Can I Sue Amazon for an Accident Caused by Their Driver?
Once just an online marketplace for books, Amazon has since become one of the largest retailers of consumer goods in every category. This also means more trucks and accidents on the road. Large delivery trucks are heavy and powerful, often causing critical injuries. Continue reading to learn how to bring a lawsuit against Amazon when their driver causes a collision and why a truck accident lawyer in Houston should be one of the first calls you make after a crash.
How Amazon Delivery Staffing Works
In most cases, Amazon drivers are not employees. Instead, they are considered independent contractors, similar to how Uber and Lyft work with their drivers. Many drivers even use their own vehicles to deliver packages. However, this complicates things in the event of an accident and makes it harder to pin fault on the appropriate party.
Amazon can deny culpability for the collision and try to shift the blame to the contractor. Most drivers are regular people just trying to get by and generally do not have the insurance or savings to cover an accident, which leaves the victim without recourse. This is why having a personal injury lawyer on your side is crucial. Your attorney can navigate responsible parties trying to pass the buck so you can recover the damages that are owed to you.
Common Ways Delivery Drivers Cause Accidents
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Improper turns
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Drinking and driving
- Driver fatigue
- Pressure to deliver quickly
- Inadequately distributed or secured cargo
What You Can Recover
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological distress
- Disfigurement
- Punitive damages
Proving Your Case
When it comes to taking on a large business like Amazon, there is a lot of room for errors that could cost you your case. To go toe-to-toe with corporate legal teams, you need substantial, irrefutable evidence that illustrates how Amazon failed to perform their due diligence when hiring contracted drivers. It’s also imperative to have concrete proof of your injuries and the specific ways in which they limit your ability to work or complete daily tasks.
When Is the Right Time to Call a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston?
The best time to reach out to a qualified truck accident attorney is as soon as you can after the collision. The earlier you get your case started, the more time your lawyer will have to gather evidence and file motions with the court on your behalf. They can also help you secure expert witness statements and other critical items that can push the result of your case one way or the other.
Were you or someone in your family hurt in an accident with an Amazon delivery truck? You may have the right to financial compensation for your injuries, time away from work, and other collision-related expenses. Contact us at The Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec in Houston, TX today to schedule a free consultation or learn more about what we can do for you.
