Lombard, Illinois Amazon Truck Accident Attorneys

Determining Liability and Negligence in Amazon Truck Accidents

Amazon truck accidents differ from standard motor vehicle crashes due to the complexity of identifying responsible parties. Amazon's delivery model involves multiple layers of responsibility, and determining who is liable may require a detailed examination of contracts, employment status, and vehicle ownership.

Potentially liable parties include:

• The delivery driver, for negligent actions such as speeding, distraction, or fatigue.
• The third-party delivery company, for failing to train or supervise drivers or maintain vehicles.
• Amazon, if it exercised significant control over the driver's operations or created unsafe conditions through scheduling practices or performance requirements.
• Vehicle maintenance providers, if mechanical failure contributed to the crash.
• Cargo handlers, if improperly loaded packages caused the vehicle to become unstable.

Illinois law requires proving that a party owed a duty of care, breached that duty through negligent or reckless conduct, and caused injuries as a result. Evidence such as dashcam footage, delivery logs, GPS tracking data, and maintenance records is often critical in establishing fault. Our attorneys draw upon extensive resources and investigative experience to build strong claims that hold all responsible parties accountable.

Common Causes of Amazon Delivery Truck Accidents

Fatigue Due to Long Hours

Amazon delivery drivers frequently work long shifts, often under intense pressure to complete hundreds of deliveries per day. Fatigue can significantly impair a driver's reaction time and judgment, increasing the risk of serious accidents. Although federal regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a commercial driver can be on the road, Amazon delivery drivers often feel pressured to bypass these rules.

Distracted Driving

The use of handheld devices, GPS systems, and mobile apps is integral to Amazon's delivery system, with drivers constantly scanning for addresses, updating routes, and logging deliveries. This constant digital engagement creates significant opportunities for distracted driving. A momentary lapse in attention can lead to rear-end collisions, pedestrian accidents, or side-swipes on narrow streets in residential areas of Lombard.

Improperly Loaded and Poorly Maintained Fleet Vehicles

Amazon contracts with numerous third-party delivery companies, some of which operate under tight budgets and without consistent oversight. Poorly maintained vehicles, including brake failures or bald tires, are a common cause of delivery truck accidents. Additionally, improperly loaded cargo may shift during transit, affecting a truck's balance and leading to rollovers or jackknife incidents.

Driving in Unfamiliar Areas

Amazon drivers often follow constantly changing routes, navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods and commercial districts. Inexperience with local traffic patterns, road signs, or one-way streets in Lombard can lead to illegal turns, missed stop signs, and dangerous merging maneuvers. This lack of familiarity contributes to a higher likelihood of collisions, particularly in residential zones or during peak traffic hours.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

In order to meet strict delivery deadlines, some Amazon drivers resort to speeding or aggressive driving behavior. Failing to yield, running red lights, and abrupt lane changes are frequently reported in relation to Amazon delivery vehicles. These actions significantly increase the risk of catastrophic accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists.