Amazon puts over 400,000 delivery drivers on the road daily—and when one of them causes a crash in Houston, getting fair compensation becomes surprisingly complicated. Amazon has structured its delivery network to shield itself from liability, classifying most drivers as contractors working for third-party Delivery Service Partners (DSPs). That corporate structure is designed to make you think Amazon isn’t responsible. It often is.
Texas courts have increasingly held Amazon accountable when the company exerts control over how drivers perform their work—dictating routes, delivery windows, and performance metrics. The key to your case lies in proving that connection and navigating the layers of insurance coverage between Amazon, its DSPs, and individual drivers. Our Houston car and traffic accident attorneys break down who can be held liable after an Amazon delivery crash and how we build cases that cut through Amazon’s legal barriers.
Why Amazon Claims It’s Not Responsible (And Why That’s Often Wrong)
After a crash, Amazon’s legal team will almost certainly argue the driver wasn’t their employee. Here’s how their system works:
Amazon contracts with roughly 4,400 DSPs nationwide—small companies that hire drivers, lease branded vans, and deliver packages exclusively for Amazon. On paper, these DSPs are independent businesses. In practice, Amazon dictates nearly every aspect of their operation, including:
- hiring standards
- Uniforms
- vehicle maintenance
- route assignments
- delivery speeds,
- driver monitoring through in-cab cameras and smartphone apps
This matters because Texas law allows injured victims to hold a company liable when it controls how work gets done—regardless of what the employment contract says. Recent court decisions have found Amazon can be treated as a “joint employer” or held liable under theories of ostensible agency (meaning Amazon made drivers appear to be its employees through branding and uniforms).
Amazon’s corporate structure is designed to deflect lawsuits, not to actually separate itself from delivery operations. An experienced attorney can subpoena internal records showing Amazon’s control over the driver who hit you.
Who Pays for Your Injuries After an Amazon Delivery Crash?
Multiple insurance policies may cover your damages, but accessing them isn’t straightforward. Here’s the typical coverage landscape:
The driver’s personal auto insurance. Amazon Flex drivers (who use their own vehicles) carry personal policies. Most personal auto insurance excludes commercial delivery activity—meaning the insurer may deny your claim entirely.
The DSP’s commercial policy. Amazon requires each DSP to carry at least $1 million in commercial liability coverage. This is often the primary source of compensation, but DSPs and their insurers will fight to minimize payouts.
Amazon’s excess coverage. Amazon maintains additional liability coverage that may apply when DSP limits are exhausted or when Amazon is found directly liable. Getting Amazon’s insurance involved typically requires litigation or a credible threat of trial.
Texas minimum insurance requirements. Texas only requires drivers to carry $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident in liability coverage—far below what serious injuries cost. If you’re dealing with a Flex driver’s personal policy, those minimums may be all that’s available unless you can bring in the DSP or Amazon.
The bottom line: You may have claims against multiple parties and policies. Missing one could mean leaving significant compensation on the table.
What to Do Immediately After a Crash With an Amazon Driver
The steps you take in the first 24-48 hours directly affect your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what matters most:
At the scene: Get the driver’s name, phone number, and insurance information—plus the name of the company they work for (DSP names are often generic like “XYZ Logistics LLC”). Photograph the Amazon-branded van, vehicle ID numbers, damage, and your injuries. Get witness contact information and call 911 to create an official police report documenting the driver’s employer.
In the following days: Seek medical attention even if you feel fine—delayed symptoms are common, and gaps in treatment give insurers ammunition. Don’t give recorded statements to any insurance company without legal advice. Preserve all evidence, including dashcam footage.
Deadline to remember: Texas gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. But building a strong case—especially one involving Amazon’s corporate structure—takes time. Don’t wait.
Get Legal Help After an Amazon Delivery Driver Accident in Houston
Amazon has lawyers whose entire job is limiting the company’s exposure after crashes. You deserve someone fighting just as hard on your side.
The team at Hernandez Sunosky, LLP handles Amazon delivery accident cases throughout Houston. We investigate the driver’s employment relationship, identify all available insurance coverage, and build claims that hold Amazon accountable—not just the underfunded DSP.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we recover compensation for you.