Due to the pandemic, more people than ever are using delivery services, especially Amazon services. At the same time, accidents involving Amazon delivery trucks have increased over the last two years. If you or your loved one has been injured in an Amazon delivery truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation as part of a personal injury claim or lawsuit. The skilled delivery truck accident lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Can I Sue Amazon if One of Their Delivery Drivers Hit Me?What happens if an Amazon delivery driver hits you? Will you be able to sue Amazon directly? Amazon is a massive company with vast resources and bringing a lawsuit against them would give you a better chance of recovering compensation. Unfortunately, you probably will not be able to sue Amazon if one of their delivery drivers hits your vehicle. Most Amazon delivery drivers are not considered employees of Amazon. Instead, they are considered independent contractors.
Amazon does not own any delivery trucks. They contract with private individuals or other companies who own the delivery trucks. In other cases, Amazon trucks will be owned by a separate company that hires independent contractors to drive the trucks and deliver packages. Nonetheless, in some circumstances, it may be possible to sue Amazon, and the best thing you can do is discuss your case with a lawyer.
How to Obtain Compensation After an Amazon Delivery Truck AccidentIf you have been injured in an accident involving an Amazon delivery truck, you may be able to file a legal claim against one or more liable parties. When you hire Arnold & Smith, PLLC, you can rest assured that we will thoroughly investigate your truck accident. We have the resources needed to work with experts who can reconstruct the accident. We will also discover any available photos, videos, or other evidence that proves liability. After a thorough investigation, we will be able to identify which parties you can sue due to their liability, such as:
Determining who is at fault will depend on the facts of your case. If there is evidence that there was a mechanical failure, you may be able to sue the delivery truck manufacturer. If the cargo was loaded improperly, causing the truck to flip over and collide with your vehicle, you might be able to sue the loading company.
Amazon Delivery Truck DriversAmazon claims that their delivery truck drivers are independent contractors to avoid any liability when their drivers are involved in accidents. However, it may be possible to pursue compensation against Amazon itself In other cases, plaintiffs have provided evidence that Amazon delivery drivers are more like company employees than independent contractors.
Proving that Amazon delivery drivers are more like employees can help victims recover compensation from Amazon itself. Under North Carolina law, victims can hold an employer responsible for vicarious liability. In other words, when an employee is acting on behalf of an employer, and in doing so negligently causes an accident, the victim can hold the employer responsible for the employee’s actions.
Amazon exerts significant control over its drivers. The company itself tells the driver what packages to pick up, gives them deadlines, and provides them routes. Many Amazon drivers have begun wearing vests that identify them as Amazon drivers. The company also coordinates deliveries using company dispatchers who communicate with the drivers and monitor their routes. These factors show that the relationship between Amazon and its delivery drivers is more like an employee-employer relationship. If an Amazon delivery driver has injured you, it may be possible for you to hold Amazon liable for the driver's actions.
Discuss Your Case With a Skilled Truck Accident LawyerIf an Amazon delivery truck driver has caused your injuries, you deserve justice. You may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance settlement. The North Carolina truck accident lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, have been helping Charlotte Area victims recover compensation for decades. We have extensive experience and are prepared to advocate strongly for your right to compensation. We offer potential clients a free initial consultation so they can ask questions and learn about their case. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.