Steps to Take After a Delivery Truck or Amazon Van Accident in Texas
Delivery trucks and Amazon vans are everywhere on Texas roads. With the rise of online shopping, delivery drivers are under constant pressure to meet tight schedules. Unfortunately, that pressure can lead to speeding, distracted driving, and fatigue, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a delivery truck or Amazon van, knowing what to do next is critical to protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we’ve helped countless Texans navigate the aftermath of commercial vehicle accidents. Here’s what to do if it happens to you.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Your first priority after any accident is safety. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, but don’t leave the scene. Check for injuries, including yours, your passengers, and others.
Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical assistance. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) can take hours or days to appear. Having first responders on the scene ensures you get medical attention and that the crash is officially documented by law enforcement.
When police arrive, tell them exactly what happened but stick to the facts. Avoid speculation or admitting fault, even casually.
Step 2: Gather Evidence at the Scene
Delivery truck accidents often involve corporate defendants and large insurance companies. That makes evidence collection especially important.
If it’s safe, document everything before vehicles are moved or towed:
- Take photos and videos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks, and nearby signs or signals.
- Capture close-ups of license plates, DOT numbers, and company logos on the delivery truck or van.
- Ask for the driver’s name, employer, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Get contact details for any witnesses who saw the crash.
- Note the time, weather conditions, and location (address or nearby landmarks).
If you’re too injured to collect evidence, ask someone you trust or a responding officer to do it for you.
Step 3: Get a Full Medical Evaluation
Even if you were checked at the scene, always follow up with a doctor or emergency clinic right away.
Symptoms of whiplash, head injuries, or internal trauma can be delayed — but insurance companies may later argue your injuries weren’t serious if you wait too long to see a doctor.
Keep detailed medical records, receipts, and prescriptions, and follow all treatment recommendations. These documents play a vital role in proving your damages and long-term care needs.
Step 4: File an Official Accident Report
If law enforcement didn’t respond to the scene, you may be required to file a crash report with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) within 10 days if:
- The accident caused injury or death, or
- Property damage exceeds $1,000.
This report can later serve as critical documentation for your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Step 5: Identify Who’s Responsible
Delivery truck crashes are rarely straightforward. Multiple parties may share liability, including:
- The driver, if they were negligent, speeding, or distracted.
- The delivery company, if it failed to train or supervise employees properly.
- A third-party contractor, if the driver worked for an independent delivery service (common with Amazon Flex and other gig-based drivers).
- The vehicle owner or maintenance company, if the truck was unsafe or poorly maintained.
- Manufacturers, if defective parts like brakes or tires contributed to the crash.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine who’s legally responsible and ensure all potential sources of compensation are pursued.
Step 6: Report the Accident to Your Insurance (But Be Cautious)
You should notify your insurance company about the accident — but be very careful what you say. Stick to basic facts like the time, date, and location of the crash.
If the delivery company’s insurer or claims adjuster contacts you, do not provide a recorded statement without speaking to your attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use your words against you.
Step 7: Contact a Katy Truck Wreck Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Delivery truck and Amazon van accidents often involve commercial insurance policies, corporate legal teams, and complex liability issues.
Having an attorney on your side early helps preserve evidence, identify all responsible parties, and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you.
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we immediately:
- Investigate the crash scene and obtain official reports
- Gather company records, driver logs, and vehicle maintenance reports
- Secure black box (electronic data recorder) information
- Identify all insurance policies and coverage limits
- Handle all communication and negotiation with insurers
You deserve to focus on healing. Not battling corporate insurance adjusters.
Step 8: Understand What Compensation You Can Recover
If you’ve been injured in a delivery truck or Amazon van accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle damage or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term rehabilitation or therapy costs
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)
Every case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of injuries, insurance coverage, and liability. A knowledgeable attorney can help calculate full, fair compensation based on your circumstances.
Step 9: Don’t Wait. Texas Has a Deadline
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the crash.
However, commercial vehicle cases require fast action, as evidence like dash cam footage or driver logs can disappear quickly. The sooner your attorney begins investigating, the stronger your case will be.
Final Thoughts
Crashes involving delivery trucks or Amazon vans can turn your life upside down in an instant. Between large corporate insurers, complex contracts, and fast-moving investigations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
You don’t have to handle it alone.
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we have over 25 years of experience fighting for injured Texans. We know how to take on big companies and win.
Call 713-888-9000 or visit WeHelpTexas.com for a free consultation today. We’ll handle the legal battle so you can focus on recovery.