TL;DR: Official crash records don’t isolate Amazon deliveries, but investigative reporting and lawsuits reveal that pedestrians from schoolchildren to seniors are struck when Amazon drivers speed, roll through stops, or miss bus signals in a rush to hit tightly timed routes. CBS News found Amazon’s contractors log nearly twice as many safety violations as other couriers, and cases in New Jersey, Georgia, and Baltimore show serious injuries and deaths tied to delivery pressure. If an Amazon driver hurt you, call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation to understand your rights.
Table of Contents
While there’s no official information on how often pedestrians are hit by speeding Amazon drivers, news reports and legal cases indicate that these incidents can happen across the U.S., especially in school zones, neighborhoods, and at intersections.
Many crashes involve drivers rushing to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading to speeding, missed signs, and failure to yield. Children, seniors, and pedestrians near crosswalks are especially at risk.
Here’s what reports reveal:
| Aspect | Key Insight |
| Frequency | No official count exists, but multiple incidents are reported nationwide. |
| Crash Locations | Neighborhoods, school zones, intersections, and residential streets. |
| Common Driver Behavior | Speeding, failing to yield, reversing unsafely, and ignoring traffic signs. |
| Primary Cause | Delivery deadlines and route pressure from Amazon’s performance systems. |
| Groups at Risk | Children, seniors, and pedestrians crossing at marked intersections. |
| Supporting Evidence | News investigations and legal cases highlight a recurring pattern of crashes. |
If a delivery driver crashed into you or someone you love, a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and what steps to take next. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
How Often Are Pedestrians Hit By Amazon Drivers Speeding To Meet Their Delivery Time?
Amazon truck accidents occur throughout the United States. No official data is tracking how often Amazon drivers hit pedestrians. However, a joint investigation by CBS News, BuzzFeed News, and ProPublica points to a troubling pattern of crashes linked to tight delivery windows. This pressure often leads to unsafe behaviors like speeding, a leading cause of pedestrian accidents.
In 2024, CBS News also reported that Amazon’s delivery contractors had more safety violations than other courier services. These findings suggest that some drivers may take risks or break traffic laws to stay on schedule.
If an Amazon driver hit you or someone you love, an experienced delivery truck accident lawyer can help you figure out your next steps. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Real-Life Pedestrian Accidents Involving Amazon Drivers
These incidents reveal the danger pedestrians face when delivery drivers don’t follow traffic laws:
Baltimore — February 2025
A woman was crossing at a city intersection when an Amazon van pulled forward at a green light and struck her. A witness said, “They should definitely be held accountable. I just pray that that woman’s okay.”
The Amazon spokesperson said they suspended the driver and are working with police and the local Delivery Service Partner (DSP) that hired the driver. These DSPs are small delivery companies that handle Amazon package deliveries.
New Jersey — December 2024
A distracted Amazon delivery driver hit a six-year-old girl and her grandmother while they were crossing the street after getting off a school bus. The driver ignored the bus’s stop sign and flashing lights. Police said the driver “appeared to have been distracted by utilizing a map feature on her cell phone” when the incident happened.
Georgia — November 2024
An Amazon driver allegedly hit and killed a 79-year-old man, then kept going and continued delivering packages. Investigators later found drugs in the van. The driver was charged with vehicular homicide, hit-and-run, and drug possession.
For the families left behind, the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be devastating both emotionally and financially. While nothing can undo the loss, the law allows surviving family members to seek financial recovery for what they’ve gone through. A personal injury attorney can assist them in pursuing wrongful death damages, such as:
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Medical expenses related to the crash.
- Loss of the victim’s income or financial support.
- Loss of companionship and emotional support.
Having a competent wrongful death lawyer means someone can help you handle the details, investigate the crash, and represent the decedent’s family during a very difficult time.
Chicago — December 2016
An 84-year-old woman was walking near the intersection of 28th and Drake just before Christmas when an Amazon delivery truck fatally struck her. Her family described her as active, caring, and a strong presence in both her church and community.
The woman’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Amazon. Following the incident, Amazon shared a public statement:
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Any accident that occurs is one too many, and we will work with the police and the delivery service provider as they investigate.”
If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian incident, intersection accident, or any type of collision involving an Amazon delivery vehicle, our team can assist you in understanding your options. Our car accident lawyers, representing Amazon truck accident victims, will listen, investigate, and advocate for your rights.
How Amazon’s Growth Is Fueling Delivery Risks
Online shopping has become part of everyday life, and Amazon plays a major role in that shift. As its customer base continues to grow, so does the number of daily deliveries. In the U.S. alone, Amazon completes around 1.6 million deliveries each day. To keep up, the company uses a mix of its own fleet and third-party drivers through programs like Amazon Flex and Delivery Service Partners.
Many of these drivers work for small delivery companies or as independent contractors. Instead of being paid hourly, many earn money per route or delivery, which can push them to rush. This time pressure raises the risk of unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding or distracted driving.
A 2024 CBS News investigation found that Amazon’s contractors had nearly twice as many unsafe driving violations compared to other delivery companies. These violations included:
- Speeding
- Using a phone while driving
- Other reckless driving behaviors
Supply chain expert Jason Miller of Michigan State University commented:
“I was stunned. You do not see effects like this normally, where you have a set of carriers that is almost twice as unsafe as a different set of carriers.”
Amazon Prime membership continues to grow, rising from 168.5 million in 2022 and expected to exceed 180 million by 2024. As membership and demand increase, more delivery trucks hit the road, adding pressure to deliver faster. That pressure can increase risks for everyone, especially pedestrians. If an accident occurred, pedestrian accident lawyers can help victims pursue damages against potentially liable parties.
Amazon Delivery Drivers Trends Compared To Other Delivery Services
Amazon delivery drivers have been cited for more safety violations than drivers from other major courier services like FedEx, UPS, and USPS. The 2024 CBS News investigation found that Amazon’s contracted drivers had nearly twice as many unsafe driving violations as those working for competing companies. These violations often involved speeding, distracted driving, and reckless behavior, all of which increase the risk of pedestrian crashes. Speeding-related accidents can be especially dangerous, as higher speeds result in more forceful impacts.
What Happens When Drivers Are Under Pressure
Amazon DSP drivers often make up to 180 stops a day and deliver between 250 and 300 packages, depending on their routes. The company uses routing software that plans each stop down to the minute. However, the system doesn’t always account for real-time delays like traffic, roadwork, or bad weather.
To keep their drivers on track, employers monitor their performance through an app. They rate drivers on:
- On-time delivery
- Number of completed stops
- Route efficiency
This constant tracking and pressure to stay on schedule can create a stressful work environment. Many drivers may feel the need to:
- Speed through routes.
- Skip breaks.
- Make unsafe decisions to avoid falling behind.
Over time, this pressure can lead to driver fatigue, which affects focus and reaction time. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that fatigue plays a role in up to 40% of fatal truck crashes.
When drivers are tired or rushing, they’re more likely to miss signs, overlook pedestrians, or make split-second errors. These risks put not only other drivers but also people walking on sidewalks or crossing streets in danger.
Who Can Be Held Liable In An Amazon Delivery Driver Accident?
If you were in a traffic accident involving an Amazon delivery vehicle, you might ask, “Does Amazon pay me if I get injured?” or “Can I sue Amazon if I get hurt?”
Liability depends on the details of the crash and the driver’s working status at the time. In many cases, more than one party could share responsibility.
Here are some of the parties that may be held liable:
- The Amazon Delivery Driver — The driver may be personally responsible if they were off duty or using the vehicle for personal reasons when the crash occurred.
- The Delivery Service Partner Company — If the driver worked for a DSP, that specific delivery company may be liable. DSPs are independent businesses that contract with Amazon and are responsible for hiring their own drivers.
The retail giant often argues it is not directly liable for crashes because of this setup, placing responsibility on the DSPs. This legal structure can make claims more complex, especially if the DSP ignored safety standards or pressured drivers to meet unrealistic delivery targets. - Amazon.com, Inc. — Amazon provides commercial auto insurance for Amazon Flex drivers while they are actively delivering. This policy includes:
- Up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Third Parties — Sometimes, other parties may also be at fault. Here are some scenarios to consider:
- A vehicle manufacturer is liable if a defect, like brake failure, caused the crash.
- A maintenance provider, if poor servicing led to the accident.
- Other drivers on the road may have contributed to the truck collision.
Knowing your options after an Amazon delivery accident is essential. A truck accident lawyer can help you understand what insurance coverage applies, who may be legally responsible, and whether you can file a lawsuit or an insurance claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Delivery Accident Cases
Amazon delivery accidents often raise complex legal and insurance questions, especially when drivers work for third-party companies or as independent contractors. Below are some of the most common questions people ask after being hurt in a crash involving an Amazon vehicle.
If your question isn’t listed here, contact us directly. We’ll listen to your story and help you understand your legal options during a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After Getting Hit By An Amazon Delivery Driver In California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. This is known as the statute of limitations.
However, some exceptions can affect your deadline:
- Late Discovery Rule — If you didn’t realize your injuries were from the crash, the clock starts when you should have reasonably learned about the connection.
- Minors — If the person hurt is under 18, the two-year clock starts when they turn 18. A parent or guardian can also file a claim sooner.
- Defendant Out of State — If the at-fault driver or company leaves California, that time may not count against your two years.
- Mental Disability — If the victim has a mental health illness that prevents them from handling legal issues related to their injury, they might have extra time to file.
- Government Involvement — If a government agency was involved, you may need to file an administrative claim within 6 months.
These rules can be tricky, so it’s smart to act fast. Talking to a personal injury lawyer who handles delivery truck accidents can help protect your rights. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form if you want to know if you have a case.
What If The Amazon Driver Didn’t Have Enough Insurance?
You may still have options, even if the at-fault driver didn’t carry enough insurance.
- If the driver was working for Amazon Flex at the time of the crash, Amazon’s commercial auto insurance may apply. This policy includes up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- If the driver worked for a DSP, the delivery company may have its own insurance policy.
- If the driver was off duty, their auto insurance would apply.
- If the available coverage isn’t enough, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help cover the remaining costs.
A truck accident attorney can review your options and identify all potential sources of compensation.
Can I Afford To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer For An Amazon Truck Accident?
If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer,” but you’re worried about the cost, it may help to know that our injury attorneys only get paid attorney’s fees if they win a case. That means clients don’t have to pay up front. Instead, our lawyers only take a portion of a final settlement or court award.
Here’s how it works:
- No Upfront Costs — You don’t need to pay attorney’s fees upfront.
- Contingency Fee Basis — The lawyer takes a part of the settlement or court award you get if your case is successful.
- No Attorney’s Fees If No Recovery — If no compensation is obtained, you usually don’t have to pay the lawyer.
- Other Costs May Apply — Some other case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome of your claim. Your injury lawyer will talk to you about these early on.
Contingency fees aim to make legal help more accessible. This arrangement motivates the truck accident lawyer to help you pursue compensation.
Can I Sue Amazon Directly?
Amazon usually cannot be sued directly because it uses DSPs and independent contractors. However, in some cases, people have claimed that Amazon’s delivery demands and routing tools create unsafe conditions. A truck accident lawyer can help figure out if Amazon may be partly responsible in your situation.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation From Arash Law
Dealing with the aftermath of an Amazon truck accident can be tough. It’s even harder if you’re injured and have to deal with insurance companies on your own. A free case evaluation gives you a safe and private place to discuss what happened. You can learn about your rights and options for the future.
The skilled delivery truck accident lawyers at Arash Law will hear your story and assess your case. They can check if your claim is valid. Then, they will explain how to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. We can assist you if you have medical bills, lost income, or are experiencing pain and suffering. We will assess the compensation options available in your case.
Our team is ready to advocate for victims, even when it means filing a claim against large companies like Amazon. They can handle the legal side, so you don’t have to. If you or a loved one were recently injured in an Amazon delivery truck crash, you may be looking for free accident lawyer advice. You can call (888) 488-1391 to get a free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
