Michael Krzak Represents Client in Chicago Amazon Delivery Driver Case
Whether you’re replacing furniture or stocking up your pantry, you can have virtually anything delivered directly to your doorstep. Amazon is by far the most popular online retailer, and most people can easily identify the signature bluish-gray color of an Amazon delivery vehicle. In addition to Amazon, the pandemic has resulted in an explosion of other delivery services. It can be extremely convenient (and even exciting) to click the “order” button and await the arrival of that familiar delivery vehicle. Unfortunately, in certain situations, it can also be dangerous.
Delivery drivers often work on tight schedules and are expected to deliver high volumes of packages in a relatively limited window of time. This can put other drivers, vehicle passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists all at risk of being involved in delivery vehicle accidents. Michael Krzak, the founding partner of Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys, is representing a client who was injured by an Amazon delivery vehicle.
As reported in a FOX News Special Investigation, Alejandro Perez suffered serious injuries after an Amazon delivery vehicle backed into his car while he was waiting at a stop sign. These injuries resulted in surgery to his lower back, and he continues to struggle to stand or kneel. The accident placed an enormous physical and financial burden on him. A civil action was filed against Amazon. Amazon answered that action claiming that the Amazon driver was actually a contract worker and not an employee, meaning that the company would not take any financial responsibility for what occurred.
As Michael Krzak points out, “It’s not wrong for Amazon to have independent contractors.” The problem comes in the way that these workers are presented to the public. When these independently contracted delivery drivers wear Amazon uniforms, drive Amazon vehicles, and deliver boxes marked with the Amazon logo, the company is giving the public the idea that these men and women are indeed employees. Anyone who is involved in an accident with an Amazon delivery vehicle will for all intents and purposes believe that they were struck by an Amazon worker.
Perez is pursuing a civil lawsuit against Amazon in an effort to recover compensation to cover the costs of his injuries. However, Michael Krzak hopes that this lawsuit will also help raise awareness to the issue of delivery driver accidents, as well as bring about positive change in terms of liability. When Amazon or other delivery companies impose delivery quotas, windows of time when deliveries must be made and other qualifications for deliveries, there is a strong argument that they are in control of the drivers, which under the law would make them an agent for whom Amazon could be liable.
The attorneys at Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys are dedicated to helping injury victims in Chicago, IL. Whether you were hurt in a delivery vehicle accident, a car crash, truck accident, rideshare accident, an instance of medical malpractice, or another incident, we are here to help. We treat every case with the utmost care and compassion, while also utilizing our knowledge and experience to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. If you need to discuss your injury case with a Chicago personal injury lawyer, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
