What to Do If an Amazon Truck Hits Your Car in Alabama

If your vehicle has been hit by an Amazon delivery truck, the steps you take next could affect the outcome of any claim you file for compensation. To strengthen your position, the first step you should take is to make sure that you notify Amazon of the accident and call the police to establish an official record of the collision.

Crashes involving Amazon delivery trucks can be complex when it comes to determining liability and fighting for the compensation you deserve. That’s why you need strong legal representation from a firm with an aggressive trial strategy and proven results.

At Gartlan Injury Law, we are ready to guide you through the claims process and work to hold all at-fault parties accountable for your injuries and losses resulting from an Amazon truck accident. Contact us today to learn more in a free and confidential consultation.

What Are Typical Causes of Amazon Delivery Van Accidents in Alabama?

Amazon delivery truck accidents in Alabama can occur for many reasons, many of which come down to negligence on the part of delivery drivers and their employers. The fast-paced nature of Amazon’s delivery operations often creates conditions that increase the likelihood of collisions. Drivers may face tight schedules and high delivery quotas, which can lead to mistakes or unsafe driving behavior. Some common causes of Amazon delivery truck accidents are:

• Distracted driving —Drivers may use GPS devices or phones to manage their delivery routes and take their attention off the road.
• Driver fatigue — Long hours and demanding schedules can lead to exhaustion, which impairs reaction times and decision-making.
• Speeding — To meet delivery deadlines, drivers may exceed speed limits or drive recklessly.
• Improperly loaded cargo — Unsecured or uneven loads can affect a truck’s balance and handling, which can raise the risk of rollovers or collisions.
• Failure to maintain vehicles — Poor vehicle maintenance such as faulty brakes or worn tires can lead to mechanical failures.
• Lack of training — Inexperienced drivers may struggle to handle the challenges of operating large delivery vans.
• Adverse weather conditions — Rain, fog, or high winds can make driving more dangerous, particularly for large trucks.

What Are Some Amazon Delivery Van-Related Injuries?

Accidents involving Amazon delivery vans and trucks can cause severe injuries due to the size of these vehicles. Victims often experience long-term consequences that require significant medical care and an extended recovery period. Some common injuries resulting from Amazon truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Back injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Broken bones and fractures
• Severe burns
• Lacerations and deep cuts
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Amputations or limb loss
• Soft tissue injuries.

Amazon truck accident injuries can affect your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. Seeking immediate medical care and following your doctor’s recommendations can help protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. If an Amazon delivery truck caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation from the liable parties.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Alabama Amazon Delivery Truck Accident?

Determining liability in an accident with an Amazon delivery truck can be challenging. Multiple parties could share responsibility. Your personal injury attorney will need to identify all liable parties to pursue full compensation for your losses. Below are the potential parties that may bear liability in an Amazon delivery truck accident:

• Delivery driver — If the driver engaged in negligent actions such as speeding, driving while distracted, or violating traffic laws, they could be held responsible for causing the accident.
• Third-party delivery company — Amazon contracts deliveries to its Delivery Service Partners (DSP). These third-party companies may face liability if they hired unqualified drivers, failed to train them properly, or did not maintain their vehicles.
• Amazon — Amazon goes to great lengths to shield itself from liability for its delivery drivers. However, in certain circumstances, the company might still share blame. For example, if the company imposes unrealistic delivery schedules, fails to monitor contractor performance, or continues to work with problematic contractors, these factors could contribute to accidents.
• Vehicle manufacturer — If a defect in the truck or one of its components such as brakes or tires contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
• Cargo loader — If improper loading caused the truck to become unbalanced or the cargo to shift, leading to the collision, the party responsible for loading the truck might be at fault.

Do All Amazon Delivery Truck Drivers Work for Amazon or Are They Independent Contractors?

Most Amazon delivery drivers don’t work directly for Amazon. Instead, they are independent contractors or employees of a DSP. Amazon’s layered employment arrangements can complicate liability claims. Responsibility may lie with the driver, the third-party delivery company, Amazon itself, or another party entirely. Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances and identify the appropriate parties.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Hit by an Amazon Delivery Truck?

If an Amazon delivery truck hits your vehicle, the first thing to do is call the police and notify Amazon to report the accident and ensure the creation of an official record. If possible, gather evidence at the scene, including photos of vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, road conditions, and any other factors that may have contributed to or resulted from the collision. You should also exchange contact and insurance information with the delivery driver. Note details about the Amazon truck such as its license plate number.

Additionally, if there are witnesses, collect their names and contact information. Their statements may support your case later.

Seek immediate medical attention to protect your health and strengthen your injury claim. Even if you do not notice obvious injuries, it will be important to get timely treatment.

Finally, notify your insurance company about the accident. However, you should avoid making detailed statements until you speak with an attorney. An insurance company may try to use your statements against you.

Contact an Alabama Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If a driver’s negligence resulted in an accident that caused you harm, you need an Alabama truck accident lawyer who will put your needs first, fight to hold all at-fault parties accountable, and keep you informed at every stage of your claim. At Gartlan Injury Law, we are ready to go to work for you. Contact us today to receive a free consultation, share your story, and learn more about your legal rights and options following an Amazon truck accident.

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