How Often Are Pedestrians Hit By Speeding Amazon Drivers?

TL;DR: Official crash records donโ€™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 Amazonโ€™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 before critical evidence and insurance options disappear.

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    While thereโ€™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.

    Hereโ€™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 Amazonโ€™s performance systems.
    Groups Most 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 AK Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation 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 Amazonโ€™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 AK Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

    Real-Life Pedestrian Accidents Involving Amazon Drivers

    These incidents reveal the danger pedestrians face when delivery drivers donโ€™t follow traffic laws:

    Baltimore โ€” 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, โ€œThey should definitely be held accountable. I just pray that that womanโ€™s okay.โ€

    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 โ€” 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 busโ€™s stop sign and flashing lights. Police said the driver โ€œappeared to have been distracted by utilizing a map feature on her cell phoneโ€ when the incident happened.

    Georgia โ€” 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 theyโ€™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 victimโ€™s income or financial support.
    • Loss of companionship and emotional support.

    Having a compassionate wrongful death lawyer means someone is there to handle the details, investigate the crash, and speak on behalf of the family during a very difficult time.

    Chicago โ€” 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 womanโ€™s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Amazon. Following the incident, Amazon shared a public statement:

    โ€œOur 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.โ€

    If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian incident, intersection accident, or any type of collision involving an Amazon delivery vehicle, our legal team can assist you in understanding your options. Our car accident lawyers, representing Amazon truck accident victims, will listen, investigate, and fight for your rights.

    How Amazonโ€™s Growth Is Fueling Delivery Risks

    Amazon delivery driver distracted by phone while driving

    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 Amazonโ€™s contractors had nearly twice as many unsafe driving violations compared to other delivery companies. These violations included:

    Supply chain expert Jason Miller of Michigan State University commented:

    โ€œI 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.โ€

    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 Amazonโ€™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 doesnโ€™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 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, theyโ€™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?

    Amazon Driver making deliveries on neighborhood

    If you were in a traffic accident involving an Amazon delivery vehicle, you might ask, โ€œDoes Amazon pay me if I get injured?โ€ or โ€œCan I sue Amazon if I get hurt?โ€

    Liability depends on the details of the crash and the driverโ€™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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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. โ€” 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 โ€” 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 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 isnโ€™t listed here, contact us directly. Weโ€™ll listen to your story and help you understand your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation.

    How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After Getting Hit By An Amazon Delivery Driver In California?

    Injured teen and guardian consulting a personal injury lawyer after an Amazon delivery accident

    In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. This action is called the statute of limitations.

    However, some exceptions can affect your deadline:

    • Late Discovery Rule โ€” If you didnโ€™t realize your injuries were from the crash, the clock starts when you learn about the connection.
    • Minors โ€” 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 โ€” If the at-fault driver or company leaves California, that time may not count against your two years.
    • Mental Disability โ€” 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 โ€” If a government agency was involved, you may need to file an administrative claim within 6 months.

    These rules can be tricky, so itโ€™s smart to act fast. Talking to a personal injury lawyer who handles delivery truck accidents can help protect your rights. Fill out our โ€œDo I Have A Case?โ€ form if you want to know if you have a case.

    What If The Amazon Driver Didnโ€™t Have Enough Insurance?

    You may still have options, even if the at-fault driver didnโ€™t carry enough insurance.

    • If the driver was working for Amazon Flex at the time of the crash, Amazonโ€™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 isnโ€™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 sources of compensation.

    Can I Afford To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer For An Amazon Truck Accident?

    If youโ€™re thinking, โ€œI need a personal injury lawyer,โ€ but youโ€™re worried about the cost, most injury attorneys only get paid if they win your case. That means you donโ€™t have to pay upfront. Instead, they take a portion of your settlement or court award.

    Hereโ€™s how it works:

    • No Upfront Costs โ€” You donโ€™t need to pay attorneyโ€™s fees upfront.
    • Paid Only if You Win โ€” The lawyer takes a part of the money you get if your case is successful.
    • No Fee if You Lose โ€” If you donโ€™t win, you usually donโ€™t have to pay the lawyer.
    • Other Costs May Apply โ€” Some costs, like filing or expert fees, may be taken from your settlement. Your injury lawyer will talk to you about these early on.

    Contingency fees make legal help more accessible. This arrangement motivates the truck accident lawyer to fight for the best outcome.

    Can I Sue Amazon Directly?

    Amazon usually avoids being sued directly by using Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) and independent contractors. However, in some cases, people have claimed that Amazonโ€™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

    Injured client meeting with a personal injury attorney for a free Amazon truck accident case evaluation

    Dealing with the aftermath of an Amazon truck accident can be tough. Itโ€™s even harder if youโ€™re injured and have to deal with unhelpful insurance companies. 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 AK Law will hear your story and assess your case. They can check if your claim is valid. Then, they will explain how to get 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 find options for compensation.

    Our legal team is ready to stand up for victims, even when it means going up against large companies like Amazon. They will handle all the legal side, so you donโ€™t have to. Call (888) 488-1391 and get free accident lawyer advice.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Arash Khorsandi, ESQ
    Founder, Arash Law

    Arash Khorsandi, Esq. is the owner and founder of Arash Law, a large injuries and accidents law firm with offices throughout California. Over the years, Arash has built an all-star team of record-breaking lawyers, former insurance company adjusters, and the best paralegal staff in the country in order to ensure that his client’s cases result in the best possible outcome. In fact, our California personal injury law firm has won countless awards and distinctions in the field of plaintiffs Personal Injury law.

    Recover Lost Wages, Property Damages, and Medical Fees.
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    We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, callย (888) 488-1391 โ€” We’re here 24 hours a day.

    DISCLAIMER: Information provided on this blog is not formal legal advice. It is generic legal information. Under no circumstances should the information on this page be relied upon when deciding the proper course of a legal action. Always obtain a free and confidential case evaluation from a reputable attorney near you if you think you might have a personal injury lawsuit.

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