You may recognize Amazon as one of the largest delivery networks in the United States, and you may also be aware that they’ve built their reputation on their quick shipping, but what you may not know are the risks that come from the pressure to meet delivery demands across the country.
Amazon ships billions of packages each year, but some of those deliveries may end up in accidents as drivers work to meet expedient shipping demands and employment pressures.
If you or someone you know was injured in an Amazon truck accident, you shouldn’t have to face this industry giant alone. At The Fitch Law Firm, we have an experienced legal team who can help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
Steps To Take After an Amazon Truck Accident in Ohio
Trucks play a significant role in transporting shipments in the United States, and their importance has only risen with the popularity of e-commerce over the past few decades. In 2024, trucks moved roughly 72.7% of the nation’s freight (ATA). Amazon itself delivered nearly 30% of all U.S. packages that same year, delivering 1.6 million packages per day (Harvard). But as The New York Times have reported, there’s a steep human cost to such convenience. The pressure to make delivery deadlines can result in more hasty and negligent driving that may seriously injure and take lives.
Generally, higher volumes and increasing demand can translate into higher accident rates. Although the trucking industry has invested more than ten billion dollars in safety within recent years, the rate of fatal crashes involving trucks have increased by 43% over the last ten years (ATA and NSC). In comparison to smaller motor vehicles, trucks can be particularly dangerous due to their size, weight, and more limited maneuverability. In the case of an accident, damages and injuries can easily be severe and costly.
Practicing safe driving tips (such as staying out of truck’s blind spots, maintaining a safe following distance, and only passing them on the left) can help protect you, but unexpected circumstances may still occur. It’s difficult to be prepared for the instance of such a disaster, but remembering the following steps may help you in the case of a trucking wreck.
1. Prioritize your health
The wellbeing of you and any passengers in your vehicle should be your primary concern. Call 911 as soon as you can to get medical assistance and police on the scene of the accident. Even if you feel alright or believe that your injuries are minor, it’s important to let a professional check you over. Some symptoms and injuries may manifest later or worsen over time, and it’s better to treat them quickly.
2. Document the scene
Don’t move your vehicle unless its position is putting you in additional danger or if you’re explicitly instructed to do so by the police. If you’re able to, try to collect as much evidence as you can (photos, information, and contacts) as soon as possible.
Try to obtain photos of the following:
- Visible damage to either vehicle
- The position of each vehicle on the road and their relative position to each other
- Any debris and skid marks on the road from the accident
- Any relevant traffic signs
- Traffic conditions and weather conditions
- The license plate of the Amazon truck
- Any visible injuries that you and/or your passengers have due to the wreck
Soon after the accident, write down your recollection of the crash while the details are still fresh in your memory. Include details on approximate vehicle speeds, traffic flow, and any wrongful actions that were taken by the delivery driver.
All of this information will help investigators and prospective legal support in reconstructing the accident and determining who is at fault.
3. Exchange information
Get the names and contact information of any other drivers who witnessed the accident and are willing to give their report of events.
It’s also important that you exchange identifying information with the Amazon driver, though an officer can help facilitate the process once they arrive on scene. Mark down details like the Amazon driver’s name, license plate, insurance details, and contact information, and then ensure that you’ve shared your auto insurance and your own contact information in return.
4. Get a copy of the police report
In the state of Ohio, you are required to report the accident to the police if any of the following resulted:
- Personal injury
- Any fatalities
- Property damage greater than $1,000
When law enforcement arrives, ask the officer for their badge number, the police report number, and a copy of the report for your own records.
5. Do not admit fault
When you speak with law enforcement and your insurer, be honest and cooperative when you answer their questions, but stick to the objective facts and avoid admitting fault or voicing any speculations about what occurred. This can help prevent you from mistakenly taking on any unwarranted blame for the accident, which would negatively impact your ability to recover damages down the road.
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Who Can Be Held Liable in Amazon Truck Accident?
When you get into a collision with a commercial truck, you are dealing with not only the truck and their driver, but their affiliated companies as well. This wider network of connections may complicate who is considered at fault your accident, and in Amazon’s case, the process might be even more complex.
Truck drivers aren’t the sole party responsible for the truck and its contents, and depending on what caused the accident, there are a number of affiliated entities who could share in some of the blame without ever being on the scene. These can include:
- The company that employs the truck driver
- The company that owns or leases the truck
- A truck manufacturer
- A truck parts manufacturer
- The truck’s maintenance crew
But Amazon’s trucking employment system sometimes diverges from the norm (i.e. hiring a driver directly as an employee of the company). Instead of directly employing their drivers, Amazon relies on contracted drivers for their freight transportation. Because these drivers are considered independent contractors, Amazon claims that any damage or harm they cause is disconnected from the company.
The process of determining liability, negotiating compensation, and navigating the insurance process can seem daunting, and Amazon’s refusal to take accountability can make it even more so. That’s why you need a skilled a truck accident attorney to help you navigate the complex legal field so that you can recover damages.
What Damages Can I Recover?
Truck accidents and collisions can happen in the blink of an eye, but their impact on your quality of life can reverberate for years onwards. As an accident victim, you may be able to receive compensation for not only your monetary losses (economic damages), but your physical and mental suffering as well (noneconomic damages).
Depending on the details of your claim, the following damages may be recoverable:
- Current and future accident-related medical expenses
- Loss of income, benefits, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
In the unfortunate case that the trucking accident caused the loss of a loved one, you may be able to recover the following damages a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of support and services
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of inheritance
- Mental anguish
An Experienced Ohio Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer Near You
If you or a loved one was the victim of an Amazon truck accident, don’t wait to act. At The Fitch Law Firm, we represent injured victims across the state of Ohio. Our experienced attorneys will help you learn more about your legal rights as an injured party, and we’ll keep you informed through every step of the claims process.
Because we believe in making justice more accessible, our fee structure means you don’t have to delay getting legal support when you need it most. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you’ll pay nothing upfront. In fact, you will only pay if we recover compensation for you.
Contact The Fitch Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Amazon truck accident lawyer.