What happened

While traveling on the highway, a Tesla carrying aspiring doctor Ans Rana and family members was struck from behind by an Amazon-branded delivery van operated by Harper Logistics, a Delivery Service Partner (DSP) contracted by Amazon. 

The van, driven by Bryan Williams, was traveling at nearly 68 mph in a 55 mph zone when it crashed into the Tesla, whose hazard lights had been blinking for several seconds prior to impact. 

The collision left Rana suffering catastrophic brain and spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis.

Why it happened

Ans Rana accused Amazon of making its delivery drivers and partners work to unrealistic deadlines driven by a suite of algorithms, apps and devices, thereby compromising public safety.

The lawsuit (pdf) argued that Amazon micro-managed delivery drivers’ every move including 'backup monitoring, speed, braking, acceleration, cornering, seatbelt usage, phone calls, texting, in-van cameras that use artificial intelligence to detect for yawning and more.'

It also alleged that the van was speeding at the time of impact.

Amazon denied culpability, pushing the blame on to its delivery partner Harper Logistics. It also requested that any technological information be sealed by the courts and kept private, claiming that it qualified as protected trade secrets.

According to Bloomberg, Amazon is facing 119 lawsuits involving injuries sustained with Amazon or DSP vehicles in 2021; media reports have also documented unsafe practices such as forcing Amazon delivery drivers to take dangerous routes.