blog home Truck Accident Amazon drivers are pressured into making dangerous decisions: what can you do if you’re hurt by one?

Amazon drivers are pressured into making dangerous decisions: what can you do if you’re hurt by one?

By Ken Gibson on August 20, 2023

Amazon is a huge corporation that will soon surpass Walmart as the nation’s largest retailer. While Amazon is famous for its two-day shipping and the astounding number of packages it delivers, there has been a human toll on this commercial success.

Unfortunately, Amazon pushes drivers to their limit, constantly monitoring their performance and demanding more. Drivers are pressed to meet strict delivery quotas, creating pressure to violate traffic laws and unnecessarily endangering people.

And, while Amazon sets demanding delivery quotas that may lead drivers to take risks that could harm you and your family, the company does everything possible to shield itself from liability for the injuries it causes.

Although Amazon oversees every aspect of a delivery driver’s working conditions and behavior, the company has, in past cases, claimed delivery drivers were not Amazon employees in order to deny responsibility when a driver hurts someone.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we know how to seek fair compensation for your injuries, even if the other side isn’t playing fair. Virginia follows an at-fault system that holds any responsible party liable for the harm they cause.

If an Amazon delivery driver has injured you or a loved one, call us at (804) 413-6777. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.

What types of unsafe driving practices are used by some Amazon drivers?

In a recent year, Amazon delivered 4.75 billion packages in the United States alone. To reach this number, Amazon drivers are expected to work 14-hour shifts and, in many cases, aren’t given time for restroom breaks. Drivers have reported using “a plastic bottle to go to the bathroom on a daily basis.”

Drivers pressured to meet high delivery quotas are bound to make mistakes. When this happens, you or one of your loved ones could get seriously injured. An investigation by Business Insider found that Amazon drivers were involved in accidents that caused 13 deaths in just one year.

The Business Insider study reported that Amazon drivers regularly engage in unsafe practices such as:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Fatigued driving
• Breaking traffic laws
• Failure to yield
• Recklessly pulling out of driveways
• Distracted driving
• Failure to slow down in poor weather
• Improper loading techniques

How does Amazon avoid responsibility for their drivers?

To save money and reduce liability exposure, Amazon offers its Amazon Flex program, in which drivers can use their own vehicles to make deliveries. Flex drivers are classified as independent contractors by the company and don’t have to wear Amazon uniforms.  Flex drivers are not covered by Amazon insurance. Instead, they’re required to have their own policies.

Another way Amazon avoids liability is by classifying its drivers as third-party subcontractors. Even though Amazon claims these drivers aren’t their employees, third-party contractors do the following:

• Wear Amazon uniforms
• Are trained by Amazon
• Drive Amazon trucks
• Are monitored by the Amazon app
• Are subject to employment and retention decisions are made by Amazon

Who can help if you are hit by an Amazon driver?

When you’re going up against a company like Amazon, you need to have the right people by your side. At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we will show determination and compassion as we help you.

Our experienced legal team will investigate your accident and find the best strategy to help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and losses, such as time missed from work.

What expenses can be recovered if you are hit by an Amazon driver?

A personal injury claim for injuries sustained in a crash caused by a negligent delivery driver may include the following types of costs:

• Emergency room treatment
• Current and future medical bills
• Reduced earning potential
• Ambulance rides
• Disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Medical devices
• Rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Loss of income
• Wrongful death

What are common injuries caused by Amazon truck crashes?

Amazon vans are extremely heavy and are often overloaded. Drivers are even expected to put merchandise in the passenger seat. When one of these vehicles crashes into an unsuspecting pedestrian, motorcycle, or passenger vehicle, it often results in catastrophic injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Paralysis
• Severe burns
• Bone fractures
• Lacerations
• Whiplash
• Internal bleeding
• Crush injuries
• Amputation
• Wrongful death

How much does it cost to hire GibsonSingleton to help me?

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. We call it our Zero Fee Guarantee.

We’ve built our practice on standing up for people who have been harmed due to the carelessness of others. For us, it isn’t just a job – rather, it’s a calling. We understand what you’re going through because we’ve been there ourselves.

Reach out to our Virginia delivery vehicle accident lawyers at (804) 413-6777 to schedule your free initial consultation to find out more.