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.
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, and will very soon pass the United States Postal Service 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.
Hollan notes that the number of packages is growing so fast that they are upending the commercial transportation system and changing everything.
Unmarked Amazon Delivery Vehicles
One of the most concerning aspects of Amazon’s delivery model is the rise of unmarked vehicles and non-uniformed drivers.
But skyrocketing delivery volume feeds serious Amazon warehouse safety concerns far from public view.
“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.
“That’s an example. It’s not just an Amazon tractor-trailer or someone in an Amazon uniform anymore.”
This shift towards a more discreet delivery approach has made it increasingly difficult for the public to identify Amazon vehicles and drivers, creating a dangerous road situation.
“They have so many different programs they are trying to implement to meet that demand,” Hollan explains. “It’s vehicles that aren’t marked, they aren’t in uniform, and it’s becoming a growing problem.”
Alarming Lack of Oversight and Safety Measures
As Amazon’s delivery network has expanded, 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.
“It is effectively operated off of an app, a cell phone app. They are very demanding on the drivers.”
These 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.
The lack of oversight and safety measures has led to a concerning trend of Amazon delivery-related crashes, many of which go unreported.
“How many times in Kentucky, and other states, day in day out, are accidents happening with an Amazon driver involved, and the public never knows?” Hollan asks.
“It’s growing so fast that we fear the dangers that it will continue leading to.”
Importance of Legal Assistance
For those involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery driver, whether marked or unmarked, seeking legal assistance is crucial.
Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers has principal offices in Lexington and Louisville.
We can be contacted at any time at 859-888-8000.
Our firm handles Amazon cases nationwide.
Balancing Convenience and Safety
As Amazon continues to prioritize speed and expansion, the safety of both drivers and the general public has been put at risk.
It is crucial that Amazon and the transportation industry as a whole take a step back and reevaluate their practices to ensure that safety is the top priority.
Take Action Now
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers today at (502) 888-8888 in Louisville or (859) 888-8000 in Lexington for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through this difficult time.
Remember, with our exclusive Bigger Share Guarantee®, you always get more and never pay fees unless we win your case.
