With so many people ordering from Amazon, it’s no surprise that the internet giant has significantly expanded its delivery fleet. While some delivery drivers utilize the official Amazon trucks and other branded vehicles, others drive their own. An Amazon driver can either act as a contractor or work as a traditional employee.
These possible scenarios and others can make navigating the legal process following an Amazon delivery vehicle accident challenging, especially when you or your loved one is recovering from a life-altering crash. Our New Rochelle Amazon truck accident lawyers can explain your legal options after an injury accident.
Accidents with Amazon Delivery Trucks in New York Can be Complex
Filing a personal injury claim against an Amazon delivery driver can be complicated. For instance, if the driver who hit you was working as an independent contractor, you might have to make a claim against the driver as an individual instead of against Amazon. Or maybe not. Again, it’s complicated.
Insurance adjusters are often more concerned with minimizing their financial exposure than being fair. So even if you know the other driver was at-fault in the accident, their insurance company could try to blame the accident on you. What you need is a qualified attorney from our firm who understands how truck accident settlements work.
Amazon Truck Accident Liability
The complexity of a delivery truck accident is one of the biggest reasons to consult with a qualified attorney before proceeding any further. An experienced Amazon delivery truck accident attorney can work through determining liability, despite the number of parties involved.
An amazon truck accident attorney in New York who specializes in truck accident cases will know how to gather and analyze evidence to identify the liable parties and estimate your damages. The more serious an injury is, the higher the settlement or court award could be.
Every case is unique. However, an experienced truck accident lawyer can advise you on the amount of compensation to pursue. They will also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you get a fair settlement.
Company Liability
When a commercial driver hits you in the course of making deliveries, the company itself may be legally responsible for your injuries resulting from the accident. Businesses must adhere to safety guidelines and laws regarding the maintenance of their delivery vehicles and are responsible for ensuring their drivers are adequately trained and properly licensed.
When a delivery company breaches its duty of care, it can be held liable for damages in a collision.
Third-Party Liability
Occasionally, the delivery truck is owned by a third party company. It might be possible that the other company is liable if they fail to maintain their trucks properly. Another less likely scenario is that a maintenance provider, truck manufacturer, or parts manufacturer could be responsible for a mechanical failure that led to the crash.
Delivery Driver Liability
Studies have repeatedly shown that driver error is the cause of most motor vehicle accidents. More specifically, driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of commercial truck collisions. Delivery companies may offer incentives for drivers that cause them to work longer hours than they should. Other types of driver negligence include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Failure to obey traffic laws
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Truck accidents commonly involve more than one liable party. Often, accident victims can make a claim against both the driver and the delivery company. If you’re hit by an Amazon driver using their own truck, you may be entitled to compensation under that individual’s liability coverage.
Pursuing Compensation with the Help of an Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer in New Rochelle, NY
While most personal injury cases settle outside of court, sometimes a lawsuit is the only way to get the compensation you need. Personal injury claims typically include damages that fall into one of two categories: Economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are measurable losses such as medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic losses are more difficult to quantify and include losses like pain and suffering. Compensation could include:
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
Remember that every accident is unique, so the amount of money you recover will depend on the specifics of your case, including how the crash has affected your life.
New Rochelle Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Time is of the Essence in a New York Personal Injury Case
If you do not take legal action within the time frame set forth by the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules §214, then you could lose your right to recover compensation in the future. A lawyer from our firm can help you file on time. However, you need to make sure you contact us within the time frame for filing a lawsuit in New York.
It’s also important to secure evidence before it is lost or covered up by the other party. When you hire us, our New Rochelle Amazon truck accident lawyer will guide you through the claims process and begin gathering evidence as soon as possible to preserve it and bolster your case.
Attorneys For Amazon Truck Accidents in New Rochelle, NY
After a complex accident with a delivery truck, insurance companies often make lowball settlement offers to avoid paying you the total value of your injury. They want to settle quickly, and so do you, but avoid signing anything until you’ve consulted with an attorney from the Morelli Law Firm who has experience in this kind of case.
Our New Rochelle, NY, amazon truck accident attorneys have a deep understanding of the delivery industry, and the tactics insurance companies use in these cases. When you contact our office, one of our compassionate team members will evaluate your case. Our initial consultation is 100% free, and we accept personal injury cases on contingency. Contact us today!