Amazon is currently one of the largest delivery networks in the United States, delivering millions of packages a day all throughout the nation. This means that its trucks also operate daily across the state of Ohio, including cities such as Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. But unfortunately, some of these delivery trucks may be the cause of serious injury to other drivers on the road.
If you or someone you know was harmed in a car accident involving an Amazon delivery truck, you do not have to face an industry giant like Amazon alone. The Fitch Law Firm can help you navigate the process of filing a claim and getting the compensation and justice you deserve.
Don’t wait to reach out to an experienced Amazon trucking accident attorney. While there are exceptions, most personal injury claims in Ohio must be filed within two years of the date the accident took place (ORC). Call now at (614) 545-3930 for a free consultation and learn more about the legal options available to you.
Why Amazon Truck Accidents in Ohio are Different from Regular Crashes
Trucking accidents are different in nature than accidents that only involve passenger vehicles such as sedans and SUVs. When large commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers and semi-trucks cause accidents on the road, more than just the driver may be responsible for the damage they cause.
General trucking accidents may involve multiple parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The driver’s employer
- The company that owns/leases the truck
- The maintenance crew
- The truck’s manufacturer
Amazon’s Independent Contractor vs. Employee Dispute
Amazon’s structure can add another layer of complexity to the legal equation. Amazon carries out a significant portion of its deliveries with the help of contracted independent businesses, for example, they use what they call the Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) Program. Workers contracted through DSPs are not considered employees in the same way that workers directly employed by Amazon are. This sort of structure means that Amazon may attempt to avoid accountability by insisting that any truck accidents — even if they may be contracted by Amazon and carrying Amazon cargo — are not the fault of Amazon at all.
But under Ohio law, the concept of vicarious liability means that employers like Amazon can be held liable for the misconduct of those working for them, even if those parties are not formally considered employees by the company themselves. Amazon’s control over delivery routes, its surveillance through apps, and its strict delivery standards may be enough to establish a sufficient employment relationship that can allows you to hold Amazon responsible.
The Last Thing You Should Worry About Is How You’re Going To Pay For Your Medical Bills.
(614) 545-3930
Common Causes of Amazon Truck Accidents in Ohio
According to Business Insider, many Amazon drivers typically have between 170 and 350 deliveries per shift, and many of these drivers are monitored by a company app in order to ascertain how swiftly those deliveries are made and whether all of them have been completed. The pressure to meet delivery demands can push some Amazon delivery drivers to partake in unsafe driving practices such as:
- Distracted Driving: Amazon drivers use the delivery app to navigate, scan packages, and track their time all while operating a vehicle. When their attention is split between the screen and the road, it can drive them to make dangerous errors.
- Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations: In order to make quotas and follow strict delivery requirements, some drivers may be working beyond their allocated shift times. Especially during high-demand periods such as holidays and Prime Day, these drivers may be exceeding their typical hours of service or working longer, more exhausting shifts that can dull their attention and awareness on the road.
- Inexperienced or Improperly Trained Drivers: While Amazon refuses to directly employ drivers with a record, their DSP program may inadvertently allow some negligent drivers to get behind the wheel. In the past, Amazon delivery truck drivers with concerning driving records have been the cause of serious, even fatal, harm to others.
Types of Injuries Caused by Amazon Truck Accidents in Ohio
Amazon delivery trucks are often larger vehicles that can cause a substantial amount of damage in the case of a collision or traffic accident. Amazon truck accidents can be the source of catastrophic and fatal injuries such as:
- Severe Burns
- Multiple bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Amputations
- Organ Damage
These injuries can require extensive or even lifelong medical care, which can be costly to obtain. An experienced trucking accident attorney can help you hold liable parties like Amazon accountable and seek the fiscal security you need to focus on recovery.
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Ohio Amazon Truck Accident?
Depending on the details of your case, the following damages may be recoverable in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Loss of income, benefits, etc.
- Current and future accident-related medical expenses
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Depending on the nature of your loved one’s death and your relationship with them, the following damages may be recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of inheritance
- Mental anguish
In extreme cases of neglectful conduct, you can also recover punitive damages from an at-fault party and help deter future misconduct.
Steps to Take After an Amazon Truck Accident in Ohio
There are safe driving tips that you can practice (such as maintaining a safe following distance and staying out of a truck’s blind spot), but you can still encounter unexpected circumstances on the road. It’s difficult to prepare for the possibility of getting into a truck accident, but remembering the following steps can help you:
Prioritize your health
Health and safety are always the primary priority. In the event of a motor vehicle accident, call 911 as soon as possible to get medical assistance and police on the scene.
Make sure that you allow a health professional to check you over even if you feel alright or believe that your injuries aren’t significant, as some symptoms and injuries may manifest later or worsen over time.
Document the scene
Don’t move your vehicle unless its position is putting you in further danger or if you’re explicitly instructed to do so authorities.
If you’re able to, try to collect as much evidence as you can (e.g. photos, information, and contacts) as soon as possible.
Try to obtain photos of the following:
- Visible damage to either vehicle
- The license plate of the Amazon truck
- Any debris and skid marks on the road from the accident
- Any relevant traffic signs
- The position of each vehicle on the road and their relative position to each other
- Any visible injuries that you and/or your passengers have due to the wreck
- Traffic conditions and weather conditions
All of this information can help investigators and prospective legal support in reconstructing the accident and determining who is at fault.
Exchange information
Get the names and contact information of any other drivers who witnessed the accident and are willing to give an account 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. Don’t forget to share your auto insurance and your own contact information in return.
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.
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 have a negative impact your ability to recover damages down the road.
How an Ohio Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
If you are the victim of someone else’s negligent actions, it can be overwhelming to navigate a personal injury claim while dealing with recovery and the aftermath of your accident. Our Columbus personal injury lawyers can help take on some of your burden so that you can focus on taking care of your health and return to what’s important to you.
Our Columbus accident lawyers can help you in a wide array of ways, such as:
- Investigating the Accident: We’ll help gather crucial pieces of evidence such as medical records and police reports, speak with witnesses, and reconstruct events to build a solid case.
- Determining Liability: Our legal team can identify all possible liable parties (such as Amazon) and establish their role in causing your injury.
- Calculating Damages: We can assess the full scope of your losses, including medical costs, lost income, and your pain and suffering.
- Handling Insurance Negotiations: We’ll communicate and negotiate with the insurance companies to seek a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Representing You in Court: The majority of cases settle, but, if necessary, we have the court experience to represent you before a judge and jury.
- Providing Legal Guidance: We will answer your questions, explain the legal process, and help you make informed decisions throughout your case.
Ohio Statute of Limitations for Amazon Truck Accident Claims
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident (ORC). While there are exceptions to this, it’s always best to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as you can. Acting sooner can help your attorney gather evidence that may become more buried with time. Call now for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the support and guidance you need.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ohio Amazon Truck Accident Claims
Can I Sue Amazon Directly for a Truck Accident in Ohio?
Yes, you can sue Amazon directly for a truck accident involving their delivery vehicles. Even if Amazon insists that DSP workers or individually contracted workers such as their Amazon Flex drivers are not their responsibility, Amazon can often be held at fault for the misconduct that Amazon delivery drivers carry out while on the clock.
How Much Is an Amazon Truck Accident Case Worth in Ohio?
Because each case is unique, there is no guaranteed settlement or verdict amount for an Amazon trucking accident case. Our attorneys can help you calculate the cost of your losses and explain your possible avenues for financial recovery.
Should I Accept Amazon’s First Settlement Offer?
That is your decision. However, this may prevent you from recovering the full compensation that you deserve. The first offer is often designed to minimize the insurer’s payout rather than fully compensate you for the damages that you’ve suffered. It is always best to consult an experienced personal injury attorney before accepting any offer, as we can provide the necessary experience and knowledge to help you achieve justice and financial recovery.
How Much Does an Ohio Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Because we believe in making justice more accessible, The Fitch Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you’ll pay nothing unless we secure a settlement or a verdict for you.
If you were the victim of an Amazon Truck Accident, call our firm today to share the details of your case and learn more about your legal rights. Acting quickly may positively affect the outcome of your case. The sooner you speak with a qualified Amazon truck accident lawyer, the sooner you can take legal action and begin fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Ohio Cities We Serve After Amazon Truck Accidents
Our main office is located in the heart of downtown Columbus, but we also have satellite offices in Dayton, Marion, Springfield, and Delaware. Our Amazon truck accident lawyers represent injured victims all throughout the state of Ohio, and we can travel to meet you where you are and help guide you through the legal process.
Contact an Ohio Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you loved was injured in an Amazon trucking accident, don’t wait until the statute of limits passes. Our law firm will help you learn more about your rights as an injured party and will take the necessary steps to help you build a strong case for financial recovery.
Contact The Fitch Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Amazon Columbus truck accident lawyer. We have more than 30 years of experience representing injured victims, and we have successfully obtained millions of dollars of compensation for our clients.
We’ll fight for the justice and compensation you deserve, because you shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.