Amazon Truck and Van Accidents

In 2023, Amazon reported delivering almost 6 billion packages to customers in the United States, for an average of over 16 million packages every single day. This figure marked an increase of roughly one billion packages from the year before, underscoring Americans’ growing dependence on e-commerce solutions to fulfill many of their retail needs.

As the number of Amazon deliveries continues to increase year over year, the number of delivery vehicles on our public and private roads will also continue to multiply. Amazon boasts a fleet of approximately 100,000 vehicles, including semi-trucks, vans, electric vehicles, and even airplanes. While this growing fleet of delivery vehicles plays a critical role in providing consumers with swift and convenient retail service, the ever-increasing number of delivery vehicles on the road may pose certain risks to other drivers and pedestrians in our local communities.

Let’s discuss some of the risks associated with Amazon’s breakneck delivery pace and explore what legal recourse may be available to motorists involved in accidents with Amazon delivery trucks and vans.

How common are delivery truck and van accidents?

While Amazon’s industry-leading fulfillment times offer consumers unprecedented convenience and control for their e-commerce needs, there are some risks associated with the public’s growing dependence upon Amazon’s delivery service.

For example, the number of traffic accidents involving large trucks and buses has been steadily increasing in Georgia over the last several years, and we are on track to see roughly 10,000 of these accidents by the end of 2025. While most of these accidents are non-fatal, there are still very real risks associated with all major traffic accidents, and these risks will likely increase significantly with Amazon’s expanding fleet.

What causes Amazon truck and van accidents?

Several different factors may contribute to the growing number of truck and van accidents in Georgia. In the case of Amazon, here are some causes for concern:

• Growing demand: More Amazon orders mean more trucks are needed to fulfill them. An increased number of delivery vehicles on the road increases the chances of those vehicles being involved in motor vehicle accidents.
• Fast pace: Amazon specializes in delivering products swiftly – sometimes in just a matter of hours. This commitment often places immense pressure on drivers to meet tight deadlines. This can lead to reckless or otherwise unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding.
• Lack of oversight: Many Amazon delivery drivers are contract employees, which means there is a lack of professional oversight. This lack of supervision and training makes drivers more prone to accidents and traffic violations.

Who is liable for Amazon truck and van accidents?

Determining liability in Amazon delivery vehicle accidents can be difficult due to the company’s complex delivery network. Amazon drivers fall into one of the following categories:

• Amazon employees: While most of Amazon’s workers serve as third-party contractors, some delivery drivers are formally employed by the corporation to fulfill deliveries.
• Third-party contractors: Amazon often contracts with other companies to handle deliveries. These drivers may either be working as independent contractors for those third-party companies or may be full-time employees of those companies.
• Amazon Flex drivers: Amazon offers the Amazon Flex program, which allows independent contractors to use their personal vehicles to make deliveries.

When an Amazon driver or vehicle is involved in a motor vehicle accident or other traffic incident, liability is highly contingent upon the driver’s relationship with Amazon. In cases involving independent contractors, Amazon would not generally be held liable for any damages associated with the accident. However, Amazon does offer commercial auto insurance to protect Flex drivers while executing their professional duties.

Generally, business entities cannot be held liable for the actions of their independent contractors. However, Georgia law states that a business may be deemed liable in incidents involving independent contractors if:

• The work performed by the contractor is illegal or naturally dangerous.
• The independent contractor’s actions violate a legal duty the employer is responsible for.
• The employer controls the work, making the contractor more like an employee.
• The employer approves or supports the contractor’s wrongful actions after the fact.

Based on these legal stipulations, there may be some cases in which third-party delivery contractors may be considered liable for the reckless or negligent actions of their independent drivers. Subsequently, it is vital for delivery drivers and other motorists involved in accidents to consult with experienced legal professionals to assess and determine the most viable channel of liability prior to undertaking any legal actions.

Determining who is at fault in Georgia

Victims of accidents involving Amazon delivery vehicles often face significant hurdles when seeking compensation because of the complex process of determining fault and liability. Georgia utilizes a modified comparative negligence system both for determining fault and for evaluating damages owed. Our comparative negligence system assigns fault in an accident based on each party’s level of responsibility. If a plaintiff is found to be partially at fault, their damages will ultimately be reduced by their percentage of blame.

For example, let’s say an Amazon truck fails to signal while changing lanes on the interstate, and another driver is forced to veer into a guardrail to avoid a collision. The Amazon driver would likely be considered 100% responsible for this accident unless it was discovered that the other driver involved in the accident was texting and driving or speeding at the time of the incident. In that scenario, if the other driver was deemed 20% liable for the incident, their damages would be proportionally reduced by 20%.

It is important to note that Georgia’s fault system also stipulates that if both parties are found equally responsible for an accident, neither party is entitled to collect damages from the other. Simply put, you must be less than 50% responsible for an accident to pursue compensation from the other involved party.

Need legal representation?

Amazon truck and van accidents can be complex. Having experienced legal representation is crucial for victims of these accidents. At Harris Lowry Manton, LLP, our team of knowledgeable attorneys has a reputation for success in cases involving trucks and vans in the state of Georgia.

We can help you determine liability, build your case, and pursue the best possible outcome for your unique situation. We will work to get you compensation for all your damages. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery vehicle, don’t wait to take action. Contact us today.