Many of us are familiar with Amazon Prime – order a package on Amazon and expect it within the next few days. Have you ever wondered how they get it to you so quickly? The answer may come at a human cost.
Shipping Gets Faster, Accident Numbers Grow
Last month, an op-ed article co-published by the New York Times and ProPublica recalled the tragic story of 9-month-old Gabrielle from Maine. In January, an Amazon delivery driver backed a 26-foot box truck into the back of the girl’s mother’s jeep, killing Gabrielle in the backseat.
ProPublica’s investigation into the underlying cause of the matter showed that there have actually been more than 60 Amazon delivery-related accidents since June 2015, including 10 deaths. However, that number is most likely only a small percentage of the actual number of accidents that have occurred.
Amazon Avoids Liability
In recent years, Amazon has made a relentless push to get more and more goods to consumers’ homes in less and less time. To keep up with its evergrowing amount of Amazon Prime orders, the company has outsourced multitudes of truck drivers without taking the necessary precautions to ensure that they take adequate stop and sleep breaks. Amazon requires that 999 out of every 1,000 deliveries be on time. In an interview after the incident, the driver who drove the truck that killed 9-month-old Gabrielle said that he “was running late and failed to spot the Jeep in time to avoid the crash.”
The powerhouse company has managed to avoid liability when accidents occur involving its contracted drivers, claiming repeatedly in court that it is not responsible for the actions or negligence of its drivers. However, there has been more push to see the company take responsibility for its actions and the pressure it puts on drivers to deliver products on time.
Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident
We know all too well that accidents involving commercial trucks can be complex. Many of these large and powerful companies will attempt to avoid liability by any means necessary. The bottom line is that negligent parties should be held liable if an accident like this occurs.
If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a commercial trucking accident, the legal team at Shevlin Smith is here for you. We will fight hard to ensure that liable parties are held accountable for their actions and that you and your family receive just and fair financial recovery.
Contact Shevlin Smith at 703-721-4233 to schedule a free case review with our firm.