Amazon deliveries have been rapidly increasing in recent times. In 2020, Amazon Logistics delivered 4.2 billion parcels, up from 1.9 billion in the previous year.
With a significant increase in Amazon delivery vehicles on the road, there are, unfortunately, more accidents.
One recent high-profile incident occurred in Atlanta in March 2021. A blue Amazon delivery van slammed into the back of a Tesla Model S. Thus, causing the passenger in the back seat of the car to suffer life-changing brain and spinal cord injuries.
Other recent road accidents involving Amazon delivery vans include one in Dallas in February. There was also one in Massachusetts in January. The latter involved a man suffering brain injuries from a head-on collision.
Lawsuits are brought against Amazon for those cases. The person in the Atlanta accident claims Amazon is liable. They claim this due to the algorithms, apps, and devices the company employs to manage its delivery logistics.
Determining liability for road accidents can be complex. Both parties involved in an Amazon delivery van accident have the right to defend their rights and best interests. The law actively works to protect people who sustain injuries and have unfair treatment.
So, people in accidents can file lawsuits and gain financial compensation for things like medical expenses, loss of earnings, and pain and anguish. However, they should do so by hiring an accident lawyer who can navigate the complexities of the case.
If your business’s delivery vans are in an accident, your company could end up facing liability claims, just like Amazon. That can end up being financially devastating for your business. It can also lead to your company gaining a bad reputation.
Therefore, you should take the appropriate steps to protect your business from experiencing similar situations. In order to protect your business from delivery vehicle accidents, consider the main causes of the Amazon delivery van incidents.
While the liabilities of certain cases have yet to be proven, it is known that many Amazon drivers are overworked. And overworking your drivers can lead to accidents happening. To avoid this, ensure your delivery drivers are not fatigued. If they are, accidents are more likely to happen. So, make sure they take adequate rest breaks. Also, make sure individual drivers do not work too much overtime.
Have set rules in place for maximum hours per workweek and rest periods. Ensure that drivers follow these rules to prevent accidents from happening.
Another common cause of delivery-van accidents is speeding. If your company pressures drivers into making deliveries on time, they can end up speeding to meet deadlines.
Drivers should never speed. It puts them and others in danger. So, make sure your drivers stick to the speed limit.
You can always use route optimization software to ensure deliveries are made on time without the driver needing to put his or her foot down.
You can also help to protect your drivers from road accidents by testing them to ensure they are not intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.
Training can go a long way to help ensure your drivers do not speed or drink while on the job. There are also numerous other things that can contribute towards accidents happening. So, make sure you thoroughly train all of your drivers before they begin delivering your goods.
Finally, you need to look after your vehicles as much as your drivers. By ensuring you conduct vehicle checks and maintenance regularly, you can ensure no vehicle issues contribute to road accidents.
As long as you follow the above tips, you can help to protect your drivers from accidents and avoid facing lawsuits like Amazon are currently dealing with.
