Amazon, FedEx, and Delivery Driver Accidents in Phoenix

Phoenix’s roads are full of delivery vehicles — Amazon vans, FedEx trucks, UPS trucks, DoorDash drivers, Instacart shoppers, and dozens of other delivery services. These drivers are under constant pressure to meet delivery quotas, often working long hours and rushing between stops. It’s a recipe for accidents.

Why Delivery Driver Accidents Are Different

Unlike a typical car accident, a delivery driver accident often involves commercial liability. The company that employs or contracts with the driver may be liable — and commercial insurance policies are substantially larger than personal auto policies.

FedEx and UPS drivers are typically direct employees, making the company directly liable under respondeat superior.

Amazon uses a network of independent Delivery Service Partners (DSPs). Amazon argues the DSP is responsible, not Amazon. But courts have increasingly pierced this arrangement, finding Amazon exercises enough control over the drivers to bear liability.

DoorDash, Instacart, and gig drivers are classified as independent contractors. Liability against the platform company is harder to establish — but the driver’s personal auto policy and the platform’s supplemental coverage may apply.

Common Scenarios

Delivery drivers cause accidents by double-parking in travel lanes, making sudden stops to check addresses, backing into driveways and intersections with limited visibility, rushing through residential neighborhoods and school zones, and distracted driving while checking delivery apps.

What to Document

If a delivery driver hits you, photograph the vehicle — including any company branding, vehicle numbers, and license plates. Note the company name and driver information. The delivery vehicle likely has a GPS tracker and possibly a dashcam — evidence your attorney can subpoena.

The Law Badgers know how to pursue claims against delivery companies and their insurers. Call (833) DTF-IGHT.