Amazon Delivery Accidents and Injury Cases
We love the convenience of online shopping, with packages appearing at our doorsteps with incredible speed.
But behind this seamless delivery experience lies a vast and complex network of trucks, vans, and drivers working at a breakneck pace.
Attorney Jon Hollan, a top trucking attorney with Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, joined WKYT to shed light on the alarming trends surrounding Amazon delivery crashes, one of the highest volume shippers in the world.
Hollan notes that it has passed FedEx and UPS for the volume of packages delivered each year.
With more than 400,000 drivers on the roads, Amazon’s delivery network is growing at a breakneck pace, outpacing the ability to ensure proper safety measures are in place.
The human cost of Amazon’s rapid growth isn’t limited to drivers: it hits warehouse associates hardest.
Explosive Growth, Increased Pressure
In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, Amazon has emerged as a true juggernaut, revolutionizing how we shop and receive our goods.
However, Amazon’s rapid expansion of its delivery network has come at a concerning cost: the safety of drivers and the general public.
Hollan details Amazon’s growing delivery network and the risks it poses to those on Kentucky roads.
The company’s delivery footprint has exploded in recent years.
It now operates its own fleet of thousands of trucks and vans, relying heavily on independent contractors.
While this expansion provides unparalleled convenience, it also places immense pressure on drivers and logistics systems.
The sheer number of Amazon delivery trucks on the road, often navigating residential areas, naturally increases the potential for accidents..
As Hollan points out, the pressure to deliver faster and cheaper can sometimes come at the expense of safety.
Flex Drivers: Unmarked Delivery Vehicles
One of the most concerning aspects of Amazon’s delivery model is the rise of unmarked vehicles and non-uniformed drivers.
Hollan notes that “it’s not just an Amazon tractor-trailer or someone in an Amazon uniform anymore.”
There is a shift towards a more discreet delivery approach.
“Have you ever been at your home, maybe at nighttime or early morning, and there is just an unmarked car with a person not in a uniform that parks and approaches your door really quickly?” Hollan asks.
This has made it increasingly difficult for the public to identify Amazon vehicles and drivers, creating a dangerous road situation.
Are these drivers adequately prepared to handle the demands of package delivery safely, especially when time is of the essence?
“Amazon has so many different programs they are trying to implement to meet the demand for deliveries,” Hollan explains.
“It’s becoming a growing problem.”
The lack of marked vehicles and uniforms raises questions over unreported accidents.
Where “Flex” drivers operate as independent contractors in their own vehicles and with their own clothes, it is likely that, in an accident situation, neither law enforcement nor the other driver will know that an Amazon delivery route was in progress.
“How many times in Kentucky, and other states, day in and day out, have accidents happened with an Amazon driver involved, and the public never knows?” Hollan asks.
Independent Contractor Concerns
Amazon’s reliance on delivery service partners and independent contractors raises additional safety questions.
Concerns have been raised about the company’s prioritization of speed over safety.
“We’re seeing drivers that otherwise would not be placed behind the wheel for a standard transportation company,” Hollan says.
Demands on drivers, such as not allowing them to use the bathroom and penalizing them for falling behind on deliveries, have created a high-pressure environment that can lead to dangerous driving behaviors.
If drivers are seconds behind on a delivery, they’re being flagged.
“Deliveries are effectively operated off a cell phone app. They are very demanding on the drivers.”
Because Amazon continues to prioritize speed and expansion, the safety of drivers and the general public remains at risk on the roads.
Nuanced Investigation of Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Hollan has an extensive background in investigating delivery vehicle accidents and contractor models.
He and other attorneys at Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers understand the complexities of these cases.
The initial work and ongoing discovery require a thorough examination of evidence that is not always simple to obtain.
Video from Amazon’s Proprietary Cameras
Following an accident, footage should exist from at least four cameras.
The system maintained a forward-facing, two side-facing, and a cabin-facing camera.
The latter is directed at the driver, allowing litigants to discern the actions taken in the cabin before and during the crash.
Package Delivery Routes and Records
Apps and modules store drivers’ routes, deliveries, tracking, and associated data, such as speed and driver behavior warnings.
Delivery Vehicle Inspection
Inspecting the delivery truck with an expert before any repairs is critical.
Driver Records
It is essential to review the delivery driver’s driving records to check for any history of violations or accidents.
Injured in An Amazon Accident?
For those involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery driver, whether marked or unmarked, seeking legal assistance is crucial.
Don’t try to take on Amazon alone.
Take Action Now With Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers
Our firm handles Amazon cases nationwide.
Contact attorney Jon Hollan with Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers.
Remember, with our exclusive Bigger Share Guarantee®, you always get more and never pay fees unless we win your case.
Our team is available 24/7 to get to work, because time is often of the essence.
Call (502) 888-8888 or (859) 888-8000.
