Key Takeaways
- Yes, you can sue a delivery company like Amazon, FedEx, or UPS if their driver caused your accident in Georgia—but it depends on whether the driver is an employee or independent contractor.
- Delivery truck crashes often involve complex liability questions, such as third-party logistics partners or poorly maintained vehicles.
A personal injury lawyer can help you identify all liable parties, including the driver, parent company, or vehicle maintenance provider.
Can I sue a delivery company after a crash in Georgia?
Yes—if the company or its driver acted negligently and caused your injuries. This could include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (e.g., using GPS while moving)
- Improper parking during deliveries
- Driver fatigue or overwork
- Poorly maintained delivery vehicles
Under Georgia law, employers can be held liable for accidents their employees cause while on the job. This legal doctrine is known as vicarious liability.
Is Amazon responsible for crashes involving its delivery vans?
Maybe. Amazon often uses third-party contractors known as Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) to operate its branded vans. These drivers wear Amazon uniforms—but they technically work for local logistics companies.
However, Amazon may still face liability if:
- It exercised control over the driver’s route, schedule, or training
- Its policies encouraged unsafe delivery speeds
- The vehicle was owned or managed by Amazon
An experienced injury attorney can investigate the chain of liability and determine if Amazon can be held accountable.
Are FedEx and UPS drivers considered employees?
- UPS drivers are typically employees, which means UPS can be sued directly in most crash cases.
- FedEx Ground drivers often work for independent contractors (like Amazon’s model), complicating liability.
Still, FedEx or its affiliates may be liable if the accident involved:
- Poor vetting of drivers
- Failure to enforce safety standards
- Negligent hiring or supervision
These distinctions matter—because they determine who pays for your medical bills, vehicle damage, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What damages can I recover in a delivery truck lawsuit?
If you were injured by a delivery driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed)
In cases involving corporate negligence or reckless delivery practices, punitive damages may also be available.
How is fault proven in delivery vehicle cases?
Truck accident attorneys often use the following evidence:
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Driver logs and GPS data
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Black box (EDR) data
- Witness statements
- Cell phone records (to show distraction)
- Delivery schedules that may show unreasonable time pressure
Many Georgia delivery truck accidents occur on I-20, I-75, and near warehouse hubs like those in Austell, Jonesboro, and Atlanta’s airport corridor.
FAQ: Georgia Delivery Truck Crashes
What if the delivery driver was off the clock?
If the driver was on a personal errand or not acting in the scope of employment, the company might not be liable. But the driver could still be personally liable.
Can I sue both the driver and the company?
Yes. You can sue the driver and the employer (or contractor) if both contributed to the crash.
What if a package fell off the truck and caused my accident?
That may still be grounds for a claim. Georgia law allows injury victims to sue for negligent cargo loading or securing.
How long do I have to sue?
You typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia.
What if I was partly at fault?
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault.
Call for a free truck accident consultation
Hurt in a crash with an Amazon, UPS, or FedEx truck? These companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize their payouts—you need a team working for you.
At Hines Law, we fight for injured drivers, bikers, and pedestrians across Atlanta, Marietta, Austell, Gainesville, Jonesboro, and Dalton. We know how to hold national delivery giants accountable under Georgia law.
Call 404-226-4236 now or start a chat at hineslaw.org for a free case review.