Naperville Amazon Delivery Truck Accident Lawyers

Amazon is the company that comes to mind at the mention of online shopping. While it was once primarily focused on order fulfilment, Amazon has expanded operations to take over order delivery as well. Whether you are on the highway or driving through a neighborhood, you are likely to encounter an Amazon truck or van. You may even see someone delivering for Amazon in their personal vehicle using the Amazon Flex program.

While this is unquestionably convenient for consumers, there have been major safety costs to both Amazon drivers and the public alike. If you were seriously injured in an Amazon truck accident in Naperville or surrounding areas of Illinois, Mathys & Schneid Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight for full and fair compensation. Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience, and they have recovered more than $150 million on behalf of injury victims since 2005.

Why Are Amazon Delivery Truck Accidents So Common?

Delivery truck accidents can happen for various reasons. Some of the most common causes of accidents in Amazon vehicles include:

• Driver fatigue: Drivers work long shifts without sufficient breaks, which can lead to exhaustion.
• Distracted Driving: Activities like using a navigation system and interacting with the app-based delivery system are necessary to the job and can be very distracting while driving.
• Speeding and traffic violations: Delivery schedules are unreasonably tight, prompting drivers to exceed speed limits, run red light and disobey other traffic laws to meet delivery deadlines.
• Poor training and inexperienced drivers: Amazon has considered providing its drivers with thorough training, but it ultimately decided against doing so to avoid any business disruptions. Instead, it hired thousands of additional drivers (without training), many of whom also lacked previous experience.
• Vehicle overloading: Trucks loaded beyond their capacity can be more difficult to control and stop, making accidents more likely.
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance: Failure to regularly service delivery trucks can lead to mechanical failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.

The underlying pattern behind these risk factors is clear. Due to Amazon’s relentless pursuit of profits, workers are being asked to meet difficult or even impossible delivery deadlines, sacrificing health, safety and even lives in the name of business efficiency.

Common Injuries Resulting From Amazon Delivery Vehicle Crashes

When large delivery vehicles like Amazon trucks collide with smaller passenger cars, the outcomes can be quite severe due to the size and weight difference between the vehicles. If you’re involved in such an accident, some common injuries you might suffer include:

Whiplash: A neck injury from the sudden movement of the head.

Broken bones: Especially in the arms or legs, due to the force of impact.

Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can have long-lasting effects on your health and daily life.

Spinal injuries: These range from herniated discs to more serious spinal cord damage, potentially leading to paralysis.

Internal injuries: Crash forces can cause damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen, and these injuries may not be immediately obvious.

It’s crucial to seek medical attention right away after an accident, even if you feel fine, as internal injuries can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It will also be necessary to document your injuries for purposes of seeking compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable For An Amazon Delivery Truck Accident?

When someone driving for Amazon causes a serious or fatal accident, it would be reasonable to assume that both the at-fault driver and Amazon would be held liable. Unfortunately, Amazon has found ways to shield itself from liability in some cases.

Many of Amazon’s drivers are not employees but rather “independent contractors.” This small title change means these workers have fewer job protections and benefits, and it also means that Amazon may be able to disavow liability for accidents the drivers cause.

The strategy doesn’t protect Amazon in all cases, and some of its drivers are classified as employees. The important takeaway is that after an Amazon delivery vehicle accident, questions of liability are likely to be complex and highly contested. Rather than trying to seek compensation on your own, it is wise to seek help from an experienced attorney like those at our firm.

Steps To Take After A Delivery Truck Accident

If you’re involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery truck, it’s crucial to take immediate action to ensure safety, address any injuries, and protect your rights. Here’s what you should do right after the collision:

• Check for injuries: Your well-being and that of others involved is the top priority. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
• Move to safety: Get everyone out of the road and to a safe location.
• Call the police: Even for minor accidents, a police report is essential. You should cooperate with the officers and answer questions but avoid admitting fault or blaming others.
• Exchange information: Get the delivery driver’s name, contact information, insurance details and truck identification. Take note of any company markings on the truck.
• Document the accident scene: Use your phone to take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, and surrounding area.
• Connect with witnesses: If there are any bystanders, ask for their contact information. They could provide valuable statements later on.
• Seek medical attention: If you haven’t done so already, go to the hospital to get checked out by a physician. You may feel unhurt in the moment, but some injuries manifest later. Visit a doctor to rule out any hidden injuries.
• Report the basic details of the accident to your insurer: Inform your insurance company about the incident. Do not speculate about fault or agree to give any official statements.

After an accident, it’s also important to seek legal guidance. An attorney can help navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure that you receive fair compensation for damages and injuries sustained.

Discuss Your Legal Options With An Attorney For Free

From our offices in Naperville, Mathys & Schneid Personal Injury Lawyers serves clients throughout DuPage County. We also serve the surrounding areas of Illinois, including Kendall, Will and Kane counties. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attentive and caring injury lawyers, call us today at 630-848-9294 or reach out online.