Crashes involving Amazon trucks often result in massive damage. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles, combined with tight delivery schedules, make them a serious hazard when things go wrong.
If you were injured in an accident, seeking the support of a knowledgeable El Monte Amazon truck accident lawyer can be a critical step in your recovery journey.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped countless accident victims recover the compensation they need after devastating collisions. Our legal team has extensive experience going head-to-head with corporate giants like Amazon and their insurers.
Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with an El Monte truck accident lawyer.
The Legal Responsibilities of Amazon and Its Drivers
Commercial delivery operations, including Amazon’s sprawling logistics network, must comply with strict state and federal regulations to ensure safety on the road. These rules are in place to prevent the exact kind of tragedies many accident victims endure.
Some of the safety standards Amazon drivers and their employers must follow include:
- Holding a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Drivers operating larger trucks must pass tests to obtain a CDL to legally drive these vehicles.
- Obtaining endorsements: If transporting hazardous materials or oversized cargo, an Amazon driver will need special endorsements on their licence.
- Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance: Amazon must have its fleet regularly inspected and serviced to ensure it is safe to be on the road.
- Compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) laws: Commercial truck drivers must follow strict regulations for how long they can be on duty without rest.
When these laws are violated, whether from rushing to meet quotas, cutting corners on inspections, or pushing drivers beyond legal working hours, accidents happen. And when they do, victims can pursue legal action to hold the wrongdoers accountable.
An experienced El Monte personal injury lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against Amazon after a crash.
A Knowledgeable Amazon Truck Accident Lawyer Serving El Monte Can Help You Prove Liability
Determining liability in Amazon crashes involves many more complications than in a standard car accident case. Amazon frequently uses independent contractors or partners, which allows them to argue they’re not directly responsible when something goes wrong. However, that doesn’t mean they’re free from accountability.
Potentially liable parties in an El Monte Amazon truck accident may include:
- The Amazon driver
- Amazon
- A third-party Delivery Service Partner (DSP)
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Cargo loaders
- Other drivers involved in the collision
- Local government agencies responsible for road maintenance
Each of these entities may share a portion of the blame. At Omega Law Group, our El Monte legal team works quickly to investigate every aspect of the crash, gather evidence, and identify all at-fault parties. This is crucial for maximizing your potential compensation.
Additionally, we will complete and file all the paperwork necessary for your case before the deadlines established by California’s personal injury statute of limitations.
California’s Comparative Negligence System: How It Affects Your Claim
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you can still pursue compensation. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages are $100,000, and you’re found to be 20% at fault for the accident, you could still recover $80,000 for your losses. Because California uses a pure comparative negligence model, injured parties can potentially pursue a claim even if they were 99% to blame.
Insurance companies are well aware of this rule and often try to shift blame onto victims to minimize their payouts. This is one of many reasons it’s essential to have a skilled Amazon truck accident attorney serving El Monte on your side. Your attorney can push back against these tactics and fight for the full amount you deserve.
Dealing With Amazon and Its Insurance Providers
After a crash, Amazon and its affiliates often act fast, usually through their insurance carriers or legal teams. You may receive calls from adjusters offering quick settlements or asking seemingly innocent questions.
However, you must proceed with caution during any interactions. These companies are solely focused on protecting their bottom line.
You can expect an insurance adjuster to employ a variety of tactics to minimize the amount they have to pay. The insurance adjuster may attempt to:
- Get you to admit partial fault
- Ask you to make statements that can be used against you
- Offer a lowball settlement to get rid of the claim quickly
- Delay your claim processing so you get desperate or give up
- Dispute the seriousness of your injuries or say they were pre-existing
You don’t have to deal with insurers alone. Once you hire an experienced El Monte Amazon truck accident attorney, all communication must go through your lawyer, who will shield you from bad-faith tactics and negotiate from a position of strength. In fact, your lawyer may pursue a bad-faith insurance claim lawsuit against the insurer if they crossed any legal lines.
Should You Accept a Settlement From Amazon’s Insurer?
Most Amazon truck accident cases settle out of court. However, while your case is likely to be resolved through a settlement, accepting the first offer is usually a mistake. Insurers often propose settlements before you’ve had a full medical evaluation or know the long-term costs of your injuries.
An experienced Amazon truck accident lawyer in El Monte can help you:
- Calculate the full value of your compensatory damages, including future medical bills and lost earning capacity
- Evaluate whether the settlement offer reflects your needs
- Negotiate assertively to maximize your compensation
- Take your case to trial if negotiations break down
At our firm, we prepare every case as if it’s headed to trial. This strategic mindset improves your leverage in negotiations and ensures you’re never forced into accepting an unfair deal. If a trial should prove necessary, we are ready to help you fight for the compensation you need in court.
Contact an Experienced Amazon Truck Accident Attorney in El Monte Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Amazon delivery truck in El Monte, you don’t have to face the consequences alone.
At Omega Law Group, we bring the knowledge, resources, and aggressive advocacy required to take on powerful companies like Amazon and their insurers.
Our team has recovered millions of dollars in damages and is dedicated to providing personalized legal support from start to finish. Schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation today.
Let us help you understand your rights and move forward with confidence after an Amazon truck accident in El Monte.