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What to Do If You Are in an Accident With an Amazon Truck

What to Do If You Are in an Accident With an Amazon TruckIf you are out and about on the road, the last thing you’d expect is to be involved in an accident with an Amazon truck. Unfortunately, considering the number of Amazon trucks on the roads today, the risk of accidents is high

Amazon truck accidents happen for many reasons. But, whatever the reason for your accident, you must know what to do if you want to claim compensation. 

What You Do Directly After the Accident Is Crucial

If an Amazon truck crashes into you out of nowhere, your first reaction will likely be shock. Then, you may feel confusion and fear. It is important to try and shake these feelings off long enough to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. 

Even if you cannot find visible injuries, call 911 immediately. Just because you can’t see them does not mean there are no injuries. 

While you wait for paramedics and police to arrive, try to get the details of the truck driver. It is important to get the driver’s full name and contact details. 

You should also collect some evidence at the scene. Take photos of the car and truck damage using your phone. Get photos if there are broken traffic lights or skid marks on the road. 

Make a note of the date, time, and weather conditions. If you notice witnesses or bystanders, ask for their contact information. You may be able to get statements from them later. 

When the police arrive, find out how to get a copy of the official accident report. The responding officer will complete the report and contain the officer’s observations of the accident. 

If you file a compensation claim against the Amazon driver, this report will form part of your evidence. 

While talking to the police, do not speculate about the accident. Also, do not say things that could make it seem like you are at fault for the accident. Statements like these could be used against you later. 

Let Your Insurance Company Know About the Accident

You must let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible. As with the police, do not speculate while speaking to your insurer. Simply provide the details of the accident as you experienced it. 

You should also inform the insurer of your plans to seek compensation. The insurer will advise you on what type of claim you file with them and what claim to file against the Amazon driver. 

Do Not Neglect a Medical Evaluation

It is important to be checked out by paramedics at the accident scene. You should also go to a hospital or ER afterward for a proper medical checkup. Doing this will help prevent health complications later. 

Your medical records from the hospital will also be part of the evidence you need to file a claim against Amazon. These records will link your injuries to the accident, which can help prove the Amazon driver’s liability. 

Who Is at Fault in an Amazon Truck Accident?

Remember that it may be challenging to establish liability when you file a compensation claim. Amazon has a unique delivery model, so one of several parties may be to blame. These include: 

  • Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs). DSPs are contracted companies that manage Amazon-branded delivery trucks for last-mile delivery. They operate independently from Amazon and are responsible for their trucks and drivers. 
  • Amazon Flex Drivers. An Amazon Flex driver is an independent contractor. These drivers use their vehicles to deliver products to customers. Amazon provides liability insurance for them, but they are not actual employees. 

Looking at this model, it is clear that liability could rest with either the driver, third-party contractors, or Amazon itself. 

Amazon may be held liable if you can prove it controls the driver’s activities. Even if the driver is an independent contractor, Amazon could be responsible if they were negligent during the process of hiring or supervision. 

Amazon’s Insurance Coverage

If Amazon employs the driver, the accident should be covered by an Amazon insurance policy. Each driver has a $1 million liability policy

However, the coverage will only apply if the accident happened while the driver was on duty. If they were driving home during the accident, the coverage will likely not apply. 

Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Amazon is a very big company. If you want to file a claim against the company after an accident, you need a lawyer on your side. An experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in winning or losing your case. 

Your lawyer will investigate the accident to find extra evidence. They will also identify which parties may be held accountable for the accident. 

If you encounter problems with your insurance claim, the lawyer will handle the negotiations with the insurer. Overall, your lawyer will work hard to ensure you receive fair compensation. 

Challenges You May Experience When Filing a Claim

Amazon will not make it easy for you to file a compensation claim. Firstly, the company will fight your version of the accident if you point out their driver as being at fault. 

Moreover, establishing the at-fault party will become more difficult if the driver is a DSP or independent contractor. 

If the driver was off-duty, Amazon might also claim that paying your settlement is the driver’s responsibility. 

You can best believe that Amazon has its own legal team to fight your claim. 

These are all more reasons why you need to hire a reputable lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to counter all of Amazon’s tactics to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 

Your Lawyer Can Help You Work Through Your Claim Faster 

The last thing you want is for your compensation claim to drag on. Trust your instincts if you want to receive your settlement and move on. Your lawyer can help you do this. 

Your lawyer will work through each part of your claim efficiently and ensure all negotiations happen as soon as possible. If your case is unresolved via Amazon’s insurer, the lawyer will advise whether you should file an official lawsuit. 

Either way, your lawyer will fight to protect your rights throughout the legal process. 

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