Online shopping has become the new craze and this has led to more and more delivery trucks on the road, especially Amazon trucks. This also means that with more trucks on the road there are more car accidents. While you think that Amazon delivery drivers have more experience and are well equipped to handle the road, they are just like any one of us, and accidents can happen. If you are involved in an accident, it can be difficult to determine which insurance company you need to file a claim with, which is why you need a Philadelphia Amazon accident attorney.
What factors lead to Amazon delivery accidents?
There are several factors that go into an Amazon delivery accident. There are also common injuries that result from these types of accidents. Here are a few examples of both injuries and causes of accidents:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Sudden lane changes
- Traumatic brain injury
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Herniated discs
This is not an exhaustive list and is only a few examples of what could happen and what can cause an accident. You should discuss your particular case with a Philadelphia Amazon accident attorney.
The Amazon insurance policy
Since delivery drivers are considered independent contractors, they are required to carry personal insurance coverage. Limits will vary by state but must meet the state minimum. Amazon also gives their delivery partners Amazon Commercial Auto Insurance which provides liability coverage, contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured drivers insurance. The caveat to this insurance is that the driver must be making an active delivery and cannot be off duty. It is also only available to drivers.
If an accident occurs, the status of the delivery driver is critical to determining which insurance policy will go into effect. This can be done by checking delivery drivers’ cell phones or delivery records. The caveat is that Amazon may not be willing to give up this information so easily. If an accident happens off the clock, then Amazon will not cover any of the damages and expenses, and the Amazon driver’s insurance policy will need to come into play.
How Amazon avoids liability
While Amazon heavily tracks their drivers using cameras, and other monitoring devices, they do not classify drivers as Amazon employees. Instead, drivers are contracted under a third-party company such as Amazon DSP. This is done intentionally for legal reasons such as when an accident occurs. An accident claim will go through the third party and their insurance which often has very small limits which do not cover the actual expenses related to an accident.
The argument that many people have is that Amazon micromanages its drivers and even requires them to wear Amazon uniforms, which should, in fact, mean they are classified as employees and not independent contractors. For now, however, that is not the case and if you are involved in an accident you will need the help of a Philadelphia Amazon accident attorney.
Will a driver’s insurance company pay?
Due to the potential liability of an accident, many personal insurance companies are unwilling to insure delivery drivers. They may offer commercial policies for drivers instead. There are other coverage options that delivery drivers may have access to that might be similar to those offered to rideshare drivers. Some of the companies that offer these programs are:
- Geico
- Farmers
- Allstate
- USAA
- Progressive
Depending on the insurance company a driver has and who was at fault for the accident, will determine how a claim should be filed. You will need a Philadelphia Amazon accident attorney to determine liability and which insurance company should be held liable after an accident.
Call Kwartler Manus in Philadelphia Today
Contact Kwartler Manus LLC at (267) 457-5570 to speak with a Philadelphia Amazon accident attorney today.