Amazon delivery trucks have become a familiar sight on Houston’s roads. As the company continues to expand its fast delivery services, its contracted drivers are under constant pressure to meet tight deadlines. Unfortunately, this urgency can lead to reckless or negligent driving, resulting in serious accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an Amazon delivery vehicle, you may be wondering how to hold the company accountable and recover compensation for your losses. Filing a claim against Amazon isn’t always straightforward, but it is possible with the right legal strategy. At Hernandez Sunosky LLP, we help accident victims across Houston navigate the complex process of filing claims involving corporate delivery drivers, including Amazon. Here’s what you need to know.
Can You Sue Amazon Directly After a Delivery Driver Accident?
Amazon rarely employs its delivery drivers directly. Instead, it contracts with third-party companies known as Delivery Service Partners (DSPs). This structure is designed, in part, to limit Amazon’s direct legal liability in the event of a crash.
That said, you may still be able to recover compensation through the DSP, Amazon’s insurance policies, or by proving Amazon’s involvement in the driver’s actions. These cases require careful legal analysis, as multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries.
Steps to Take After an Accident With an Amazon Delivery Vehicle
If you’re involved in an accident with an Amazon-branded van, truck, or Flex driver, take the following steps to protect your health and preserve your claim:
- Call 911: Report the accident and seek medical attention immediately.
- Gather Information: Get the Amazon driver’s name, the company they work for, license plate number, and insurance details.
- Take Photos: Document vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries.
- Get Witness Information: Collect names and contact info from anyone who saw the crash.
- Seek Medical Care: Even if you feel okay, you may have delayed injuries like whiplash or internal trauma.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Filing a claim involving Amazon or one of its contractors can be legally complex.
Who May Be Liable in an Amazon Delivery Accident?
Depending on the specifics of the accident, one or more parties may be liable:
- The Delivery Driver: If the driver was negligent, such as by speeding or texting while driving, they may be personally liable.
- The DSP: These are the third-party companies Amazon hires to handle deliveries. They are often responsible for driver conduct and vehicle safety.
- Amazon: While Amazon often tries to distance itself from legal responsibility, in certain cases it may still be liable—for instance, if it exerts direct control over driver schedules or delivery operations.
- Vehicle Maintenance Companies or Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, another party might be at fault.
At Hernandez Sunosky LLP, we investigate the full scope of liability to identify all potentially responsible parties.
Insurance Coverage in Amazon Delivery Accidents
Amazon provides commercial auto insurance coverage for its delivery partners and Flex drivers in certain situations. This coverage can include:
- Up to $1 million in liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
However, this coverage may only apply if the driver was actively delivering packages or en route to a delivery when the accident occurred. If the driver was off duty or using the vehicle for personal reasons, the coverage may not apply.
Understanding the insurance policy’s scope and exclusions is critical to a successful claim.
Types of Damages You May Be Entitled To
Victims of Amazon delivery accidents may be eligible to recover a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehab)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Future medical care
- Loss of quality of life
Each case is unique, and compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your daily life. Our team will calculate the full extent of your damages to pursue a fair settlement.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Claim Against Amazon?
Yes—filing a claim involving Amazon or its delivery contractors can be far more complicated than a typical car accident. Amazon has vast resources and experienced legal teams working to minimize payouts.
By hiring an experienced Houston injury lawyer, you level the playing field. At Hernandez Sunosky LLP, we:
- Investigate the accident and gather critical evidence
- Identify all liable parties and insurance carriers
- Handle all communications with insurers and corporate defendants
- File necessary legal paperwork and represent you in court, if needed
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact a Houston Amazon Delivery Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving an Amazon delivery driver in Houston, you don’t have to take on a global corporation alone. Let Hernandez Sunosky LLP fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.