What Should I Do After a Serious Accident With an Amazon Truck?

 Posted on February 26, 2026 in Car Accidents

When an Amazon delivery vehicle collides with another vehicle or a pedestrian, the results can be disastrous. Worse, when the victims of these accidents seek payment for their damages, they are often met with resistance from legal teams and insurers. If you have been injured by a negligent Amazon driver, working with a skilled attorney is important.

At Schwartz Injury Law, our Joliet, IL Amazon accident lawyers are not afraid to take on your case. We have won multi-million dollar cases on behalf of our clients, so you can trust us to handle a high-stakes claim with care.

Should You Call the Police After a Collision With an Amazon Vehicle?

You should call the police after any serious crash, including one involving an Amazon delivery truck or van. A police report creates an official record of what happened. That report can become key evidence later.

In Illinois, drivers must report a crash if it results in injury, death, or significant property damage (625 ILCS 5/11-407). When a large commercial vehicle is involved, it is even more important to document the scene properly.

When officers arrive, give clear and honest information. Avoid guessing about speed or fault. Let the officer investigate. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, the road, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get the driver’s name, employer information, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information.

Amazon vehicles are often marked. However, some drivers use personal cars through delivery programs. Make sure the police report reflects that the driver was making a delivery at the time of the crash. That detail can affect your claim.

Documenting Your Injuries After a Serious Amazon Accident

Many serious injuries do not show symptoms right away. Even if you think you are "just sore," you should still see a doctor. Concussions, internal bleeding, and spinal injuries can take hours or days to become obvious. Waiting too long to get care can put your health at risk.

Waiting to seek medical attention can also hurt your legal claim. Insurance companies look closely at the timeline between the crash and your first medical visit. If there is a long delay, they may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.

Prompt treatment helps create a clear link between the collision and your injuries. Follow all medical advice, and attend follow-up appointments. Additionally, hold on to any copies of medical records, bills, and prescriptions. You may also want to keep a journal. Write down your pain levels, missed workdays, and daily struggles. This record can help show how the accident changed your life.

Who Is Liable for an Amazon Accident in Illinois?

Liability in an Amazon accident can be complex. Amazon uses a mix of employees and independent contractors to deliver packages, which means blame can fall to different parties.

An employee works directly for a company. If an employee causes a crash while doing his or her job, the employer (in this case Amazon) is often responsible under a legal rule called respondeat superior. That means the company can be held liable for the employee’s actions.

Independent contractors are different. They are often hired through third-party delivery service partners or gig-style programs. Companies sometimes argue they are not responsible for contractors’ actions. When an independent contractor causes a crash, the delivery service partner is typically responsible for paying for your damages.

However, the distinction between employee and contractor isn’t always clear. Courts look at the actual relationship between the company and the driver. If Amazon controls how the independent contractor does the job, sets strict delivery schedules, monitors routes, and requires specific procedures, the driver may be treated more like an employee.

Figuring Out How Much Your Accident Claim Is Worth

No two accident claims are the same. The value of your case depends on several factors. Commercial vehicle cases sometimes involve higher insurance policy limits, which can make a difference when you are severely injured.

You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgery, therapy, and future treatment. Lost wages are also important. If you miss work or cannot return to your previous job, that loss should be calculated carefully. Damage to your property, like a totaled vehicle, can also be factored into your total damages.

Not all damages are measured in dollars, either. You can also be paid out for non-economic damages. This category includes physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment from your normal life activities.

Still, insurers often fight hard in these cases. They may argue that your injuries were pre-existing or that you were partly at fault. A detailed review of medical records, wage statements, and accident evidence is critical.

What to Do if You Are Approached by Insurers

After a serious crash, you may receive a call from an insurance adjuster within days. The adjuster may sound friendly and concerned, but the adjuster’s first priority is to minimize responsibility. With that in mind, you should be cautious about giving recorded statements. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.

You should also be careful with early settlement offers. Insurers sometimes offer quick payments before the full extent of your injuries is known. Accepting an early offer may require you to sign a release. Once you sign, you may lose the right to seek more compensation later, even if your condition worsens.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for an Amazon Accident in 2026?

In most Illinois personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, the court may dismiss your case. That can mean losing your right to seek compensation entirely.

There are a few exceptions to the statute of limitations. For example, claims involving minors or certain government entities may follow different timelines. However, it is risky to rely on exceptions. The best thing you can do is to take legal action early, before you lose the chance to seek compensation.

Contact a Will County, IL Amazon Accident Attorney

At Schwartz Injury Law, we know how complex commercial vehicle cases can be. Our firm can review the details of your crash and work toward a financial remedy for you. Call 708-888-2160 or contact our Will County, IL personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation.