With its reasonable prices, wide variety of products, speedy shipping, and convenient delivery, millions of Americans shop on Amazon every day. That’s especially true during the coronavirus crisis.

An increase in customer demand has put thousands of Amazon delivery vehicles on the road, and these vehicles are wreaking havoc on the public at large. Drivers delivering Amazon packages have been involved in many crashes, causing serious injuries to others and at least 10 deaths.

Why Are There So Many Amazon Delivery Truck Accidents?

Many Amazon truck delivery accidents result from the company prioritizing faster deliveries over safety. In recent years, Amazon has moved away from using FedEx and UPS to rely more heavily on using its own fleet of delivery trucks. At the same time, Amazon has ramped up the Prime delivery model, which emphasizes two-day, one-day, and even same-day deliveries.

The problem is that, with so many Amazon delivery trucks on the roads, it makes it hard for Amazon too keep pace with the training and safety specifications that are needed for such a fast-paced delivery model. In fact, since Amazon hires contracted drivers, the retail behemoth maintains that it’s not responsible for its drivers’ accidents, even though it applies constant pressure for them to deliver on time.

Amazon Truck Accident Factors

In reality, multiple factors contribute to delivery truck accidents, including:

  • Driver inexperience – In an effort to build up its delivery pool, delivery truck companies tend to hire inexperienced drivers to make their deliveries.
  • Inadequate training – Once hired, companies might fail to train drivers properly.
  • Dangerous routing – Another factor causing delivery truck accidents is the fact that some drivers are making deliveries in unfamiliar neighborhoods forcing drivers to make left turns in areas where it was unsafe to do so. Left-turn accidents are inherently dangerous and accounted for a number of Amazon’s fatal accidents.
  • Pressure to make speedy deliveries – However, the pressure to deliver packages on time accounts for the majority of delivery truck accidents. Amazon’s business model guarantees two-day delivery, and often requires same-day delivery. Their reputation and profits depend on packages being delivered on time. Amazon truck drivers have reported that packages must be delivered as scheduled, or they risk being fired. In fact, drivers are not allowed to take a break if it will delay the delivery of an order. Operating under these stressful conditions leads drivers to make poor decisions that can, unfortunately, result in tragedy.

Holding Amazon Responsible for Crashes

If you were injured in a crash caused by an Amazon delivery driver, you have remedies under the law. It is important to speak to an experienced accident attorney to learn how you can hold Amazon responsible for your accident.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to collect money for medical expenses you incurred because of the accident. If you could not work for a period of time after the accident, you may also be eligible to be reimbursed for any income you lost because of your injuries. You could also be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering and other losses.

An attorney can help you hold Amazon responsible for the crash by negotiating a lump-sum settlement for the losses you sustained in the accident.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Involved in an Amazon Delivery Driver Accident

If you are involved in an accident with an Amazon truck, do not leave the accident scene. Instead, call 911 and wait for the police to arrive.

Seek emergency medical attention if you need it. Even if you don’t think your injuries are life-threatening, go for a complete medical exam as soon as possible.

Do not apologize to the other driver. Give your statement to the police officer.

Take photographs of the vehicles and the crash scene. This may help to prove who was responsible for the accident. Also, be sure to take photos of the damage to the vehicles.

Hurt by an Amazon Truck? Get Help from Our Truck Accident Lawyers

Call the truck accident attorneys at Demas Law Group, P.C. to discuss the details of your case for free. You can reach us by phone, through online chat, or by email.