Joliet Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer

Attorneys Pursuing Full Settlements for Amazon Truck Accidents in Joliet, IL

If you are involved in an accident with a truck bearing the Amazon logo, it is natural to expect the accident to be handled like any other auto accident. It would make sense that an accident caused by an Amazon driver would allow you to file a claim against the company and receive a settlement for your injuries. Unfortunately, among other complications, despite the Amazon logo on the truck, the vehicle could actually be what Amazon calls a delivery service partner (DSP).

Amazon uses more than 3,000 DSPs to deliver packages. Think of a DSP as an Amazon "franchise." This can cause confusion following an accident with an Amazon driver. While the assumption is that Amazon will pay for your injuries like UPS or FedEx would, you could find that this is not the case.

If you are the victim of an Amazon truck accident, you can consult with a knowledgeable Amazon truck accident lawyer from McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC. Your attorney will be able to sort out the details of the accident and then determine who can be held liable for your injuries. That may be Amazon, the DSP, or even an independent driver.

What Causes Amazon Driver Accidents?

As is true for any profession, some Amazon drivers are safer than others. Amazon has safety procedures in place, which include mandatory vehicle inspections that must be performed on a regular basis. Drivers who are on tight schedules might skip these inspections or ignore potential safety issues. They may choose not to risk taking a vehicle off the road for "minor" safety issues like faulty tires, a damaged backup camera, or inoperable brake lights.

While a safe vehicle is important to ensure that packages can be delivered correctly, the most important safety feature is a focused, attentive driver. The same issues that cause auto accidents nationwide also cause Amazon truck accidents. These issues include:

• Distracted driving, including the use of technology necessary for delivery drivers like a GPS device
• Driving while overly fatigued or sleepy
• Impaired driving
• Careless or reckless driving
• Unsafe driving conditions

Driver fatigue is more common among delivery and truck drivers than the "average" driver. Long hours on the road and tight delivery schedules for Amazon drivers can impact liability if a driver's fatigue causes an accident.

Is Amazon Responsible for Amazon Truck Accidents?

In some ways, an accident with an Amazon truck is not fundamentally different from other types of auto accidents. The same basic principles of liability and damages also apply to Amazon truck accidents. However, there may be some factors involving liability unique to an accident with an Amazon truck. These can include:

• If the Amazon driver is employed directly with Amazon, then the company is likely liable for the driver's actions. This concept falls under the "respondeat superior" doctrine, which holds employers liable for negligence on the part of their employees within the scope of their employment.
• Amazon could also be liable if its policies and procedures contributed to an accident. For example, it may be possible to bring a lawsuit against Amazon because the company's unrealistic delivery schedules encouraged drivers to engage in unsafe practices that led to an accident.
• If the driver is a DSP, then his or her personal or company auto insurance will apply. In this case, the process is similar to being hit by any driver with insurance. If the driver is uninsured, then the victim's insurance may apply if the policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• Some collisions involving Amazon drivers can involve multiple insurance policies, including Amazon's insurance, the driver's personal auto insurance, and the insurance of the victim or any other parties involved in the accident. Sorting out insurance and liability issues can be extremely complex, and people in these situations can virtually always benefit by receiving assistance from an experienced attorney at McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC.

Contact a Joliet Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer

Bringing a lawsuit against a large corporation can be extremely overwhelming. Securing representation from an attorney who is not intimidated by a massive company like Amazon can help ensure that you will be able to recover the compensation you deserve. McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC has extensive experience dealing with large corporations, and we will never hesitate to go up against them, whether during negotiation or litigation. Whether your accident involves an Amazon truck or is another type of truck accident, we can help. We will accurately calculate your damages, identify the liable party, and work to hold them responsible for your injuries. Contact McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC at 815-727-0100 for a free consultation with a knowledgeable Amazon truck accident attorney.