Truck Company Liability

Accidents With Amazon Delivery Trucks Lawyers

Skilled legal help after you’re injured in a Columbus Amazon delivery truck accident

Amazon is one of the largest delivery networks in the world. With millions of packages delivered each day, it’s no surprise that Amazon trucks are a common sight on Columbus roads and highways. But with that kind of volume comes risk, and unfortunately, accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles are on the rise.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash involving an Amazon Prime truck or a Flex driver, you may be wondering who is responsible and what steps to take. At Soroka & Associates, our experienced Columbus truck accident lawyers are here to help.

Practice Areas

How can we help?

Columbus Truck Accident Lawyers

What are the different types of Amazon delivery vehicles?

Before we get into the details, it’s important to understand how Amazon’s delivery system works. Amazon uses three main types of delivery drivers:

  • Amazon DSP drivers. These are drivers who work for Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), which are small companies contracted by Amazon to handle local deliveries. These workers drive Amazon-branded vans, wear uniforms, and follow strict schedules set by Amazon.
  • Amazon Flex drivers. Flex drivers are independent contractors who use their personal vehicles to deliver packages. Think of them like Uber drivers, but for Amazon.
  • Amazon freight or semi-truck drivers. These are large trucks used to move goods between warehouses and fulfillment centers. Drivers may work for Amazon directly or for third-party freight companies.

Each of these driver types comes with different legal and insurance issues. We’ll explore this further later on.

What are some common causes of Amazon truck accidents in Columbus?

Amazon’s success depends on speedy delivery. Unfortunately, this pressure to meet tight deadlines can create dangerous situations on the road.

  • Amazon’s delivery timelines are tight. Drivers may be expected to deliver hundreds of packages in a single shift. That kind of pressure often leads to speeding, running stop signs, or unsafe turns just to stay on schedule.
  • Drivers rely heavily on GPS and Amazon’s delivery apps to manage routes, mark packages, and communicate with dispatchers. That means they’re frequently looking at screens or phones instead of the road.
  • Long hours and few breaks can lead to driver fatigue. Some reports allege that DSP drivers are working ten to 12-hour shifts without enough time to rest, eat, or even use the restroom. Fatigued driving is a major cause of truck accidents across the board.
  • Many DSP and Flex drivers receive minimal training. Some drivers are thrown into delivery routes with only a day or two of instruction, which can lead to errors in judgment, unfamiliarity with local traffic laws, or poor driving habits.
  • Flex drivers use their own cars, which may not be inspected or maintained to commercial safety standards. Even some DSP vans may not receive proper maintenance if the delivery company cuts corners.

Who can be held liable in a Columbus Amazon delivery truck accident?

If you’re in a crash with a regular commercial truck, it’s usually clear who’s responsible: the driver, the trucking company, or both. But Amazon’s setup can complicate things.

One of the biggest questions in an Amazon delivery accident is who can be held liable. That depends on who the driver works for.

  • Flex drivers are considered independent contractors, not Amazon employees. That means Amazon may try to deny responsibility, even though it controls many aspects of the delivery process.
  • DSP drivers technically work for small companies, Delivery Service Partners. But Amazon sets the rules, the schedule, and even the training. Depending on the circumstances, Amazon may still share responsibility for the accident.
  • If the truck was operated by a third-party company, that company may be liable. In some cases, Amazon might still be responsible if it had control over the driver or failed to enforce safety standards.

In short, figuring out who to sue in an Amazon truck accident isn’t easy. That’s where our skilled truck accident lawyers can help.

What insurance coverage applies to my Columbus Amazon delivery truck accident?

Another key issue after an Amazon truck accident is insurance. Here’s how it breaks down by driver type:

Amazon Flex drivers

Flex drivers are considered independent contractors and must carry their own personal auto insurance. Amazon also provides commercial auto coverage — but it only applies under specific conditions:

  • The driver must be actively delivering a package.
  • The accident must occur during a scheduled delivery block.
  • The driver must be using the Flex app at the time of the crash.

If any of those conditions aren't met, Amazon’s policy may not apply, and the injured party may have to file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance.

When Amazon’s coverage does apply, it offers up to $1 million in liability coverage for injuries or property damage to third parties. The policy also includes contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, with a $1,000 deductible and a $50,000 limit — but only if the driver has their own personal comprehensive and collision policy in place.

DSP drivers and independent contractors

Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) and independent contractors who operate Amazon-branded trucks and vans are required to carry more robust coverage. Amazon’s insurance requirements typically include:

  • $1 million in auto liability coverage per crash
  • $100,000 in cargo insurance to protect against damage or loss of packages
  • Commercial general liability coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total for non-vehicle-related incidents

In addition to these minimums, Amazon may carry supplemental coverage for DSP drivers depending on the specific terms of its contract with the delivery partner.

Amazon freight trucks

Larger freight trucks, which move goods between warehouses, usually have coverage under commercial trucking policies. However, identifying the proper insurance provider can be tricky because these trucks may be owned by Amazon, a third-party vendor, or a leasing company.

Given how much the insurance situation can vary depending on the driver type, contract terms, and circumstances of the crash, it’s important to have an experienced Columbus truck accident lawyer review the details of your case and determine all potential sources of compensation.

What steps should I take after an Amazon delivery truck accident?

If you’ve been injured in a crash with an Amazon delivery driver, here’s what you should do:

  • Call 911. Always report the accident. Get medical help if needed, and ask for a police report. That report will be important evidence later on.
  • Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Some injuries don’t show up right away. Plus, having medical records can help prove your injuries to the insurance company or in court.
  • If you’re able, take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident, any damage or skid marks, road signs and conditions, and the delivery truck’s branding (Amazon Prime, Flex, etc.). Also, write down the driver’s name, license plate number, and any statements they might make.
  • You may get a call from an Amazon representative or insurance adjuster. Don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
  • Call our Columbus truck accident lawyers. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, preserve critical evidence, and start building your claim right away.

At Soroka & Associates, we know how to deal with big companies like Amazon. We can help.

Why do I need a Columbus truck accident lawyer?

Amazon and its partners have big insurance companies and teams of lawyers on their side. Trying to take them on alone can leave you with far less compensation than you deserve. Here’s what an experienced truck accident lawyer can do for you:

  • Investigate who is truly responsible
  • Gather evidence like dashcam footage or delivery logs
  • Handle all insurance communications
  • Negotiate for full compensation
  • File a lawsuit, if needed

We’ve helped clients throughout Columbus and across Ohio recover damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

What compensation am I entitled to for my Amazon delivery truck accident?

If someone else caused your crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death (if you lost a loved one)

At Soroka & Associates, we fight to get our clients every dollar they’re owed.

Do you have a Columbus Amazon delivery truck accident lawyer near me?

Soroka & Associates meets clients at our Columbus office, located at 503 South Front Street, Suite 205. We’re happy to give you directions. We can also travel to you if you are unable to come to us.

Contact our delivery truck accident attorneys today

If you were injured by an Amazon delivery vehicle, whether it was a Prime van, a Flex driver’s car, or a semi-truck hauling Amazon freight, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Let the experienced team at Soroka & Associates guide you through the legal process. We know the tactics Amazon uses to dodge responsibility, and we have the resources and experience to hold them accountable. We represent victims of truck accidents that happen in and around Columbus and Central Ohio, including in Licking County, Delaware County, Fairfield County, and beyond. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to get started. Our initial consultations are always free.