Portland Amazon Delivery Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving Amazon delivery trucks are not uncommon. Unfortunately, those who sustain injuries or property damage as a result of these incidents often struggle to recover the compensation they are entitled to. At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, our team is here to help if you need a Portland Amazon delivery accident lawyer by your side. Our team has extensive experience handling complex truck accident claims throughout this state, and we have the resources necessary to stand up to aggressive insurance carriers and well-funded companies.
Portland Amazon Delivery Accident Resources
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Why Choose Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC?
Common Reasons that Amazon Delivery Accidents Occur
Accidents Caused By Vehicle Malfunctions
How Weather Can Cause Unsafe Delivery Conditions
Improperly Loaded Vehicles Can Cause Crashes
Dangerous Roads Contribute to Crashes
Other Drivers May Be Responsible for Collisions
Amazon’s Protocols Should Be Applied
Damages Caused by Driver Errors
How an Attorney Can Help
Who is Responsible for Paying Compensation?
Speak to an Attorney Today
Why Choose Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC for This Claim?
- At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, our Portland car accident attorney is devoted to pursuing justice on behalf of every client, and we ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for the injuries they cause.
- We have a high success rate both in and out of the courtroom, and we will be your trusted advocate to ensure your voice is heard.
- We handle Portland Amazon delivery accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients will not pay any legal fees until after we recover the compensation they need.
Common Reasons that Amazon Delivery Accidents Occur
Amazon delivery drivers are often working against time to fulfill next-day delivery expectations. This can put extra pressure on drivers working under limited time constraints, often driving in congested or unfamiliar areas. Driver error causes a great portion of Amazon delivery truck accidents for the reasons listed below:
- Driving at excessive speeds, as mentioned above, drivers are working with strict time constraints, and getting things done in a hurry is stressed in their line of work.
- Distracted driving leads to many roadway accidents, and delivery drivers have added distractions of finding their way around unfamiliar areas, looking at their GPS, and the normal distractions today’s drivers deal with.
- Fatigued driving causes accidents in the same way that alcohol-impaired driving does. Exhausted drivers struggle to make last-second decisions, and their reaction time often fails them.
- Failure to yield when merging with traffic commonly causes accidents with other motorists.
- Property damage and more can ensue when a driver forgets to set his emergency brake.
- Tailgating is another driver error that can end poorly for everyone involved. The size and weight of the vehicles make it difficult to slow down or stop as quickly as necessary, causing accidents.
- After completing a delivery, Amazon delivery drivers who back up too quickly can not see the oncoming traffic they are about to pull into can easily create damage.
- Ignoring traffic lights can be deadly.
Accidents Caused By Vehicle Malfunctions
Aside from driver error, other causes of accidents commonly happen. Sometimes they are caused by vehicle malfunctions. The following issues are commonly the reason these accidents occur:
- Braking is more difficult when driving a heavy vehicle, if the brake system has not been properly maintained, accidents are bound to happen.
- Tires should be inspected and have enough tread. Slick tires make stopping promptly when necessary very challenging.
- Adequate steering capability can mean the difference between a successful delivery and a traffic accident. Ensuring the steering capabilities function correctly should be a real concern for the Amazon delivery service.
Poor Weather Conditions Can Also Contribute to Unsafe Amazon Deliveries
Rain, snow, and fog can make driving more difficult. Drivers are on tight schedules despite the weather conditions. Still faced with a deadline and driver distractions, especially during the holiday season, fatigue and the addition of poor weather conditions can lead to tragic results.
The opportunities for accidents increase when the weather is uncooperative. Visibility becomes more of an issue, which is impacted by driving around unfamiliar areas. Sometimes, roads are icy or slick, causing more challenges when attempting to stop, slow down, or simply steer.
Improperly Loaded Vehicles Can Contribute to Amazon Delivery Accidents
Drivers are carrying vehicles fully loaded with packages to be delivered. It is essential that the cargo loaded into the vehicles is properly distributed for balance and also secured. If these steps are done improperly, the cargo may shift, and falling objects can lead to accidents.
Poor Road Conditions Are A Factor in Amazon Delivery Issues
Aside from the risks associated with poor weather, sometimes the actual roadways are the problem. Traveling along problematic roads on a deadline, often during busy times of the day, can be detrimental. The following are some of the road problems that impact the number of accidents that Amazon drivers experience:
- Poorly maintained roads, like potholes and poorly marked areas, can cause hazardous driving conditions.
- Construction zones and road work areas can be risky for those traveling alongside or working in areas frequented by Amazon delivery drivers.
- Missing guardrails can create dangerous conditions.
- Broken or missing traffic signs, like speed limit signs or signs giving traffic instructions, like stop or yield signs, are accidents that could have been otherwise avoided.
- Oil spills and icy roads increase the frequency of traffic accidents.
Other Drivers Can Be Partially to Blame in Amazon Delivery Accidents
Sometimes, other drivers on the road will share the blame for Amazon delivery accidents. Suppose you have been injured in a car accident with an Amazon delivery vehicle, and another automobile shares the fault of the accident. In that case, your Amazon delivery accident attorney can aid you in determining who is liable for your damages.
Sometimes, drivers make dangerous lane changes, fail to signal or engage in other risky behaviors. Because of the vehicles’ size and the uneven cargo load risk, it can be challenging for delivery truck drivers to avoid accidents.
Amazon’s Protocols Should Be Applied
Ultimately, Amazon has protocols in place to keep accidents to a minimum. Proper driver training is essential. Not only to get packages delivered on time, but so that the drivers and those around them remain safe when sharing the road. Ultimately, Amazon has protocols in place to keep accidents to a minimum.
Vehicle inspections must occur regularly because a vehicle’s condition can degrade without much notice. Drivers and the company are responsible for ensuring they put safe vehicles on the road.
Following traffic laws, even when deadlines are in place, can keep drivers and the rest of us safe. Fatigued drivers should take multiple breaks and only be allowed to drive for a limited number of hours.
The onus is on the company and its drivers to take measures to identify possible causes of accidents and prevent them before they end poorly.
Damages Caused by Driver Errors
Below are some damages that can occur when a driver error causes an accident. They can be minor to catastrophic, depending on the conditions.
- Physical injuries: Other drivers, pedestrians, and passengers in other automobiles can sustain serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), lacerations, abrasions, crush injuries, burns, and in the most extreme cases, fatalities.
- Property damage: When accidents happen due to driver error, significant damage to other vehicles, buildings, landscaping, fences, mailboxes, and other property can occur.
- Emotional anguish: Following involvement in an Amazon delivery truck accident can leave the victim traumatized and afraid. They may face anxiety, depression or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an accident.
- Lost wages: Injury victims are often prevented from working and could be compensated for their limited earning capacity.
- Medical expenses: Medical expenses can mount quickly. They include ambulance travel, emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, procedures and surgeries, prescriptions, follow-up care, mobility equipment, home alterations, and more.
- Pain and suffering: Victims suffer physical and emotional pain after experiencing Amazon delivery driver accidents.
- Reduced quality of life: Sadly, some accidents lead to a reduced quality of life caused by chronic pain, disability, scarring, and disfigurement or emotional trauma.
This is far from an exhaustive list. Your Portland Amazon delivery accident attorney can illuminate any other damages you may be eligible to request after reviewing your case.
How Will an Attorney Help a Portland Amazon Delivery Accident Case?
Amazon delivery truck accident claims are often challenging because it can be difficult to pinpoint liability on a single party. In addition to the complex nature of vehicle accidents to begin with, a delivery truck accident claim may have multiple liable parties, which means multiple insurance carriers and legal teams.
An Amazon delivery truck accident lawyer in Portland, Oregon can fully investigate the incident to gather the evidence needed to prove liability. They will also work diligently to uncover all liable parties and engage in negotiations to recover compensation on behalf of their client.
Who is Responsible for Paying Compensation for These Claims?
Amazon has been spending billions of dollars on developing an extensive delivery network across the United States. Right now, Amazon is the fourth largest shipping service in this country, behind only the USPS, FedEx, and UPS. With Amazon’s introduction of Prime Delivery, this often means there is a next-day delivery expectation. This has increased the pressure on Amazon delivery drivers.
What most people do not realize is that Amazon has two systems when it comes to making sure that packages get to their destinations. Yes, some Amazon delivery drivers work directly for the company, but there are also independent contractors through Amazon’s FLEX program.
Recovering compensation after an Amazon delivery accident will revolve around determining liability. Amazon is more likely to be held directly liable if one of its actual employees caused an accident. However, if an independent contractor caused a crash, recovering compensation from Amazon will be more challenging. A New York Times report recently found that Amazon is usually able to avoid paying legal and medical bills for crashes that result in serious injuries.
Contact a Portland Amazon Delivery Accident Lawyer Today
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident involving an Amazon delivery truck in the state of Oregon or the Pacific Northwest region, reach out to the team at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC for help as soon as possible. We have extensive experience handling complex injury claims, including truck accident cases throughout this state. Let us get to work recovering the compensation that you are entitled to. When you need a Portland Amazon delivery accident lawyer, contact us by clicking here for a free consultation or calling (503) 226-6361.