Accidents involving Amazon delivery trucks are becoming increasingly common with the surge in online shopping. And this is especially so in Houston and surrounding areas, one of the nation’s key transport hubs with some of its deadliest roads. If you find yourself involved in an accident with an Amazon truck, it’s important to understand where you stand legally.
Amazon delivery truck accidents differ from standard car collisions not only in the level of damage and injury they can cause but also in the specific laws that govern them from state to state. Large companies like Amazon have dedicated legal teams to handle their cases, making it essential that you have experienced legal representation on your side.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an Amazon truck accident in Houston or anywhere in the state of Texas, contact The Callahan Law Firm for a cost-free consultation with an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer to find out about your legal options and next steps.
What Are Amazon Truck Accidents?
The laws governing Amazon truck accidents can depend on the type of vehicle, ownership, and the relationship between Amazon and its drivers, and will affect the legal approach to an accident, particularly when determining liability and insurance coverage.
Amazon’s delivery network operates under different models:
- Amazon Flex: Independent contractors use their own vehicles to make deliveries.
- Delivery Service Partners (DSPs): Small businesses are contracted to provide delivery services using Amazon-branded vans.
- Third-Party Carriers: Large trucks, often operated by logistics partners, deliver packages over longer distances.
Houston Truck Accident Numbers
The high volume of commercial traffic in Houston corresponds with one of the highest accident rates in the country, with many of these motor vehicle accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. In 2023 alone,
- there were 19,485 truck accidents in Texas, more than 10% of the national total
- Harris County accounted for 6113 of those accidents, almost a third.
- at least 935 people were injured and 40 killed in Harris County truck accidents
Common Causes of Amazon Truck Accidents
Amazon trucks are susceptible to many of the same causes of accidents as regular vehicles, and more. Due to the size and weight of Amazon delivery vehicles, the effect of a collision in terms of injuries and damages can be significant. Some of the common causes of Amazon truck accidents include the following:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Improper loading or overloading
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Adverse weather conditions
- Inexperienced drivers
Potential Injuries from Amazon Truck Accidents
Accidents involving Amazon trucks can lead to severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and smaller vehicles. Common injuries reported in these accidents include:
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries: Caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head, whiplash can lead to chronic neck pain and limited mobility. In addition, soft tissue including muscles, ligaments and tendons in different parts of the body including the back, shoulders, wrists, hands, knees, hips, ankles and feet can suffer injury as a result of the sudden, abrupt forces of an impact.
Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis are common injuries in truck accidents. Some fractures may require surgery and result in permanent impairment.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): When the brain is jolted inside the skull or otherwise sustains trauma, it can lead to concussions, contusions, hematomas or worse. TBIs are all too often permanent, life-time injuries that impact the injured person and their family indefinitely.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, nerve damage, or chronic pain. These injuries often lead to lifelong complications and require extensive medical care.
Internal Injuries: Internal injuries such as bleeding or organ damage may not be immediately noticeable but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Fatalities.
In some cases, injuries may not manifest right away, which is why it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately following an accident. A thorough medical examination can identify hidden injuries and prevent complications down the road.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
In Texas, truck accidents are governed by state transportation laws which incorporate many of the federal regulations set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations, which can apply to commercial vehicles like Amazon delivery trucks, are comprehensive and cover driver qualifications, working hours, vehicle maintenance and safety standards, and more.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one as the result of an Amazon truck accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you recuperate the costs of medical bills and other expenses related to the accident.
Texas follows a fault-based liability system, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for any damages resulting. In the case of Amazon truck accidents, liability can fall on the truck driver, Amazon, or even third-party contractors. Amazon’s various divisions and ownership structures may involve different insurance policies and degrees of liability, adding complexity to your case. It’s important to consult with a Texas truck accident lawyer who is familiar with how these entities are organized and how they relate to one another, to ensure your rights are fully protected.
Obtaining and preserving critical evidence is essential to proving your case if you have been in an Amazon truck accident. This includes obtaining the police report, retaining an accident reconstructionist and other experts when appropriate to download electronic data from the Amazon truck, visit the crash scene, take measurements, photographs, and obtain further essential crash data, gathering eyewitness statements, obtaining available video of the crash from nearby businesses when possible, and potentially much more.
What Should You Do After an Amazon Truck Accident?
If you are involved in an Amazon truck accident, remain calm and carry out the following steps:
- Check for Injuries
Check on the occupants of both vehicles and call for medical assistance if needed. - Call the Police
If the police aren’t called to the scene, report the accident as soon as possible afterwards. - Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and take down their vehicle registration. - Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible damages. - Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. - Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine initially, it’s essential to seek a medical evaluation promptly. - Gather Evidence
Keep all records that might be relevant for your case, like police reports, medical bills or insurance correspondence. - Contact a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
To ensure your rights are protected, it is critical to the success of your claim that you consult with an experienced local truck accident lawyer who can help you during this challenging time.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim after an accident with an Amazon truck can seem overwhelming, but there are certain steps that should be taken including the following:
Collect Evidence: Gather information from the scene including witness contact details, and keep all documentation related to the accident and resulting expenses, such as police reports, medical bills, repair estimates, insurance correspondence, etc.
Report the Accident: Call the police so that they can come to the scene, investigate the crash and create a report with their findings.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney: Contact an experienced Amazon truck accident attorney who will take all the necessary steps to ensure your rights are protected.
Why Choose The Callahan Law Firm?
Truck accident claims, especially those involving large corporations like Amazon, can be daunting without proper legal representation. From gathering critical evidence at the beginning of the case through to taking the case to trial when necessary, The Callahan Law Firm delivers personalized attention to help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and maximize your recovery.
Our team, led by Michael Callahan, brings over 25 years of experience successfully standing up to large corporations on behalf of individuals and families. If you’ve been injured in an Amazon truck accident, contact The Callahan Law Firm today for a cost-free consultation with one of our Houston truck accident attorneys to find out what we can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after an accident?
Check for injuries and call for emergency medical assistance when needed. And call the police. Exchange information with the other driver and collect contact details from any witnesses. Call The Callahan Law Firm and talk with an experienced Amazon truck attorney who can help.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident or injury. It is critical to consult with an experienced attorney to determine the exact time frame that applies to the facts of your case, as there are exceptions to this general rule.
What kind of compensation can I receive?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, physical impairment, mental anguish, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages if gross negligence is proven. The amount will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries or losses.
Who can be held liable in an Amazon truck accident?
Liability can extend to multiple parties, including the Amazon driver, Amazon itself, and potentially third-party contractors involved in the delivery. Factors such as driver negligence, vehicle maintenance issues, and corporate policies may influence liability.
