Pregnant Woman Seriously Injured In Athens Amazon Truck Accident

Jeb Butler | | Car Accident

Expecting Mother Lost Baby In Athens Car Accident Involving Amazon Delivery Truck on Danielsville Road By Mission Drive

ATHENS, GEORGIA (January 17, 2024) – A pregnant woman was seriously injured and lost her baby in an Athens collision involving an Amazon truck by Danielsville Road and Mission Drive.

Clarke County officials are saying that the incident took place on January 11. An Amazon delivery truck turned into the path of a 1996 Ford Ranger. 

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims. The driver of the Ford Ranger sustained more moderate injuries. 

A 41-year-old pregnant woman was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Her baby was delivered at the hospital and both spent time in intensive care. Tragically, the baby was pronounced dead on January 13. 

A full investigation into the Amazon truck accident remains ongoing at this time. 

Liability For Athens Georgia Amazon Truck Accidents

Amazon has become ubiquitous across the world. In the United States alone, an estimated 167 million people are Amazon Prime subscribers. Amazon has warehouses everywhere and a vast fleet of delivery drivers and contractors to help customers get their packages. But the company has come under sharp criticism for some of its business practices. According to the Wall Street Journal, the tech company hires unsafe trucking firms about twice as often as its peers. There are a number of factors that could contribute to any delivery truck accident. 

  • Accidents are much more likely to occur when delivery drivers are pushed to meet unrealistic delivery expectations. 
  • Accidents are more likely when drivers are fatigued. The CDC estimates that staying awake for only 18 hours can reduce a person’s ability to drive safely equal to driving with a BAC of 0.05%.
  • Accidents are more likely to occur during periods of inclement weather. 

All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Left turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers that drivers can make. This is why companies like UPS go to great lengths to avoid left turns in their delivery routes. Pursuant to Georgia Vehicle Code § 40-6-71, the driver of a vehicle intending to make a left turn shall yield the right of way to traffic approaching from the opposite direction close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a driver makes an abrupt turn into the path of another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. 

Depending on the facts of any case, a company could be liable for the wrongful actions of one of their delivery drivers. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course of their job duties. However, Amazon will typically contract out their delivery drivers in part to avoid liability for collisions. It is important that certain steps are taken after any car accident with an Amazon vehicle. 

  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed. 
  • Surveillance footage from nearby businesses should be sought. 
  • The police report of the incident should be examined. 
  • The driving record of the Amazon delivery driver should be reviewed.

It can be hard to know where to begin after any serious collision. Victims may need to take extensive time off of work. They may also have to deal with life-altering injuries and high medical bills. Unfortunately, Amazon has demonstrated time and time again that they will do everything within their power to avoid responsibility for collisions. This is why it is always advisable to seek the guidance of a skilled legal advocate early on. They can let you know what your legal rights are and hold those who harmed you accountable. 

Investigating Georgia Amazon Truck Accidents

We at The Butler Kahn Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of the child that died in this collision. It is our sincere hope that the injured woman will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. 

Do you need more information about an Amzon truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that delivery companies are held to account for their negligent actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 678-940-1444.

Jeb Butler

Jeb Butler’s career as a Georgia trial lawyer has led to a $150 million verdict in a product liability case against Chrysler for a dangerous vehicle design that caused the death of a child, a $45 million settlement for a young man who permanently lost the ability to walk and talk, and numerous other verdicts and settlements, many of which are confidential at the defendant’s insistence. Jeb has worked on several cases that led to systemic changes and improvements in public safety. He has been repeatedly recognized as a Georgia SuperLawyer and ranks among Georgia’s legal elite. Jeb graduated in the top 10% of his class at UGA Law, argued on the National Moot Court team, and published in the Law Review. He is the founding partner of Butler Kahn law firm. Connect with me on LinkedIn