Amazon is one of the largest online retailers in existence, and delivery vehicles emblazoned with the Amazon logo can be found in almost every city and town, including Queens. Unfortunately, this means that many people are injured in accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles. While you may be able to sue the delivery driver and others, suing Amazon is a more complex matter.
Delivery drivers and their employers are often responsible for these kinds of accidents, but the employers are not necessarily Amazon. Many drivers work for third-party delivery companies that contract with Amazon, so Amazon is often shielded from liability. Even so, you can still get financial compensation for your injuries. We can help you prove the defendant’s fault with evidence, including witness testimony, photos of the crash, and video footage if it exists. Injuries and damages may be substantial, and you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Ask our Amazon delivery vehicle accident attorneys for a free case evaluation by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083.
Who May Be Held Responsible for Amazon Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Being injured in a crash in Queens involving an Amazon delivery vehicle can be a challenging and complex experience. Determining who is responsible might not be simple for the reasons explained below.
Delivery Drivers
In almost any vehicle accident, the negligent driver behind the wheel of the other car is often at fault and may be held liable for damages. The same applies to accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles. These delivery drivers can and should be held responsible for their behavior on the road.
You might find that the delivery driver’s insurance sufficiently covers your damages. They may have greater insurance coverage than other drivers, as they drive professionally, so there is a better chance of getting what you need. However, you might still have the option to sue, depending on the circumstances.
Delivery Service Partners
Amazon relies on what it refers to as “delivery service partners.” These partners are usually third-party delivery services that contract with Amazon to drive Amazon vehicles and deliver Amazon packages. There is a chance that a company in Queens is responsible for the accident.
While the vehicle in your accident might have said “Amazon” on its side, it is likely not driven by an Amazon employee but is instead operated by a delivery service partner. As such, we may take action against them for your damages.
Amazon
It is unlikely that we can sue Amazon for the accident. Remember, many delivery drivers are not Amazon employees but are instead independent contractors or employees of third parties known as delivery service partners. Since they are not Amazon employees, Amazon may be shielded from liability.
When to Prepare a Civil Case for an Amazon Delivery Vehicle Accident in Ridgewood
Preparing almost any civil case takes time and effort, but our time is not without limits. It is often best to contact a lawyer and begin your case as soon as possible.
Our time is restricted by the statute of limitations. According to C.V.P. Law § 214, plaintiffs in Queens filing injury claims have 3 years to do so. This time may begin on the day of the accident, but our Amazon delivery vehicle accident lawyers may have the statute tolled for various reasons, and the limitation period may begin later, giving us more time to prepare.
Tolling is only an option under very limited, specific circumstances. For example, we may have the statute of limitations tolled for “infancy and insanity,” under § 208(a). If you were a minor when the accident happened or have a legal disability that prevents you from taking legal action (e.g., a mental condition), the limitation period may begin when you turn 18 or your condition is lifted.
Proving Fault in an Amazon Delivery Vehicle Accident
Proving fault in an accident with an Amazon vehicle may be similar to proving fault in an ordinary accident case. Factors like driver negligence and road conditions may play important roles, and we may work with investigating authorities to determine what went wrong.
First, we should try to establish the facts and details about the accident. Where in Queens did it happen? What time of day was it? Were there other vehicles involved? While these details may seem unimportant at first, they can help us lay the foundation for our claim.
People often take photos after vehicle accidents to send to insurance companies, but these photos may also be used in a courtroom. Similarly, dashcam footage or security camera videos might show us exactly what happened, and we should track these videos down quickly.
We should also work to identify witnesses. Other drivers, passengers, or people walking by might have seen something important and can testify about it in court. This may be crucial if little other evidence exists, which is a common problem.
Available Damages in Amazon Delivery Vehicle Accidents in Ridgewood
Damages available in your case will vary based on your injuries, costs, and experiences during and after the accident.
Some of the first expenses you may encounter after an accident are medical costs. Amazon delivery vehicles may be larger and heavier than normal cars, and the crash might have been quite severe. Your injuries might be serious and need urgent and expensive medical attention.
Next, we should consider your property, income, and other expenses. Your vehicle might be badly damaged and in need of extensive repairs. Alternatively, it might be totaled, and now you need a new vehicle.
On top of that, your injuries might prevent you from returning to work, and you might also lose income. We can claim your lost wages as part of your damages. The longer you cannot work, the greater these damages may be. You might have also incurred various other costs that should be tallied up and accounted for.
Get Legal Help Now From Our Ridgewood Amazon Delivery Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Ask our Amazon delivery vehicle accident attorneys for a free case evaluation by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083.
