As Amazon continues to expand its operations throughout West Virginia and the United States, the company’s delivery vehicles are becoming more and more common on the roads. These Amazon delivery vehicles include everything from Amazon-branded semi-trucks and vans to independent contractors using their cars to make a delivery. However, the more Amazon vehicles there are on the road, the more Amazon delivery truck accidents are likely to occur.
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in an Amazon truck accident someone else caused, don’t hesitate to contact Robinette Legal Group, PLLC for a free consultation with an experienced Morgantown truck accident lawyer. We’ve helped hundreds of accident victims hold liable parties accountable and get the compensation they need for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact us today to learn more about Amazon delivery accident claims and how we can help you get fair compensation.
How to File a Car or Truck Accident Claim with Amazon
According to Amazon, you can report an accident to the company by calling 844-311-0406 at any time after the crash. However, you should not report an Amazon delivery driver until you have seen a doctor and spoken to an attorney.
Here is what you should do after a serious crash involving an Amazon delivery vehicle:
At the Accident Scene:
- Call 911 to report the crash – You or the delivery driver may be injured, so be sure to contact law enforcement and notify emergency services about the crash right away. Police will respond to the scene and make an accident report, which could be valuable for your future claim.
- Get the other driver’s information – The information you need from the Amazon delivery driver is their name, employer, vehicle license plate, and insurance information. Exchange information with any drivers involved.
- Document the crash scene – Use your phone to take pictures of your injuries, the damage to all vehicles involved, and the general crash area. Get witness statements from anyone who saw the crash.
- Seek medical attention – Get to a doctor right away for medical treatment no matter how serious your injuries. Be sure to save all your medical records and receipts.
- Hire a personal injury attorney – Before you report the accident to an insurance company or Amazon, talk to a West Virginia car accident lawyer first. They can review your case with you and protect you from making any mistakes that could jeopardize your compensation.
If Some Time Has Passed Since the Amazon Truck Accident:
If you’ve already left the accident scene and received medical treatment after a serious crash with an Amazon delivery vehicle, here are the key steps to take to seek compensation:
Document Everything
- Gather all medical records and bills
- Take photos of your injuries as they heal
- Keep receipts for any accident-related expenses
- Start a journal detailing your recovery and how the injuries impact your daily life
Hire an Attorney
- Many offer free initial consultations
- They can assess your case and advise on potential compensation
- An experienced lawyer can navigate the complexities of a claim against a large corporation
Once you have an attorney, they can help you hold Amazon responsible for your injuries and losses and assist in recovering damages by:
- Gathering evidence and establishing negligence: Your lawyer will investigate whether the Amazon driver was at fault and look into potential issues with the delivery vehicle. They will also consider whether Amazon’s policies or practices contributed to the accident.
- Calculating your damages: Your attorney will add up all medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. They could include all out-of-pocket expenses you incurred due to the crash and dealing with your injuries. We will fight to ensure you get all you need.
- Filing a claim: Your attorney can help file a claim with Amazon’s insurance and counter any potential pushbacks or lowball offers from the insurance company.
- Negotiating a fair settlement: Your attorney can handle negotiations to seek fair compensation. They can advise you whether a settlement is fair and will cover all your injuries and losses. They can also file a lawsuit for you and represent you in court if the insurance company won’t offer a reasonable settlement or acts in bad faith.
Remember, Amazon is a large corporation with significant resources. They may try to minimize their liability or offer quick, low settlements. Having professional legal representation can help level the playing field and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Are My Legal Options If an Amazon Driver Hit My Car?
Your options for pursuing compensation depend on the driver’s relationship with Amazon. Amazon actively minimizes its exposure to liability by contracting with independent trucking companies, local delivery services known as Delivery Service Partners (DSP), and gig workers through its Amazon Flex app.
- If you were injured in a collision caused by a driver in an Amazon-branded delivery van; the DSP that operates the vehicle and employs the driver is likely liable. This company must provide insurance coverage to its drivers, subject to the state-required minimums. You would make your claim against its provider.
- For an accident involving an Amazon-branded semi-truck; you would likely need to seek compensation from the independent carrier, known as an Amazon Relay (AR) partner. Amazon requires its AR partners to carry high-limit policies, which are also subject to regulations established by the Department of Transportation.
- Amazon also has drivers using their personal vehicles to make deliveries with Amazon Flex. If you were injured by an on-duty Amazon Flex driver, you should be able to file a claim with Amazon through their Flex Insurance coverage. This coverage is fairly extensive and should cover your injuries and property damage.
- The limits on Amazon’s Flex Insurance policies are:
- Up to $1 million in liability coverage for property damage and personal injuries
- Up to $50,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage
- Up to $1 million in underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage for the driver
- The limits on Amazon’s Flex Insurance policies are:
Should I Go to a Doctor After an Amazon Truck Accident?
You should see a doctor immediately after an accident with an Amazon delivery vehicle, no matter how minor your injuries may appear. You need professional medical attention to evaluate if you have any injuries requiring treatment and start treating them as soon as possible. By telling your doctor that you were in an accident with an Amazon vehicle, you also create an evidence chain tying the accident to your injuries for your personal injury claim with your insurance company.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
If an Amazon delivery truck accident injured you or a close family member, you need an experienced truck accident attorney to help you successfully navigate the claims process and improve your chances of getting maximum compensation.
Jeffery Robinette and the legal team at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC have handled hundreds of personal injury cases, including Amazon truck accident claims. We deliver personalized legal counsel and dedicated support throughout the process, and you can trust we will do all we can to maximize your financial recovery.
Contact us today for a free case review and discover the difference we can make in your Amazon delivery truck accident case.
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
