Hey, it's Daniel

The fight against corporate America continues. In previous issues, I discussed the ongoing battle with Uber. In this issue, we address the other gorilla in the room: Amazon. Just like Uber, Amazon uses legal loopholes to shield itself from civil liability when its delivery vehicles are involved in a crash. Is this valid? Read on to learn more...

We also bring you an update on the fight to stop the City's 15-mph speed limit for bikes in Central Park. Thanks to a recent court order, that law has been paused. Is the fight over? Not even close.

In this issue:

⚖️ Central Park Bike Speed Limit temporarily paused.

🚴‍♂️ Amazon Sidesteps Liability By Engineering Delivery “Partners”

💰 Diplomat Wins $500,000 After JFK Van Injury Highlights Systemic Drop-Off Zone Risks

⚖️ Central Park Bike Speed Limit Temporarily Paused

In December 2025, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced a move to lower the Park Drive speed limit from 20 mph to 15 mph for all users (bikes, e-mobility devices, and authorized vehicles). Officials claimed that slower speeds would reduce collisions and make the park more comfortable for everyone.

They further justified the change by arguing that a 15-mph rule would be consistent with other newly enacted micro-mobility regulations limiting speeds to 15 mph in the city. The City also claimed it had the authority to implement this change under “Sammy’s Law,” legislation passed to regulate vehicle speeds in NYC. Opponents argue that “Sammy’s Law” was never intended to apply to bicycles, which I believe to be the case.

The New York Cycle Club, led by attorney Peter Beadle, sued the City to stop the change. This month, a judge granted a Preliminary Injunction and stayed the 15-mph rule. The case will now be heard in June of this year. In the meantime, the rule is held in abeyance, with the exception of e-bikes and e-scooters, which remain limited to 15 mph.

This battle is important to us. The 6-mile loop of Central Park remains one of the few places in NYC where competitive riders can train. This loop is the road on which Olympic cyclist Kristen Faulkner famously began her career, training with the Century Road Club Association (CRCA), and went on to win double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Stay tuned as the battle continues.

🚴‍♂️ Amazon Sidesteps Liability By Engineering Delivery “Partners”

When a cyclist or pedestrian collides with an Amazon-branded vehicle on New York streets, the legal aftermath is rarely simple. What appears to be an "Amazon" vehicle is often not. That vehicle is owned and operated by a third-party contractor that is part of Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) system. This network of Flex drivers, Hub Delivery partners, and DSP companies is structured not only for logistics but also to distance Amazon from crash liability.

The Illusion of Independence: Amazon does not typically contract with established delivery companies. Instead, it encourages the creation of new limited liability companies called DSPs. These businesses must use generic names and follow Amazon’s rules, which cover hiring practices, uniforms, and grooming standards. Amazon also controls the vans, the technology used for routing, and many daily procedures. Despite this level of control, the companies are labeled as "independent contractors". This arrangement creates a legal barrier that often forces crash victims to file claims against the small contractor rather than Amazon itself.

Why It Matters for All Road Users: Under the legal doctrine of 'respondeat superior" New York law usually holds employers and vehicle owners responsible for the actions of their drivers. Amazon’s structure complicates that principle. Each DSP carries about $1 million in insurance coverage, but Amazon’s larger financial resources often remain legally out of reach in the most serious of crashes. This can happen even when Amazon exercises significant control over drivers and delivery operations. For injured cyclists, pedestrians, or motorists, this structure can create additional legal obstacles and may limit potential compensation.

What You Should Know: If you are involved in a crash with an Amazon delivery vehicle, especially in New York City or Long Island, early investigation is critical. It is important to determine which company actually employed the driver and owned the vehicle involved. The Amazon logo on the van does not always identify the responsible party. The real decision maker may be hidden behind layers of corporate structure. Greater transparency and accountability from large logistics companies are essential for safer streets and fair outcomes for crash victims.

💰 Diplomat Wins $500,000.00 After JFK Van Injury Highlights Systemic Drop-Off Zone Risks

We recently secured a $500,000.00 settlement for a 46-year-old diplomat who suffered a serious crush injury and later developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after his foot was run over by a van in the passenger drop-off area at JFK Airport. This case was not resolved quickly. It was strongly contested, with the defendants disputing both fault and the severity of our client’s injuries during extended mediation.

Why does this matter for New York cyclists, commuters, and pedestrians? High traffic drop-off zones remain some of the most chaotic areas in the city. They combine rushed drivers, distracted travelers, and vulnerable road users in tight spaces. The underlying problem is system design that often prioritizes speed and convenience over safety.

Actionable insight: Whether we bike, walk, or travel through these spaces, their design creates a foreseeable hazard that requires attentive and safe driving. We must continue pushing for environments that prioritize people over vehicles so that outcomes like this become rare rather than necessary.

If you are injured in a crash or accident, as a pedestrian, cyclist, driver or passenger, Please give us a call to discuss your options and remedies.