Amazon delivery vehicles are everywhere in South Carolina, handling thousands of packages each day. Unfortunately, this high volume has led to a growing number of accidents involving Amazon drivers. If you’ve been hit by one, you may be unsure who is responsible or how to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Because Amazon uses a mix of company drivers, Amazon Flex independent contractors, and Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), determining who must pay for your damages can be complex.
Immediate Steps to Take After Being Hit by an Amazon Driver
The minutes after a crash are crucial. Take these steps to protect yourself and preserve evidence:
Call 911
Always report the crash to the police. An official accident report will serve as vital evidence later.
Seek medical care
Get evaluated immediately, even if symptoms seem minor. Early medical documentation ties your injuries to the accident.
Collect information
Obtain the driver’s name, contact info, license plate, and employment details (Flex, DSP, or Amazon corporate).
Take photos and gather witnesses
Document vehicle positions, visible injuries, and damage.
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters
before consulting a lawyer; insurers may try to downplay your claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Amazon Delivery Accident in South Carolina?
Liability depends on the driver’s employment relationship:
Amazon Flex drivers
Independent contractors using personal vehicles. Their personal insurance applies first, but Amazon provides up to $1 million in commercial coverage when they’re actively delivering.
Delivery Service Partners (DSPs)
These local companies operate fleets under contract with Amazon. Both the DSP and its commercial insurer may share liability.
Amazon corporate drivers
If an accident involves a company-owned vehicle or a direct Amazon employee, Amazon may be directly liable.
Under South Carolina law, employers are responsible for accidents their employees cause while working if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment. Amazon often claims its drivers are independent contractors, not employees.
South Carolina courts decide this by looking at how much control Amazon has over the driver. If Amazon controls when, where, and how deliveries happen, the driver may legally be considered an employee, and Amazon could be held liable.
Insurance Coverage Options After an Amazon Delivery Accident
Understanding which insurance policy applies helps ensure full recovery:
Amazon Flex
When logged into the app and making deliveries, Amazon’s commercial policy offers $1 million in liability and UM/UIM coverage.
DSPs
usually have their own commercial auto insurance with varying limits.
Personal auto insurance
Applies if the driver was off-duty or not logged in.
Your own policy
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage, your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage under S.C. Code § 38-77-150 may pay remaining losses.
Common Causes of Amazon Driver Accidents in South Carolina
High-pressure delivery quotas and strict deadlines can lead to negligent driving, including:
- Speeding or unsafe lane changes.
- Distracted driving (phones, scanners, GPS).
- Fatigue from long shifts.
- Poor vehicle maintenance.
- Failing to obey traffic signals.
These behaviors can easily result in serious collisions, particularly in residential neighborhoods and intersections.
Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident with an Amazon Driver
Avoid these actions that could harm your case:
- Admitting fault or apologizing at the scene.
- Accepting early settlement offers before medical treatment is complete.
- Ignoring medical advice or missing follow-up appointments.
- Posting about the crash on social media.
- Waiting too long to act, you have three years to file a personal injury claim.
Also, remember, South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, reducing your recovery by your percentage of fault.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you were hit by an Amazon driver in South Carolina, you may be eligible for compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity for long-term or permanent injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Punitive damages are also available in limited circumstances, but only if you can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the driver’s conduct was willful, wanton, or reckless, such as driving while severely impaired by alcohol or drugs, showing conscious disregard for others’ safety.
Get Legal Help After an Amazon Delivery Accident in South Carolina
Being struck by an Amazon delivery driver can leave you facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next. You don’t have to face this process alone.
An experienced South Carolina truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and seek the maximum compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to protect your future. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.
