Accidents that involve Amazon delivery trucks happen more frequently than you might think. With Amazon’s massive fleet constantly rushing to meet tight deadlines, it’s no surprise that things sometimes go wrong. If you’ve been hurt in a crash with one of these trucks in Jacksonville, what you do afterward can have a huge impact on your recovery and legal case.
Call 911 Immediately
Even if the crash seems minor or you feel “mostly fine,” it’s important to call for help. The police will make an official accident report of what they see at the scene, and that document can make or break your case later. Also, some injuries don’t show up right away. You might feel okay for a few hours (or even days), only to have serious pain or life-threatening complications kick in later.
The police report also locks in the important facts before memories start to fade. If the Amazon driver was distracted, speeding, or breaking traffic laws, the officer’s notes will be a critical piece of unbiased evidence.
Get Medical Attention as Soon as You Can
Don’t try to tough it out. Get medical care right away, even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt. It’s common for crash injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage to sneak up on people in the days after the wreck.
Additionally, insurance companies will look for reasons to argue that you weren’t really hurt. If you wait to get checked out, it could hurt your claim later. The sooner you see a doctor, the stronger your case will be.
Take Pictures and Collect Evidence
If you’re physically able to do so, use your phone to take pictures at the scene. Focus on the damage to the vehicles, the road, skid marks, street signs, and your visible injuries. Get shots from different angles. Even small details can matter later.
If anyone else saw the crash, ask for their names and contact info so you can get their statements later. Eyewitness accounts can help back up your story, especially if the driver tries to shift the blame to you.
Don’t Give Statements to Insurance Adjusters
Adjusters are not your friends. Their job is to pay as little as possible. After an accident with an Amazon truck, you might get a call from their insurance within a day or two. They’ll sound friendly, but they’re really fishing for anything they can use against you.
Despite what they might tell you, you’re not required to give a recorded statement, and you shouldn’t without getting legal advice first. Even casual statements like “I’m feeling okay” can be twisted to minimize your trauma.
Understand Amazon’s Delivery System
Keep in mind that the driver who hit you might not even be an Amazon employee. Many drivers work for independent contractors called delivery service partners (DSPs), and that detail can change how you pursue your claim.
Instead of dealing directly with Amazon, you might have to go after the contractor’s insurance. Amazon might still be partly liable, though, depending on how much control they had over the driver’s workload.
When the Road Ahead Feels Uncertain
Accidents with Amazon trucks can turn your life upside down in an instant. You shouldn’t be stuck figuring out the next steps alone while you’re dealing with injuries and stress. The right personal injury firm will stand up for you when big companies try to push you around.
