Car Accidents Involving Amazon Drivers

As online shopping becomes more popular, companies like Amazon are relying more on their own delivery services to get packages to customers. While this may be convenient for shoppers, it has also led to an increase in accidents involving Amazon delivery drivers in both Kansas and Missouri. amazon driver

In 2020, Amazon reported 60 crashes per million miles driven by its delivery drivers, which is roughly half the rate of crashes reported by the United States Postal Service (USPS). A report by ProPublica found that Amazon delivery drivers are involved in accidents that result in serious injuries at a higher rate than drivers for other delivery companies. The report found that in 2019, Amazon delivery drivers were involved in 60% more accidents resulting in injury per 100 million miles driven than drivers for UPS. In Missouri, the number of crashes involving Amazon drivers has been increasing in recent years. According to data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 60 crashes involving Amazon delivery drivers in Missouri in 2020, up from 42 crashes in 2019.

Factors to Consider in Amazon Car Wreck Cases

Interestingly, car wrecks involving Amazon drivers are not fundamentally different from typical car wreck cases in both Kansas and Missouri. The basic legal principles and factors that determine fault, liability, and damages are the same in car wreck cases involving Amazon drivers as they are in other types of car wreck cases.

However, there are some unique factors to consider in car wreck cases involving Amazon drivers, such as:

  • Employer liability: If the Amazon driver was working at the time of the accident, Amazon may be liable for the driver’s actions under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior.” This doctrine holds that employers can be held liable for the negligent acts of their employees that occur within the scope of their employment.
  • Complex insurance issues: Car wrecks involving Amazon drivers can involve multiple insurance policies, including the driver's personal insurance, Amazon's insurance, and the insurance of any other parties involved in the accident. Sorting out the liability and insurance issues in these cases can be complex and require the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
  • Driver fatigue: Amazon drivers may be more prone to driver fatigue due to the demands of their job, such as long hours on the road and tight delivery schedules. If driver fatigue was a factor in the accident, it could impact liability and damages.
  • Technology issues: Amazon drivers may be using GPS devices, smartphones, or other technology while driving, which can be a distraction and contribute to the accident. In some cases, there may be issues related to the operation of the technology itself. 

In response to concerns about the safety of its delivery drivers, Amazon has implemented numerous safety measures, including requiring drivers to undergo safety training, including cameras in its delivery vehicles, and using technology to monitor driver behavior.

Overall, while car wrecks involving Amazon drivers are not fundamentally different from other car wreck cases, there may be some unique legal issues and factors to consider. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney quickly after a wreck and before any statements are given to Amazon or any insurance company who can help you navigate these issues. The Kansas City based personal injury lawyers at Foster Wallace, LLC offer no-cost consultations to discuss these issues with anyone (or any family member) affected after a car wreck. You can contact us directly on our website or call us at 816.249.2101 to speak with an experienced car wreck attorney.

Brian Wallace
Connect with me
Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney