Amazon delivered over 5 billion Prime packages worldwide in 2017. To deliver that massive volume of packages, Amazon contracts with drivers through its Flex program. They also use FedEx, UPS, USPS, as well as third-party courier companies that it calls "delivery service partners" or DSPs. These DSPs employ and manage drivers and fleets of vehicles to deliver Amazon packages. According to a recent article published by Business Insider, many Amazon drivers reported a variety of abuses and dangerous conditions. Here's a link to the complete article: Link

     Business Insider spoke with 31 current or recently employed drivers about what it was like to deliver packages for Amazon. They reported many alleged abuses, including lack of overtime, missing wages, and favoritism. More significantly to my personal injury law practice in Utah, they also reported a physically demanding work environment in which, under strict time demands, they felt pressured to drive at dangerously high speeds, blow stop signs, and urinate in bottles in their trucks. Some drivers also reported being unable to see over giant stacks of packages in their vehicles.

     The level of deliveries being made by Amazon and other services is astounding. The pressure to get everything delivered on time is intense. However, safety should never be compromised. If the allegations in the Business Insider story are true, there may be an increase in accidents and injuries related to these deliveries.

     Amazon DSPs and other delivery services should have adequate liability insurance coverage to pay for any injuries and damages they cause. In addition, depending on the specific facts, it could be argued that Amazon itself is also partially liable for the acts of its DSPs, if, for instance, it placed undue pressure on them to deliver unreasonable levels of packages, or otherwise failed to encourage safety.

     If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with an Amazon delivery driver or any other commercial truck or delivery vehicle in Utah, I would be happy to talk to you for free to discuss your options. There are unique legal aspects of these types of cases which distinguish them from ordinary car accidents. An experienced Utah injury attorney can help you navigate these sometimes difficult waters. Please contact The Faerber Law Firm, PC today at (801) 438-1099.