Amazon is facing increasing scrutiny for its driving safety record and liability related to accidents.
In December, a jury awarded a family $44 million in damages and expenses.
The verdict came just as the Action News Investigative Team was seeking answers into several accidents in the Philadelphia area. The accidents here were by delivery operators outsourced by Amazon — called Delivery Service Partners or DSPs.
Critics argue the business model shields the corporate behemoth from liability and leads to risky and negligent driving.
Kathleen Mears is one of the accident victims now fighting back in the courts.
In October 2021, Mears was crossing the intersection of Synder Avenue and South Water Street in South Philadelphia when an Amazon van slammed into her on the crosswalk.
The impact sent her sprawling on the pavement.
“She was run down by an Amazon delivery driver who blew through a stop sign,” said her attorney Brian Fritz.
Fritz said she suffered multiple fractures and injuries to her neck, back and legs.