Amazon delivery drivers seem to be everywhere on the roads these days.
Unfortunately, these drivers can sometimes become involved in accidents, especially if they make unsafe moves while trying to deliver packages quickly or while distracted by navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods to deliver to new locations.
If you or someone you love is injured in an accident, our Arlington personal injury lawyers at Monge & Associates are here and ready to help you. We understand the ins and outs of these complicated claims and can work with you to get justice.
Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation and find out how our firm can help you.
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Why Choose Monge & Associates
Claims involving Amazon delivery drivers can be complicated because you need to determine exactly who is responsible for covering losses.
- Monge & Associates has extensive experience evaluating liability in these cases to hold the right people accountable.
- Our firm also offers compassionate, knowledgeable representation.
- We will be there to answer questions throughout your case, and we have a long history of successfully recovering substantial compensation for Amazon delivery accident victims.
- You can count on us to treat your claim with the importance it deserves and we have the legal skills needed to maximize your chances of a win.
- We’ve recovered over $1 billion dollars for our clients.
Types of Amazon Delivery Drivers and Liability
Many Amazon delivery drivers are not employees of Amazon.
Instead, they may work for independent third-party companies called Delivery Service Partners.
This can make things complicated, as Amazon typically distances itself from liability by not employing drivers directly.
Monge & Associates will carefully review the circumstances of your case to determine who could be liable, including:
- The drivers themselves: Drivers may have their own commercial auto insurance in place to cover losses, especially if they are driving their own vehicles.
- Delivery service partners (DSPs): Third-party DSPs could be liable for inadequate training or unsafe hiring practices, or could be responsible for accidents under vicarious liability laws.
- Amazon corporate: Amazon may not be responsible for actions taken by third-party employees, but Monge & Associates will carefully review the circumstances to determine if there are grounds to hold the company accountable.
Untangling the complex web of different companies and insurers is one of the most challenging parts of Amazon delivery driver accidents.
Monge & Associates has handled many of these cases, and we have the knowledge to help you identify all of the defendants who you have a claim against, so you can maximize your chances of full compensation.
Common Causes of Arlington Amazon Delivery Accidents
Amazon drivers can get into accidents for the same reason any other driver does.
However, there are certain common issues that arise over and over in cases that Monge & Associates has handled.
Here are some common causes of Arlington Amazon delivery accidents that our legal team has encountered:
- Time Pressure and Quotas: Drivers are often under intense pressure to make deliveries quickly. This can lead to speeding and reckless driving, both of which increase the chances of serious accidents.
- Driver Behaviors: Drivers may continue operating their vehicles when they are fatigued in order to fulfill their obligations. They may also become distracted or engage in other unsafe behaviors like drinking or using drugs before getting behind the wheel. This can significantly increase the risk of a collision.
- Environmental Factors: Drivers operate their vehicles under all types of weather conditions because deliveries have to be made. Bad weather, including rain and snowstorms, increases the chances of things going wrong.
Monge & Associates will work with you to identify crash causes so that you can determine if the Amazon driver was to blame and should be held accountable for harming you.
Steps to Take After an Amazon Delivery Accident
If you are involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery driver, you need to make sure that you take the right steps in the accidents aftermath to protect your rights.
Here are some of the steps you should take post-crash:
- Report the crash to law enforcement and to your insurer
- Collect physical evidence from the scene
- Get the contact details of the other driver and witnesses to the crash
- Get medical help and document all treatment you receive as well as any diagnoses
- Keep track of your missed work time and the pain you endure
- Contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights
Types of Compensation Available
- Economic Damages: Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, lost earning power, and actual financial loss arising from the accident.
- Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are aimed at punishing defendants and are available only in very limited circumstances when there is intentional wrongdoing or gross disregard for life.
Virginia Laws Affecting Your Amazon Accident Claim
Many different laws in Virginia affect your rights in an Amazon accident claim.
Monge & Associates knows the law inside and out. Some of the different laws that could affect your case include the following:
- Two-year statute of limitations: You have two years under VA law to bring your case before it is time-barred.
- Contributory negligence doctrine: Virginia law says if you share responsibility for your accident, you cannot pursue a claim for compensation. Our attorneys will work with you to understand shared fault as well as how rules like the last clear chance doctrine can affect your case.
- Vicarious liability principles: Under VA law, employers are vicariously liable for the actions of their on-the-job staff as their staff members act as their agents. As a result, companies employing negligent drivers can be held vicariously liable for the harm they cause.
- Independent contractor vs. employee distinctions: Not all Amazon delivery drivers are employees. Many are independent contractors, which means vicarious liability laws do not apply. Monge & Associates will help you to determine the status of the driver in your claim.
- Workers’ compensation considerations: If you are an Amazon delivery driver involved in an accident on the job, you may be able to pursue a workers’ comp claim if you are considered an employee. This would allow you to get medical bills, lost wages, and certain other damages covered, regardless of whether negligence played a role in the crash or not.
Monge & Associates will help you to work within Virginia’s laws to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible after your crash.
Contact Our Arlington Amazon Delivery Accident Attorneys
Monge & Associates is here and ready to help when you’ve become involved in a crash with a driver delivering packages.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with an Arlington Amazon delivery accident attorney to find out more about the legal assistance we can offer.