New Orleans Amazon Van Accident Lawyer

Amazon Delivery Van Accidents

Common Causes of Accidents With Amazon Delivery Drivers

Amazon has high quota expectations for its delivery drivers. With an expectation of 250-350 packages delivered daily (even up to 400 packages a day during peak times), Amazon drivers are under more pressure to perform than ever. Our personal injury lawyers in New Orleans are seasoned in handling Amazon delivery accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries and death. 

Different Types of Amazon Delivery Drivers

Amazon has independent contractors and part-time employees that are referred to as “Amazon Flex Drivers.” These drivers have to use their own vehicle and are required to have their own auto insurance. Amazon offers these drivers their own insurance add-on to supplement each individual’s personal policy, this policy is called Amazon Flex Insurance. Amazon Flex Insurance covers liability and underinsured/uninsured motorists, as well as contingent comprehensive and collision coverage. In order for this policy to be used, the driver must be actively delivering packages. This is similar to Uber and Lyft’s insurance in that the driver must be active on the job for this policy to kick in.

Other delivery drivers work for Amazon through third-party delivery service partners (DSPs). These drivers deliver packages in Amazon’s delivery vans.  Amazon controls routes, drivers, and merchandise delivered. DSPs cover driver wages, health benefits, as well as vehicle upkeep.

A car crash with an Amazon delivery driver could be caused by:

• Driver fatigue
• Improper turning
• Sudden lane changes
• Aggressive driving
• Intoxication
• Distracted driving (phone, GPS, etc.)
• Driving the wrong way down a one-way street
• Lack of safety training from Amazon

Amazon provides quick training for new delivery drivers. However, they lack specialized safety training that is common among delivery services of Amazon’s size. According to Business Insider, Amazon ditched a five-day training program that the company proposed in 2018 after a year of deadly accidents involving Amazon truck drivers. In leaked memos, Amazon executives internally reasoned with canning the training by saying it would “bottleneck” delivery times due to new drivers having to take this safety training.

Given the lack of training and high delivery quotas, Amazon delivery drivers are often under-trained and over-worked. These factors can sometimes be the cause of an accident by contributing to conditions such as driver fatigue and error of judgment. 

Speak with Us Today

Our firm can assist you in holding Amazon accountable for your injuries. Contact our office today so we can begin the process of getting you the compensation that you deserve.