Amazon Delivery Driver Accidents: Who Is Liable in California?

Amazon has transformed how we shop, building a delivery network even larger than FedEx or UPS. Every day, Amazon vans and cars deliver millions of packages across California, including throughout North County San Diego. But what happens if one of these vehicles causes a serious crash? Many people assume Amazon will step up and pay. The truth is more complicated—Amazon has designed its delivery system in a way that helps it avoid liability.

Amazon’s DSP Program and Liability Shield

In 2018, Amazon launched its Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program. Instead of employing drivers directly, Amazon contracts with thousands of small delivery companies that operate Amazon-branded vans. These DSPs employ hundreds of thousands of drivers worldwide, but they exist almost entirely to serve Amazon.

On paper, Amazon says these drivers are not its employees. By labeling them as “independent contractors” working for separate businesses, Amazon tries to distance itself from crashes. DSP contracts even require these small companies to defend Amazon in lawsuits and carry liability coverage—often capped at $1 million, which can be insufficient in cases of catastrophic injury.

The Reality: Amazon Maintains Control

While Amazon denies responsibility, courts and injured victims see a different picture. Amazon sets the rules for who can be hired, requires drivers to take its training courses, controls delivery routes through its apps, and even tracks drivers’ speed, braking, and on-time performance. DSPs face penalties if deliveries are late, which can pressure drivers to speed or take risks.

Amazon also reserves the power to ban drivers it deems unsafe, effectively ending their employment. With this level of oversight, many judges and juries have found that Amazon behaves less like a hands-off client and more like a joint employer.

California Courts Push Back

Across the country—and increasingly in California—courts are rejecting Amazon’s argument that it bears no responsibility. For example, in cases where Amazon’s strict quotas and tracking systems contributed to dangerous driving, judges have allowed lawsuits against Amazon to proceed. The trend is clear: if a company controls nearly every aspect of a driver’s work, it can’t avoid accountability when negligence occurs.

In North County San Diego, where busy delivery routes run through communities like Oceanside, Carlsbad, San Marcos, and Escondido, these issues hit close to home. Amazon vehicles are a daily presence on our streets, and the risks of crashes are very real.

Steps to Take After an Amazon Delivery Crash

If you or a loved one is injured in a collision with an Amazon driver, here’s what you should do:

• Get medical treatment right away. Hidden injuries like concussions or spinal damage may not appear immediately.
• Call the police and document the scene. A report, photos, and witness information are key to your case.
• Identify the driver’s employer. Ask whether they work for a DSP and note whether the vehicle is Amazon-branded.
• Talk to an experienced attorney. The legal relationship between Amazon and its drivers is complex—navigating it requires skill.

North County Injury Lawyers: Protecting Your Rights

At North County Injury Lawyers, we know how Amazon operates and how to hold powerful companies accountable. Our team has been recognized as the Best Personal Injury Law Firm in North County San Diego, and we have the experience to take on cases involving Amazon and its delivery drivers.

Amazon’s focus on speed and profit should never come at the expense of public safety. If you’ve been hurt in a crash with an Amazon vehicle in North County or anywhere in California, contact North County Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We’ll fight to make sure you receive the full compensation you deserve.