Over 230 million Americans use Amazon, generating a staggering $1.4 billion in sales daily for the company. One of the retailer’s most alluring aspects is its efficiency. In some markets, a product only takes a few hours to arrive on your doorstep after you order it. Amazon has introduced the Flex program to keep up with the demand for quick shipping. It allows drivers to deliver Amazon packages using their own vehicles — similar to how Uber and Lyft operate. For drivers, the program provides a flexible way to make money. But who’s responsible if you get in a crash with an Amazon Flex driver while they’re on the job?
The Amazon Flex Program
To qualify for Amazon Flex, drivers must be 21 or older, drive a 4-door midsize sedan or larger vehicle, and have a valid driver’s license. They must also meet local insurance requirements, have a valid Social Security number, and live in a city where Amazon Flex operates. Once a driver meets these requirements, they’re accepted to the program. Amazon Flex drivers work in blocks for two to six hours. During these blocks, they pick up packages for delivery and take them to customers. The average Amazon Flex driver earns between $18 and $25 an hour, which makes it an attractive option for anyone looking for extra income.
Workers are classified as independent contractors, which means they aren’t considered Amazon employees. They don’t receive benefits like health insurance or have taxes withheld from paychecks, and drivers are responsible for the expenses they incur while driving, like fuel and tolls. Because Amazon Flex workers aren’t employees, it may feel confusing to determine how Amazon might respond after a traffic collision. Amazon details its insurance requirements for workers and shares information about the company’s offerings in case of an accident.
The Amazon Commercial Auto Insurance Policy covers drivers while actively working as long as they have personal auto insurance. This policy has auto liability coverage of $1,000,000, uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage. This insurance is available at no cost in every state but New York. There are several stipulations to consider. Amazon’s insurance policy only kicks in when a driver is delivering during their scheduled block, and it’s voided if anyone else is driving the delivery worker’s car at the time of the accident. Additionally, if drivers rent or borrow a vehicle, they must ensure they have the needed coverage.
Amazon Flex Car Crashes
Amazon Flex drivers may feel pressured to make all their deliveries promptly, which can lead to speeding and reckless driving. These workers lack specialized driving training and may make the same mistakes as anyone else on the road. Even if drivers think they’re being careful on the road, they can still cause a traffic crash. Your first step after an accident — after calling an ambulance if anyone needs immediate medical attention — is exchanging contact and insurance information with involved parties.
You should also take pictures of any property damage and call the police — a police report can prove helpful when filing an insurance claim. The driver should reach out to Amazon to notify them about the accident. If you were at fault for the crash, the other driver might file a claim with your insurance company. Determining who’s responsible for a car crash can be difficult, and it’s vital that you don’t admit fault or apologize at the scene of the crash, even if you think you may have been partially at fault. This can be used against you down the road.
Finding a Car Accident Attorney After an Amazon Flex Crash
Hiring a car accident attorney is one of the most important things you can do after an Amazon Flex crash, especially if you sustained injuries during the accident. An attorney can help you navigate Amazon’s insurance claims process and ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve in the aftermath of a crash. If insurance isn’t offering enough compensation, a lawyer can assist you in filing a lawsuit to seek damages for your losses. You may be eligible to receive payment for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
The Cochran Firm Texas handles a wide variety of car wreck cases, including Amazon Flex crashes. After an accident, you’ll need an attorney knowledgeable about personal injury law and Amazon’s responsibility to ensure you’re treated fairly and receive all the compensation you deserve. Call us at 800-843-3476 or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Cochran Texas, we understand that needing legal help can be scary. It doesn’t have to be. We are a trusted leader in the legal profession and in our community. We know you are more than a case number. We get to know you as a person. This allows us to offer a balanced and thoughtful approach to giving you the best possible legal representation. Our mission is to protect the legal rights of ALL people in our community. No matter your race, gender, background or income level you have a right to skilled legal help. Call us at 800-843-3476.
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