Amazon Driver Hit My Car: The Next Steps

Dealing with the aftermath of an “Amazon driver hit my car” incident can be overwhelming. This article provides straightforward guidance on immediate actions to take, how to navigate Amazon’s insurance procedures, and outlines your rights in seeking compensation. Discover essential next steps and advice to effectively manage the situation without stress.

Key Takeaways

• After an Amazon delivery accident, it is crucial to contact law enforcement, exchange information with the driver, and document the accident scene for use in the claims process.
• Amazon delivery drivers are covered by commercial auto insurance while on duty, with $1 million in liability coverage, but the coverage varies for personal vehicle use and depends on employment status.
• Victims should promptly report the accident, seek legal counsel, and understand compensation options for damages including property damage, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

Immediate Actions After an Amazon Driver Hits Your Car

A car accident is a distressing event, and it can be even more unsettling when it involves a large corporation like Amazon. In the ensuing chaos after the Amazon truck accident occurred, maintaining composure and taking appropriate actions is paramount.

Call Law Enforcement

Immediately after the accident, your first course of action should be to contact law enforcement. This is not only for your safety but also to secure a crucial piece of evidence: the police report. This report links any injuries or property damage directly to the collision, making it a vital document in any insurance or legal claims.

Exchange Information with the Amazon Driver

Following that, initiate an information exchange with the Amazon driver. This includes:

• their name
• driver’s license number
• contact number
• any relevant company ID, especially if they are driving for Amazon Flex.

Don’t forget to get the vehicle’s license plate information and their insurance details as well.

Document the Accident Scene

In the time before law enforcement arrives, utilize it to:

• Document the scene of the accident
• Capture photos of the damages
• Note down the date, location, and time of the accident
• Gather witness statements if possible

All these pieces of evidence will come in handy in the claims process.

Understanding Amazon Delivery Drivers’ Insurance Coverage

Delivery drivers working for Amazon are eligible for commercial auto insurance provided by the company. This coverage helps protect them while they are on the job. This comes with liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. However, the nature of this coverage can vary, especially when the driver is using their personal vehicle for delivery. In such cases, the Amazon commercial insurance is secondary to any personal auto insurance they have.

Commercial Auto Insurance Policy

Amazon’s commercial auto insurance policy comes into play when the driver is on duty, providing up to $1 million in liability coverage for injuries and property damage. However, if the accident occurs while the driver is off duty, claims must be filed with the driver’s own insurance, which is their personal auto insurance.

Take into account that comprehensive and collision coverage for property damage has a limit of $50,000, with a deductible of $1,000.

Liability Limits

The liability limits of Amazon’s coverage can be quite substantial, with up to $1 million per incident. Therefore, thorough documentation of the accident is imperative as it could be necessary for claiming against this policy. However, independent contractors with Amazon are required to carry their own auto liability insurance, which may not fully cover all damages in an accident, potentially impacting victim compensation.

The Insurance Claims Process

After an accident with an Amazon delivery vehicle, navigating the insurance claims process can be a daunting task. The process varies depending on the driver’s employment status as an official employee or an independent contractor.

Prompt reporting of the incident and soliciting legal counsel through a free consultation are vital steps in this process.

Reporting the Incident

Reporting the incident to Amazon and the insurance company listed on the accident report is a crucial step in the claims process. When informing Amazon about the accident, provide a thorough description, including the time and location of the accident, damage incurred, and other parties involved.

Seeking Legal Counsel

Seeking legal counsel is highly advisable to ensure your rights are protected and you get the highest amount of compensation available. An attorney with experience in Amazon delivery accidents at Mausner and Graham can provide significant assistance in handling insurance company tactics and increasing compensation.

Determining Fault and Liability

Determining fault and liability in an accident involving an Amazon delivery truck can be a complex process. It depends on various factors, such as the driver’s employment status and whether they were on duty at the time of the accident. Both the driver and Amazon can be held liable depending on these circumstances.

Amazon’s Role in Liability

Amazon’s liability in an accident depends on the specifics of the case. If the driver is classified as an independent contractor, Amazon is not automatically liable for accidents. However, if the driver is on duty, Amazon’s commercial insurance applies, offering up to $1 million in liability coverage.

The Amazon Driver’s Responsibility

Amazon drivers, including flex drivers, have a duty of care on the road while operating an Amazon truck. If they are found to have been negligent, such as through distracted driving or not adhering to safety regulations, they can be held responsible for damages caused by accidents.

The liability of Amazon delivery drivers can also depend on their employment status, with independent contractors having different liabilities compared to full-time or part-time Amazon employees.

Compensation Options for Victims

Victims of accidents involving Amazon delivery drivers can seek compensation for:

• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Other damages

The compensation encompasses both economic and non-economic damages that a victim may incur.

Nevertheless, understanding the full extent of your damages accurately, which includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, is imperative.

Medical Expenses

Medical treatment following an Amazon delivery accident is crucial, not only for recovery but also for establishing a clear connection between the accident and injuries for any future claims. So, make sure you seek medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor at first.

Property Damage

If your property has been damaged due to an accident with an Amazon delivery vehicle, you are entitled to receive Amazon’s insurance information for claims. It’s important to report the damage to Amazon and include photos and the police report number to strengthen your property damage claim.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering is based on the severity of the injuries and life impact. It takes into account:

• Past and projected medical expenses
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Physical pain and suffering

This compensation is normally negotiated as part of the accident claim.

The compensation amount for pain and suffering can be influenced by the type and permanency of the injuries and the emotional impact these injuries have on the victim.

Common Injuries in Amazon Delivery Accidents

Accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles, such as an Amazon delivery truck accident, can result in a range of injuries due to the physical impact. The injuries can range from soft tissue injuries like whiplash to more severe conditions like fractures or brain injuries. Prompt medical treatment and documentation of these injuries is paramount, as some may not show symptoms immediately.

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries frequently occur in traffic accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles. Victims of whiplash may experience symptoms such as:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches at the base of the skull
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue

It’s vital to seek medical attention and secure a proper diagnosis for these injuries.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Fractures and broken bones can occur due to falls or overexertion during deliveries. Amazon delivery drivers may suffer various fractures, including:

• Skull fractures
• Neck fractures
• Back fractures
• Broken wrists
• Broken fingers
• Broken ankles

The physically demanding nature of their job significantly contributes to the occurrence of these injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain hemorrhages and skull fractures, may result from falls, trips, or slips among Amazon delivery drivers. Owing to the severity of these injuries, immediate medical attention is of paramount importance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if an Amazon driver hits my car?

Is Amazon liable for their drivers?

Does Amazon cover car accidents?

What should I do immediately after an Amazon delivery truck hits my car?

How can a personal injury attorney help me after an accident with an Amazon delivery vehicle?