Using one’s own vehicle to deliver packages and earn an income may seem like a dream come true. That’s what the Amazon Flex program is all about. In the event of an Amazon Flex accident, however, such an arrangement can lead to complications. If you get hit by an Amazon Flex driver, you may be wondering if you’re entitled to compensatory payment and who will take care of your medical bills? A skilled Camden auto accident attorney can help you answer these important questions.
The Difference Between Amazon Flex and DSP Drivers
First, it’s very important to differentiate between Amazon Flex and DSP drivers.
DSP stands for delivery service program. Individual delivery service program partners are the entities that hire the drivers, Amazon isn’t their employer. Still, there is an organization behind these professionals. Whenever they get into a crash, the organization’s insurance will cover the damages and the medical costs stemming from the collision.
Amazon Flex is an opportunity open to individuals who own a vehicle and who would like to make a bit of beer money on the side. Amazon Flex drivers are thus independent contractors that don’t have employee affiliation with Amazon or another company that’s responsible for package deliveries. This type of interaction minimizes liability for Amazon but can lead to some challenges that people hit by Amazon Flex drivers face.
What Happens After Getting Hit by an Amazon Flex Driver in South Carolina?
South Carolina is an at-fault state. The driver responsible for causing a crash has to cover damages and medical bills stemming from the collision. This type of coverage is provided by the driver’s insurance company, as long as fault can be established clearly.
Another important thing that your Camden auto accident lawyer will let you know is that comparative negligence laws also apply. The contributory negligence clause doesn’t keep you from getting compensated if your actions contributed to the crash. Your compensation, however, will be reduced by the percentage of involvement in the crash. To get compensated, you have to be less than 51 percent at fault for the crash.
Keeping this in mind, here’s the series of steps you’ll need to undertake if you get in an Amazon Flex accident:
- Make sure that you and all other individuals involved in the crash are ok, get medical attention if needed
- Call 911 to have police officers arriving and gathering evidence (you can request a police report later on)
- Document the crash (photos, videos)
- Ask witnesses for their contact details
- Get in touch with a Camden personal injury lawyer who’ll inform you about the subsequent steps
How Much Compensation Can You Expect After an Amazon Flex Accident?
Let’s discuss the most important thing first – even if you have the best lawyer, you can’t sue Amazon for negligence. That’s because Flex drivers aren’t Amazon employees.
Drivers enrolled in Amazon’s Flex program, however, are entitled to commercial vehicle insurance. This means Amazon’s insurance provider will be the entity that will pay for the damages, medical bills, pain, and suffering you incurred because of the crash.
Amazon’s insurance, however, will be available in two situations. The first one is the driver being on their way to pick up an order. The second one involves a package being in the car for delivery. If the driver is using their vehicle for any other purpose, the Amazon commercial insurance will not apply.
The amount you’ll get to recover depends on several important things:
- The extent of damages
- The injuries you sustained in the crash and the medical bills you’ll have to pay
- Whether these injuries will require long-term therapy
- Getting permanent disabilities because of the crash
- Having those permanent disabilities keeping you from earning an income
- Going through non-economic damages like pain and suffering
Reach Out to a Camden Auto Accident Attorney for Guidance
Some of the damages suffered in an Amazon Flex accident can be difficult to establish and prove. That’s why you need a very skilled representative who’ll negotiate on your behalf with Amazon’s insurance company.
Our Camden auto accident lawyers can handle such complex cases and give you the best outcome. Call us now at 803-310-5700 to benefit from a free case evaluation.