Amazon trucks are nearly everywhere now, making deliveries to homes and businesses throughout New York. Although these drivers are required to obey traffic laws like anyone else, they are sometimes negligent and can cause serious accidents that harm other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Who can you trust to advocate for you and help recover the compensation you need?
Turn to the trusted Long Island Amazon accident law firm of Dell & Dean PLLC. We help victims when they need it the most by handling their legal cases from start to finish with the professionalism and dedication they deserve.
What Makes Amazon Delivery Truck Accidents Different?
Truck accidents are nothing new, and their causes are generally the same as those of car accidents. But there are some important distinctions to keep in mind if you’ve been injured in one of these wrecks:
The drivers are usually independent contractors
In most cases, the drivers are not employees of Amazon but are instead independent contractors. Although Amazon deliberately uses these contractors to try to avoid liability for an accident, this strategy does not mean that you cannot recover compensation. We work to sort out the complex issue of liability and identify everyone who may be liable for your injuries.
You may deal with competing insurance policies
Since there may be different insurance policies involved, depending on the driver’s official relationship with Amazon, the insurers may disagree on who is responsible for a victim’s injuries. Our job is to make sure that your claim does not get lost in the shuffle between insurance companies who try to place blame on each other and avoid responsibility.
Amazon imposes strict delivery schedules
Amazon expects the drivers it works with to deliver as many packages in Long Island as possible, and on time. This creates immense stress and workload for a driver who may not always drive safely as a result. It also complicates the issue of liability because the more control that Amazon exercises over its drivers, the less likely it is that those drivers will be viewed as independent contractors.
Amazon uses data collection and monitoring
The trucks that Amazon relies on are often fitted with data monitoring and collection systems which track their drivers’ actions on the road. This information can prove valuable, albeit difficult to get ahold of. We know the steps it takes to acquire this data and how to successfully use it in your case.
What Steps Should You Take After Being in an Amazon Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving an Amazon delivery truck, the steps that you take next will have a direct impact on your health and your legal rights. Our firm advises that you do the following:
- Call 911 to report the accident: Call emergency services in Long Island and allow police to respond to the scene. This step is critical to generating a police accident report, which is valuable evidence.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you do not believe you were hurt, or hurt severely, let a doctor make that call. Failing to get medical attention could jeopardize your health and your legal claim.
- Follow your doctor’s advice: Similarly, you should be sure to do what your physician tells you. See all specialists, take your prescribed medications, and follow up with your doctor.
- Take pictures and record videos: Document the accident scene and the identity of the truck by taking pictures and recording videos. Do the same for your injuries.
- Get the driver’s information: Find out who the driver is and whether they are an independent contractor. Focus on the driver’s name and contact information.
- Collect information from witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. Their testimony may serve as valuable evidence later.
- Make your own notes about the accident: Write down every detail you can remember about the accident as soon as you can. Your own testimony is also considered evidence.
- Limit what you say: Other than reporting the basic facts about the accident and your identity, you should limit what you say to law enforcement and the other driver. Do not admit fault, apologize, or minimize your injuries.
- Speak with an accident attorney: Before speaking with any insurance adjusters or company representatives, talk to an attorney. Never sign or accept a settlement offer without legal counsel.
Damages That May Be Available in Your Case
The nature and amount of damages that you may be able to claim will depend on the unique facts of your accident. However, most victims can ask for the following:
- Medical bills: These include ambulance care, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, adaptive medical equipment, physical therapy, and reasonably estimated future medical needs.
- In-home care: If you need in-home or long-term care for your injuries, you may be able to claim damages to pay for these as well.
- Lost wages: You will miss work, and therefore income, while you are recovering from your injuries. You can ask for compensation to cover these losses.
- Decreased earning capacity: Your injuries may be too severe to work again, or work at the same productivity level, so you can be compensated for lost future earnings, retirement, and more.
- Property damage: You can also seek damages for any personal property that is damaged or destroyed, such as your automobile or bike.
- Non-economic losses: This category of damages covers subjective losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact Our Long Island Amazon Accident Attorney
At Dell & Dean PLLC, we know that your top priority after being in an accident is moving on with your life. We’re here to help you do that by fighting for the compensation you need. Call or connect with us online today to schedule your initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Delivery Accidents
Will my case go to court?
Most accidents involving Amazon trucks can be settled out of court, either through mediation or negotiations among the attorneys. However, if the responsible insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, we are not afraid to take your case to court.
Is there a deadline to file my claim?
In most cases, victims have three years from the date of an accident to file a claim. If they wait too long, this deadline – known as a statute of limitations – will expire and they won’t be able to seek damages. But a victim should take action much sooner than the three-year mark to make the strongest possible case.
Who can be held responsible for my injuries?
Although Amazon drivers and the businesses that hire them are typically the ones who are responsible for accidents, there are sometimes other at-fault parties. These may include the manufacturer of the truck, a third-party motorist, and sometimes even state and local governments.
How can a Long Island accident attorney help me?
Your attorney will investigate the accident thoroughly, identify all parties who may be held liable, and acquire evidence to support your claim. Additionally, your lawyer will understand how to value your case and seek the maximum amount of damages either through mediation or trial. Our firm also handles all insurance communications so you can focus on recovering.
