The family of 57-year-old Jose Rangel has filed a lawsuit against Amazon following his tragic death in February 2022. Rangel, a beloved South LA street vendor and father, was fatally struck by a stolen Amazon truck. The suspect, identified as Cristian Ramos Sanchez, allegedly entered the unattended truck and drove recklessly, losing control near East 48th Street and South Main Street. The truck crashed into Rangel and three others on the sidewalk, pinning Rangel against a building and causing his death.
Sanchez accepted a plea deal and received a nine-year prison sentence for his involvement. However, Rangel’s family believes that Amazon should also be held accountable for the incident. They argue that the company was negligent in leaving the truck running, unlocked, and unattended, thus contributing to Rangel’s untimely death.
Maria Guajardo, Rangel’s daughter, expressed the profound impact her father’s death has had on their family. She described her father as a wonderful man who did not deserve to die in such a tragic manner. Guajardo insists that Amazon should take responsibility for their actions.
In response, Amazon maintains that while their logo was visible on the uniform and truck, Sanchez was never an employee of the company. Amazon argues that they bear no responsibility for the incident.
According to the lawsuit, filed by Dordulian Law Group, Amazon is accused of implementing policies that create demanding deadlines for workers and drivers. The lawsuit alleges that these strict deadlines impose excessive pressure on drivers, sometimes leading to compromising safety measures. It claims that Amazon prioritizes profits over the well-being and safety of its employees.
The lawsuit seeks to hold Amazon accountable for its alleged negligence and policies that potentially jeopardize worker safety. The case sheds light on the wider debate surrounding worker conditions and safety standards within the delivery industry.
