become harder to locate.
What If the Amazon Driver Leaves the Scene?
If an Amazon delivery driver causes a crash and leaves without stopping, call 911 and report the hit-and-run immediately. If you can do so safely, record the vehicle’s license plate number, make, model, color, and any identifying markings.
Do not chase the driver. Instead, remain at the scene and provide police with as much information as possible. Witnesses, traffic cameras, security footage, and other evidence may help investigators identify the vehicle and driver.
Once you notify your insurance company of the accident, a motor vehicle accident lawyer from Van Sant Law can advise you on next steps.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of a delivery truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you miss the applicable deadline, you will likely lose the right to recover damages, which is why you should reach out to the delivery accident attorneys at Van Sant Law immediately after an accident.
When Should You Hire an Amazon Delivery Accident Lawyer?
In most cases, you should consult a delivery truck accident lawyer immediately after a crash with an Amazon truck. Legal representation is especially important if your case involves serious injuries, substantial property damage, or disputes about who is at fault for the crash.
A lawyer from Van Sant Law can investigate your crash, gather and preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, calculate your losses, and work to negotiate a fair settlement. If a settlement can’t be reached, a lawyer can fight for you in court.
Without legal representation, you may walk away with less than you deserve.
Who Pays for an Amazon Delivery Truck Accident?
Liability for an Amazon truck accident depends on the driver’s employment classification.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Delivery Service Partner (DSP) Drivers: If the truck is an Amazon-branded van, it is usually operated by a third-party DSP company rather than Amazon directly. The DSP company carries a commercial auto liability policy that should pay for injuries and property damage if their driver is at fault.
- Amazon Flex Drivers: If the driver uses their own personal, non-branded vehicle to deliver packages, they are considered an independent contractor. Amazon provides a commercial liability policy that kicks in while they are actively delivering. In some cases, the driver’s own personal insurance may also apply.
- Direct Employees: If Amazon directly employs the driver or exercises a high degree of direct operational control, Amazon’s corporate insurance policy pays under standard employer liability rules (respondeat superior).
Depending on the cause of your accident, other potentially responsible parties include parts manufacturers, maintenance providers, government agencies responsible for road maintenance, and other drivers whose actions contribute to the crash.
Get Help from a Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer
Delivery truck accident cases can get complicated fast. If you were involved in a crash with an Amazon truck, a delivery truck accident attorney from Van Sant Law can take on your case, negotiate with insurers, and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Book a free consultation to discuss next steps.
