Who is Liable for an Amazon Delivery Service Partner Accident in Colorado?

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At Donaldson Law, LLC, our Denver personal injury attorneys know commercial vehicle crash liability involves numerous moving parts due to the complex interplay of various factors and parties.

Determining liability can include evaluating the roles of the driver, the employing company, vehicle maintenance contractors, and potentially even third-party manufacturers if mechanical failure is involved. Each of these parties may have different responsibilities and insurance coverages, adding layers of complexity.

Today, some commercial vehicle crashes have become even more complicated. In 2018, Amazon launched its Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program. According to the online retail giant’s website, as of January 2024, over 3,500 DSP companies employed more than 275,000 drivers in 19 countries.

The program aims to create a network of delivery companies that can provide last-mile delivery services for Amazon. Amazon provides DSPs with tools, training, equipment, and resources to help them build and scale their businesses. In return, DSPs partner with Amazon to deliver over 20 million packages daily to customers worldwide, including Colorado.

The question is, who is liable for a crash involving a DSP? The driver? The DSP? Amazon?

We have answers.

How Do Crash Victims Know Which Company to Pursue After Being Injured in a Delivery Service Partner Accident in Colorado?

Delivery service partners are impossible to miss in Colorado. They are seen in plain “sprinter” vans traversing highways, city streets, and neighborhoods throughout the state.

The easiest way to identify DSPs is that they are delivering Amazon packages without the brand’s logo on their vehicles.

DSPs are independent businesses that contract with larger companies, like Amazon, to provide delivery services. These partners are responsible for managing their teams of delivery drivers, maintaining their vehicles, and ensuring that packages are delivered on time and in good condition.

DSPs are independent contractors who handle deliveries for Amazon, and their drivers are typically employees of these DSP companies. If an accident occurs, the DSP company is responsible for its drivers’ actions while on the job.

However, Amazon might also share some liability under certain circumstances. If Amazon exercises significant control over the delivery process, such as dictating routes, schedules, and delivery procedures, it could be argued that Amazon has a degree of responsibility.

Additionally, if the accident results from systemic issues like unrealistic delivery expectations or inadequate training that Amazon imposes, Amazon could potentially be held liable.

In many cases, the injured party may need to file a claim against the DSP’s insurance. However, if Amazon’s involvement is significant, pursuing a claim against Amazon could also be an option.

Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation of the specifics of the accident and the relationship between Amazon and the DSP. We can help.

Contact Our Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Contact our experienced delivery vehicle accident attorneys in Denver at Donaldson Law, LLC, by calling (720) 458-5000 or online to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. We have the resources and experience to handle the complexities of your case, so no detail is left to chance during your recovery.

Filed Under: Accident

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