Can I Sue if I Was Hit by an Amazon Delivery Truck in Pennsylvania?
Amazon ships thousands of packages every day to customers across Pennsylvania and the United States. In order to ensure that these packages arrive on time, many drivers are pressured to meet unrealistic goals. This is just one way that an Amazon delivery truck accident could occur. If an Amazon delivery driver injured you or a family member, consult with an experienced Philadelphia Amazon truck accident lawyer. We understand the dangers caused by reckless delivery drivers, and we are here to help you pursue your injury claim. The Reiff Law Firm explains whether a victim can sue after being struck by an Amazon delivery truck.
Who Is Liable for an Amazon Delivery Truck Accident in Pennsylvania?
Ascertaining who is liable for an Amazon accident can be difficult at times. The primary reason for this is that Amazon hires its delivery drivers as independent contractors. An independent contractor is a worker that has more freedom to perform their job without constant direction from their employer.
By alleging that all their delivery drivers are independent contractors, Amazon may have a valid defense against liability for a delivery truck accident. Additionally, Amazon does not own any delivery trucks or transportation companies in order to deliver their goods. The delivery drivers used by Amazon typically work for a private company that owns the vehicles used to transport the packages.
However, some delivery drivers that work with Amazon have raised concerns that Amazon may have a deeper role in the delivery of their items. For example, in a report by CBS, some drivers are instructed step-by-step from Amazon dispatchers when they are completing their route. This may be seen as some evidence that Amazon has some control over its delivery drivers despite claiming they are independent contractors.
The driver of the delivery truck can also be liable for an accident with another driver if they acted negligently. For example, if a delivery driver caused a rear-end collision with another motorist because they were in a rush to deliver their packages, this could make them liable for the crash. In this situation you may want to contact a Philadelphia rear end collision lawyer.
Additionally, if a private company employed a truck driver, the company could also be held liable for the driver’s actions via vicarious liability. For example, if a truck driver caused an accident while in the middle of completing their delivery route, the accident could be imputed to their employer as it occurred within the scope of the driver’s employment.
There are some circumstances where an Amazon could be held liable for the actions of a delivery driver. For example, Amazon Flex drivers are provided with insurance that can be used to cover certain types of accidents.
To learn more about filing a lawsuit for an Amazon delivery car accident, you should continue reading and contact an experienced Pennsylvania Amazon delivery truck accident lawyer.
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit for an Amazon Truck Accident in Pennsylvania
If a negligent Amazon truck driver caused you to suffer a serious injury, you should pursue a personal injury lawsuit against that driver. Potential plaintiffs should be aware that personal injury lawsuits are subject to the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations determines how long a claimant has to file a certain type of lawsuit. The filing deadline will vary depending on the type of lawsuit wishes to file. For example, a personal injury lawsuit may have a different deadline than a case based on medical malpractice.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations deadline for a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury. When a plaintiff allows their case to expire before filing suit, they will be barred from recovery. This can happen if a defendant motions for the court to dismiss the case due to a violation of the statute of limitations.
It is important to note that there are some ways that a filing deadline could be delayed. However, you should not rely on this possibility when pursuing your claim.
With the strict filing deadline for personal injury lawsuits in Pennsylvania, potential plaintiffs should waste no time in speaking with an experienced attorney. Aside from the statute of limitations, there are other risks to consider when a claimant waits too long to pursue a lawsuit. For example, if the testimony of a witness is vital to your case, you do not want to risk the possibility of a fading memory because you waited nearly two years to file the case. Additionally, witnesses could also move from the state, or other pieces of evidence needed for the case may be difficult to recover after a year or two.
Our firm can also help you pursue a claim against Amazon directly. Depending on the circumstances of your case, there is a possibility they could be liable for the accident.
Contact Our Experienced Pennsylvania Amazon Delivery Truck Accident Lawyers to Discuss Your Claim
If you or a family member was struck by an Amazon delivery driver, you should waste no time in speaking with an experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyer. The committed legal team at the Reiff Law Firm possess decades of combined legal experience, and we are prepared to use our knowledge to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. You do not have to fight your case alone, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 for a free legal consultation. You can also contact us online.
