Getting hit by a delivery vehicle can be a nightmare scenario. Suddenly you’re dealing with injuries, property damage, lost wages, insurance claims, and legal issues. It’s a lot to handle, especially if the driver works for a massive company like Amazon. But you have rights in these situations. By taking the proper steps after an accident with an Amazon delivery van in Ohio, you can protect yourself both medically and legally.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first thing you should do after an accident with an Amazon delivery van is get medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured, some symptoms might not show up until hours or days later. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain in the immediate aftermath.
Go to the emergency room or visit your doctor so they can thoroughly evaluate your condition. Describe all your symptoms, even ones that seem minor like headaches, stiffness, soreness, nausea, blurred vision, or dizziness. The medical records will document any injuries caused by the crash.
Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations diligently. Take all prescribed medications and go to follow-up appointments. If your doctor refers you to a specialist or orders tests, make sure to complete them promptly. The records will be crucial evidence if you pursue legal action later.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
If you are able to, document what the accident scene looked like before paramedics, police, and other first responders arrive. Take numerous photographs showing where your vehicle and the delivery van collided from various angles. Get wide shots that show the entire scene as well as close-ups of damage and skid marks.
Write down your recollections of how the accident happened while the details are still fresh. Include weather conditions, approximate vehicle speeds, traffic flow, and any wrongful actions by the delivery driver like speeding or running a red light. Make notes on a phone or paper notepad if possible.
All this information will help investigators reconstruct the collision and determine fault. It may also jog your memory later if you have to give a statement or testify about the accident months down the road.
Call the Police and Request a Report
Contact the police immediately to report any auto accident in Ohio. Provide the exact location, a brief description of what happened, and clearly state if anyone seems injured. Keep in mind the delivery driver must obey all traffic and safety laws like any motorist. Their job does not give them immunity for causing an accident.
When the police arrive, give your factual account of the collision. Be honest and only provide details you directly observed or know for certain. Ask the officer for their badge number, the police report number, and request a copy of the report for your records.
The report contains independent observations by officers along with statements from all involved parties. It will be critical for establishing fault and liability later in the process.
Exchange Information Carefully
When safe, pull your vehicle out of traffic lanes. Make sure to activate hazard lights and set up road flares or cones if you have them.
Approach the Amazon delivery driver to exchange identifying information. Get their name, delivery van number, license plate, insurance details, and contact info. Also, provide them with your auto insurance and personal contact information.
Often the delivery service contracts with local drivers. So, the van may display logos for the contractor company and Amazon. Get names and contact information for representatives of both companies.
Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
As soon as possible after the accident, call your car insurance company. Inform them that a delivery van hit your vehicle. Provide basic details about what happened and ask how to proceed with repairs or replacement.
Follow your insurer’s instructions precisely for getting an estimate and bringing the vehicle in for assessment. Select a highly-rated repair shop in your insurer’s network if you decide to get the vehicle fixed. If your car is totaled, work closely with the claims adjuster on negotiating fair payment.
Having a record of informing your insurance company quickly will prevent problems later. Failing to notify them of an accident in a timely manner can complicate the claims process significantly.
Consult an Attorney Before Providing a Recorded Statement
Insurers will want to get a recorded statement from you about the accident. Before providing one, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your rights and obligations. An attorney can help prepare your statement to include the most relevant facts while avoiding unnecessary admissions.
Statements to insurers are discoverable evidence. You want to give an accurate account while also protecting your legal position. An attorney guides you through this process.
Do Not Admit Fault or Speculate
When discussing the accident with the delivery driver, police, or your insurer, stick to just the objective facts. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about precisely what happened. Anything you say can potentially be used against you later.
Let the police report and insurance claim investigation make the ultimate determinations about liability. You could mistakenly accept blame when the delivery driver was actually at fault. Admitting fault could hinder your ability to recover damages down the road.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Strongly consider consulting an attorney experienced in auto accident injury claims as soon as possible after the collision. They can communicate with insurers to make sure the claims process protects your rights. An attorney also helps establish the delivery driver’s fault and makes sure you receive full and fair compensation for all damages.
Next Steps After an Accident
Suffering injuries in a motor vehicle collision caused by a negligent delivery driver can be frightening, stressful, and disruptive. However, by taking the proper steps after an accident, you improve the chances of a positive outcome for your claim.
At Monge & Associates, our attorneys have over 30 years experience assisting auto accident victims in Ohio. With 32 offices across 19 states, including Ohio, Georgia, and Tennessee, we are well located to offer free consultations to review your case details. Contact us at (888) 477-0597 to learn more about your options after an Amazon van accident.