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Contact our Glendale personal injury attorney at Klink Law, PLLC, for your free and confidential case evaluation following an injury to you or a family member.
Amazon Delivery Accidents In Phoenix, AZ
Amazon delivers packages every day across the United States. Vans or trucks are used to transport their shipments. However, with the increase in demand and frequency of Amazon deliveries in major cities like Phoenix, accidents involving these delivery vehicles has increased as well. An accident with an Amazon van or truck may be just as harmful as any other truck or car accident, but it’s more difficult to recoup losses from Amazon than it is with other vehicles. We understand how intimidating it is to bring a lawsuit against a large business, such as Amazon. Our Phoenix Amazon delivery accident attorney has the knowledge and experience to handle your claim against Amazon. At Klink Law, PLLC, we know how to properly negotiate with Amazon on behalf of our clients and what evidence is required to win a case and receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Amazon Delivery Driver Liability
It may be difficult to determine who is responsible for your injuries and damages if you or a loved one has been injured by an Amazon delivery driver in Arizona. If the driver is employed by one of the major courier firms such as UPS, USPS, or FedEx, they would be held liable. However, if the delivery driver is a third-party contractor, things get more complicated. Because Amazon does not technically employ these drivers in the event of a claim or lawsuit, it may not be held liable for your injuries caused by a negligent delivery driver. Unless these third-party contractors have commercial vehicle insurance, their insurance company will most likely refuse to pay for your losses and injuries if you are involved in an accident. Following an Amazon accident in Phoenix, it’s highly recommended to contact a personal injury lawyer in Glendale, AZ as soon as possible. At Klink Law, PLLC, we have years of experience determining who might be responsible for your mishap and ensuring that they are held accountable for their actions.
Amazon’s Insurance Coverage for Their Drivers
All delivery drivers in Arizona, according to Amazon Flex’s FAQ page, must have personal insurance under the state’s basic standards. These minimal requirements are $15,000 per person in bodily injury, $30,000 for each accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Amazon also provides all delivery providers with free Amazon Commercial Auto Insurance, except for drivers in New York. Amazon’s insurance covers auto liability, uninsured/underinsured driver insurance, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage. Only drivers are covered by Amazon’s policy; it does not apply to passengers or when they are making active deliveries. Although Amazon’s insurance coverage for their drivers is defined above, there are often many nuances when it comes to accidents involving their drivers. Luckily, a Phoenix Amazon delivery accident attorney has experience with these unique cases and will be able to provide you with the best opportunity to recover maximum compensation for your injuries.
The Process Of Filing An Amazon Delivery Accident Claim
In the event of an delivery accident, the state of Arizona requires that any “for hire” delivery driver must have adequate insurance coverage. This insurance must include the following:
- General liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $1-$2 million in general aggregate liability coverage
- Primary liability insurance of up to $1 million based on their region, driving records, and driving history
This coverage should cover all aspects of an accident including:
- Property damage
- Bodily injury
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Cargo insurance
- Non-trucking liability
Due to the complexities of Amazon delivery truck accidents and liability concerns, you must speak with a personal injury law firm that understands the complexities associated with these types of cases. For more information about the process of filing an injury claim against an amazon driver, contact our Amazon delivery accident lawyer in Phoenix, AZ today for a free consultation.
Common Causes Of Amazon Delivery Accidents
Most delivery truck drivers are careful on the roads and want to get home to their families just like everyone else. However, when a delivery truck driver behaves irresponsibly, it can result in significant injuries as well as wrongful death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following are the most common causes of amazon truck accidents in Arizona:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Unrealistic work schedules
- Inclement weather
- Blind spots
- Overloaded cargo
Amazon’s fleet of delivery vehicles is not the only problem. Amazon has started hiring third-party delivery workers and carriers to meet the demand for Two-Day Prime, Prime Same Day Delivery, and Amazon Fresh. Although these drivers are compensated only if they can complete numerous deliveries each day, if they do so quickly, they may earn a large amount of money. As a result, delivery drivers are put into a rushed, distracted mood, resulting in more accidents, especially in busy cities like Phoenix, AZ.
Amazon Delivery Accident Data
Due to Amazon’s reliance on independent delivery firms that are hired through Amazon Delivery Partner Services, tracking incidents of auto accidents caused by Amazon delivery drivers is nearly impossible. In fact, many of the trucks and minivans driven by Amazon employees are Sprinter-style vehicles like the Ford Transit 250, which have no company logo on the outside. Because these vans fall below the weight limit that requires Department of Transportation oversight, little data is accessible via this reliable source.
Other data are available in the case of inexact data; however, these facts are significant. Many Amazon delivery drivers make up to or more than 250 package deliveries each day, putting tremendous pressure on them to meet their shipment quotas within their eight-hour working shift. Hundreds of automobile accidents have been linked to vans or tractor-trailer trucks delivering Amazon packages, with a handful of those accidents resulting in a fatality. Additionally, at least 100 lawsuits against Amazon have been filed directly. This data, even if it is just a few points, reveals that Amazon drivers are responsible for numerous vehicle accidents on a regular basis. Although uncommon, this poses a real threat to motorists and pedestrians in the Phoenix area. If you’ve been injured by an amazon truck, contact our Phoenix Amazon delivery accident attorney today to learn more about how we can help you file a successful personal injury claim.
Amazon Neglecting To Train Delivery Employees Properly
Delivery drivers are required to take safety training. In 2018, Amazon extended a proposal to provide more training to drivers following several deadly accidents involving its personnel. The objective was for drivers to go through a five-day rigorous road training program assessed by an outside agency with prior experience. The driving course never took place. Because the driving course would impede with deliveries, Amazon rejected it. Internal documents at Amazon indicated that the company perceived a “bottleneck” leading to new drivers being unable to make deliveries. The need for drivers to begin immediately, according to a logistics division manager, due to the more than one billion packages that would be delivered during the holiday season. Unlike other carriers, Amazon is disregarding the requirement for safety training as its operational network expands. This is just one example that shows the lack of concern for quality training and safety of others. Although every case is different, it’s critical to understand that accidents are not always accidents. In many cases, an accident is fully avoidable with the right training and concern for other motorist’s safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Amazon Flex?
Amazon is the main company in the United States, and it has its own delivery fleet, trucks, and subcontractors. One of Amazon’s key business strategies is to offer quick and dependable delivery. According to a Bank of America Global Research poll, Amazon has invested $39 billion in building a nationwide shipping network. During the recent reporting year, Amazon delivered 2.3 billion out of 4.5 billion items it sent throughout the United States, or 58 percent of all shipments made that year. To handle their deliveries, Amazon employs two types of drivers:
- Amazon Delivery Service Partners—companies that deliver exclusively for Amazon
- Amazon Flex drivers—independent couriers who pick-up and deliver the packages
Amazon launched the Flex program in 2015 and it currently operates in around 90 cities across the United States. Amazon’s couriers are covered by insurance except in New York City. The Flex system is comparable to meal deliveries such as Uber Eats and DoorDash. Amazon Flex’s model also emulates ridesharing systems like Uber and Lyft in that if you fulfill the basic criteria, you may work as a delivery driver for Amazon. The following are the standards needed to become an Amazon Flex truck driver:
- Live in city where Flex operates
- Must be at least 21 years of age or older
- Have a valid U.S. driver’s license
- Have Social Security number
- Proof of insurance
- Pass a background check
- Have a smartphone capable of handling the Amazon driver application
- Have a vehicle suitable for deliveries
- Prime Now deliveries do not have vehicle restrictions
- Orders require a 4-door, mid-sized, or larger vehicle
Who Is Responsible for My Injuries If An Amazon Driver Causes The Accident?
According to law, the driver’s insurance policy is liable for any injuries caused during an accident. Amazon requires that Flex drivers have personal liability insurance on their cars and that it comply with local and state delivery truck requirements. Amazon also provides coverage to victims who are injured in collisions with Amazon drivers. The Amazon Commercial Auto Insurance Policy covers expenses at no extra charge to delivery partners and includes the following features:
- Auto liability coverage
- Uninsured motorist/under-insured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
Amazon’s insurance policy is only valid when the driver is actually employed by Amazon (evidence is required). Amazon does not usually assume responsibility for accidents caused by its drivers. If the accident was caused by a vehicle manufacturer or mechanic, they may be held responsible.
How Can I Prove a Driver Was on Duty When The Accident Happened?
The Amazon insurance coverage applies only to drivers who are on duty and actively working for Amazon at the time of an accident. Compensation is always required when evidence that a driver was on duty at the time of the accident is produced:
- The delivery application is on
- The driver is on their way to pick-up or deliver a package
- The driver is within their delivery block
Through the use of the driver’s cell phone records, it may be proved that an Amazon delivery driver was on duty at the time of the accident. Showing the driver’s interactions with the Amazon delivery application will demonstrate that he or she became a delivery block sign-up and was actively delivering packages at the time of the collision. Proving these elements is crucial for a successful personal injury case against Amazon, that’s why working with an experienced Phoenix Amazon delivery accident attorney will provide you with the legal tools and resources needed to prove negligence.
Contact A Phoenix Amazon Delivery Accident Attorney Today
Going up against a large corporation such as Amazon can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially if you’ve been severely injured or traumatized by one of their delivery truck drivers. Luckily, Klink Law, PLLC is here to help you and your family through this difficult time. Our goal is to protect and represent the injured people of Phoenix, AZ against large companies and their insurance adjusters to make sure you’re rewarded the financial settlement that you’re entitled to after an accident caused by the carelessness of someone else. If you’ve been injured by an Amazon truck driver, contact our Phoenix Amazon delivery accident attorney today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you file your personal injury claim and hold Amazon accountable for your injuries.
Questions? We Can Help
Based out of Glendale, AZ Klink Law, PLLC focuses on Personal Injury Litigation, Licensing Board Defense, and General Civil Litigation. David Klink takes pride in the opportunity to personally serve his clients and he will take the time to explain the legal process and answer your questions.