Amazon is one of the largest delivery companies in the United States, with more than a million packages being delivered every day. With so many deliveries occurring daily, it is common to hear about Amazon delivery truck accidents. If you are involved in an Amazon truck accident, you may wonder, "How do I file a claim with Amazon?" Below, our Los Angeles Amazon truck accident lawyers discuss what to know about an Amazon accident and your options for filing a claim.
Have you been injured in an Amazon accident? You may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries and damages. We recommend discussing your unique situation with an Amazon accident lawyer from our firm during a free consultation. We can answer your legal questions and discuss your potential options for filing an Amazon accident claim. You can contact us at (800) 824-5416 or online.
Important Steps to Take After an Amazon Accident
After an Amazon accident, you should take the following steps to protect your potential accident claim:
- Report the accident. Call 9-1-1 to report the accident. If you or another party suffered injuries in the crash, tell law enforcement you need emergency medical attention when you call.
- Exchange information. You should exchange information with the Amazon driver before leaving the scene. You should get the driver's name, contact details, and driver's license number. You should also get the driver's personal and commercial insurance provider and policy numbers. Ask the driver if they are an Amazon Flex driver or work for a delivery service partner.
- Gather evidence. Collect as much information at the scene as you can. You should take photographs of any injuries and property damages. You should also take pictures of the Amazon vehicle with its license plate number. If there are any witnesses, request their contact details.
- Seek medical attention. Seeking immediate medical attention should be your priority after leaving the accident scene. You want to start any necessary medical treatment. In addition, documentation of your injuries by a healthcare professional can prove invaluable when pursuing your claim.
- Contact an attorney. Reach out to an Amazon accident attorney about your situation. They can answer your legal questions and help you determine your potential legal options depending on your case.
How Do I File a Claim After an Amazon Accident With a Delivery Vehicle?
In the event of an accident, the process of filing a claim may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash. For example, the type of Amazon driver will affect how you can pursue compensation for your damages.
Amazon drivers are not employees of Amazon. Amazon utilizes independent contractors, called Amazon Flex drivers, and third-party delivery companies to manage its deliveries. By using non-employee drivers, Amazon can shield itself from direct liability for any auto accidents the drivers cause.
Therefore, you generally cannot sue Amazon for your damages. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be able to file an accident claim with its commercial liability insurance to recover compensation.
Figuring out which insurance policy may apply to your accident can be complex. Below, we break down what to know about each type of driver and potential insurance options.
Amazon Flex Drivers and Amazon's Insurance Coverage
Many Amazon delivery drivers are independent contractors or gig workers. They are considered self-employed.
These drivers work through the Amazon Flex platform. Amazon Flex drivers can create their own delivery schedules through the platform based on the available delivery blocks. Additionally, Amazon Flex drivers deliver packages using their own vehicles.
The main criteria for driver eligibility include the following:
- 21 years of age or older
- Valid driver's license
- Four-door vehicle
- Valid personal auto insurance
In addition to having personal auto insurance, Amazon Flex drivers are covered by Amazon's commercial liability insurance. However, the coverage is contingent upon the circumstances of the case.
Amazon Flex Insurance Coverage
Amazon provides commercial liability coverage for accidents involving Amazon Flex drivers. Its policy includes up to $1 million in liability coverage. This coverage is for bodily injury and property damages to third parties caused by its drivers. If you get in a crash with an Amazon truck, you would be considered a third party.
However, the insurance coverage only applies in certain situations. For one, the Amazon Flex driver must have valid personal auto insurance to be eligible for commercial insurance coverage. Second, the coverage only applies if the accident occurred while the driver was on active delivery during their delivery block.
Therefore, if you get in an accident with an Amazon driver, you may be able to file a claim with Amazon's commercial insurance. However, suppose the Amazon Flex driver is not eligible for commercial coverage or was off duty. In that case, Amazon's policy does not apply. Then, you may have to pursue compensation by filing a claim with the driver's personal auto insurance policy.
Amazon's Delivery Service Partners and Insurance Coverage
In addition to its independent contractors, Amazon uses third-party delivery companies to deliver its packages. Amazon calls these companies its delivery service partners (DSPs).
The drivers who work for these DSPs are not Amazon employees, even though they often drive Amazon-branded trucks and vans and may wear Amazon uniforms. Instead, they are employees of the DSPs.
Amazon does not provide commercial liability coverage to DSP drivers. Therefore, if you have an accident with an Amazon DSP driver, you cannot file an accident claim against Amazon.
However, the DSP driver should have commercial liability coverage through their employer. You may be able to pursue damages against the delivery company's insurance policy.
Get Help From an Experienced Attorney to File Your Amazon Claim
Have you suffered injuries or damages in an Amazon delivery accident? If so, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses. However, we do not recommend trying to file an accident claim on your own. We recommend consulting with an experienced Amazon accident attorney as soon as possible.
Amazon accident cases can be complex. For one, you want to ensure that you file an accident claim against the right insurance policy. You may have a valid claim against the driver, Amazon, or the driver's employer. In some cases, there may be available insurance coverage from multiple parties.
By trying to handle it by yourself, you risk hurting the value of your claim, accepting an unfair settlement, or having your claim denied. An experienced attorney can determine the true value of your claim and find all potential avenues of compensation.
How to File an Accident Claim After an Amazon Delivery Accident
After an Amazon accident, your attorney may send a letter to the appropriate insurance company notifying it about your intention to file an accident claim. Then, your attorney will compile evidence supporting your claim, such as medical records, evidence of lost wages, and documentation of other damages.
Your attorney will file your claim once you are ready to file it with the insurance company. Additionally, your lawyer may send an initial demand letter stating the facts of your claim and an amount you find acceptable to settle the claim.
At this point, settlement negotiations will begin and may go back and forth until a fair amount is reached. Your attorney may advise going to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Understanding the Compensation You Could Recover After an Amazon Accident
Most personal injury cases, like Amazon accident cases, involve economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate an accident victim for the monetary losses incurred due to the accident. Non-economic damages compensate an accident victim for non-monetary damages and losses due to the accident.
Eligible compensation in Amazon accident claims typically covers the following damages:
- Medical expenses, including past medical bills and future medical costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
However, the amount of compensation you may recover depends on a variety of factors. For example, the severity of your injuries, accident liability, and financial losses affect your case's value. An experienced Amazon truck accident attorney can evaluate your case and help you determine the true value of your claim.
How Long Do You Have to File an Amazon Accident Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. While there are a few exceptions to this deadline, the earlier you start the claim process, the better. If you miss your deadline, you will lose your right to pursue compensation for your damages.
An experienced Amazon truck accident lawyer can help you understand how the statute of limitations affects your case. However, you should give yourself plenty of time. Early action ensures evidence is preserved and increases your chances of a favorable outcome.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Los Angeles Amazon Accident Attorneys
Accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles can be complicated. Additionally, navigating the claims process while recovering from an accident can be overwhelming. We recommend working with an experienced Amazon truck accident lawyer to help you with your claim.
At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, we have extensive experience handling cases involving delivery companies like Amazon. During a free case review, we can discuss your potential legal options and how we may be able to help you. Call us at (800) 824-5416 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
