WASHINGTON, D.C. – A D.C. couple has filed a $60 million lawsuit against Amazon and a Maryland company following an accident that resulted in severe injuries to a woman. The incident occurred at the intersection of Cathedral Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue in Northwest, as captured in a video obtained by the News4 I-Team. The footage shows Rita Iannazzi being struck by a delivery driver while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. The driver, who was seen eating at the time, was subsequently issued an infraction for colliding with a pedestrian, according to a D.C. police crash report.
As a result of the accident, Iannazzi underwent 11 surgeries for her multiple broken bones and spent nearly two months in the hospital. Her husband, Gianfranco Mancini, expressed his anger and exhaustion, speaking on her behalf as she continues to recover at home. Mancini explained that he witnessed the incident through a video call with his wife and saw her suddenly being hit. He recounted the chaotic scene, with people screaming and an officer approaching. Mancini was devastated to see his wife bleeding but was reassured by her that help had arrived.
The couple’s attorney, Patrick Regan, argued that although the delivery van had a Prime logo on it, the driver was actually employed by a third-party company referred to as an Amazon delivery service partner (DSP). Regan claimed that Amazon utilizes these DSPs to evade responsibility, directing crash victims to file claims with the DSP instead of the e-commerce giant. Furthermore, Regan criticized the inadequate insurance coverage provided by the DSP in such cases.
The lawsuit targets both Amazon and Orion’s Harp LLC, the DSP based in Maryland. Despite attempts to reach out to both companies about the legal action, no response has been received. The plaintiffs’ complaint also raises the larger issue of prioritizing delivery speed over driver safety, asserting that excessive workloads and expectations lead to speeding, corner-cutting, and distractions among drivers. Mancini, in particular, expressed concern that accidents like this will continue to occur unless companies address these underlying issues.
Amazon responded to similar criticisms in the past, emphasizing its commitment to safety and significant investments in technology, enhanced training programs, and vehicle fleets for DSPs and their drivers. The e-commerce giant highlighted the decline in collision rates by 40% due to its safety initiatives and pledged to continue innovating and improving safety measures. However, the lawsuit alleges that the emphasis on quick deliveries remains a significant problem that compromises driver safety.
In conclusion, the $60 million lawsuit filed by a D.C. couple against Amazon and a Maryland company seeks accountability and compensation for a severe accident that left a woman with multiple injuries. The incident has shed light on the potential dangers faced by delivery drivers who prioritize speed and efficiency at the expense of safety. The outcome of the legal action could have broader implications for Amazon and its reliance on third-party delivery service providers.