App based food delivery services have become a convenient option for those who want food delivered without having to go out and get it themselves. Users of these services have easy access to just about any meal they can possibly imagine simply by downloading apps such as DoorDash, Postmates, Grubhub, or UberEats. Even though food delivery services offer benefits to users, there are some downsides to it, as well. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident due to the negligence of a food delivery driver, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of attorneys are ready to take on your case and fight for your rights. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience and our attorneys handle every case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves. As a result of their experience, our attorneys are confident that they can get you the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.
We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our clients, and our compassionate team of lawyers understand the struggles of being involved in personal injury cases. As such, should you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our accident lawyers are available 24/7 to address them in full detail.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700ย or by filling out our quick online contact form.
Are Food Delivery Drivers Employees or Independent Contractors?
According to Proposition 22, food delivery drivers who work for app based companies like Uber Eats, Doordash, Postmates, and Grubhub are technically classified as an independent contractor. Due to their status, their eligibility for liability insurance coverage will be dependent on a variety of factors set by food delivery companies.
For instance, Uber Eats insurance coverage for their drivers is completely dependent on their trip status. Should a food delivery driver get into an accident when they are just online, the companyโs third party insurance policy will cover $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage. If any accident occurs when the food delivery driver is trying to complete a trip, this coverage increases to $1,000,000 for property damage and medical expenses to riders and third parties involved.
Common Causes of a Food Delivery Accidentย
With the pressure of delivering food on time, a driver may engage in several types of unsafe driving practices and, as result, it may lead to a series of accidents where they can be held liable for their actions. Unsafe driving practices such as distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding are some of the most common cases of delivery accidents and while the severity of these accidents will vary on a case by case basis, it is vital to have a solid understanding so you can discuss the accident with your personal injury attorney.
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of auto accidents, distracted driving is an unsafe driving practice where drivers cause an accident due to their attention being diverted away by something else. Actions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, and talking with friends are all considered to be distracted driving. Considering how delivery drivers need to constantly look at their phone to ensure they have the right address or to manage an influx of orders, the chances of a car accident occurring is very likely. Which is why, in these types of accidents, it is imperative for accident victims to seek a food delivery accident attorney so they can hold the one responsible liable for their actions.
Drunk Driving
According to a drunk driving overview report from the NHTSA about 32% of all traffic fatalities in the US have involved drunk drivers. While the majority of food delivery drivers are not delivering while under the influence, the chances of them getting hit by one is just as likely as anyone else on the road. Considering how delivery drivers have to constantly pick up food in heavily congested areas, they are more likely to run into drunk drivers and suffer a variety of injuries as a result. In these cases, the delivery driver would be the accident victim and the drunk driver would be held liable for all damages and depending on the severity of the incident, they may face criminal charges.
Speeding
The National Safety Council has reported in a motor vehicle safety issue report that speeding has caused about 29% of all car accidents in 2022. Considering that delivery drivers may feel compelled to speed in order to avoid receiving negative reviews, the likelihood of them speeding is significantly high. While the severity of a speeding accident is dependent on the impact between two vehicles, they are one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and because of that it is imperative that you follow all traffic rules to avoid getting into an accident and becoming responsible for all damages.
What to Do When a Food Delivery Accident Occurs
If you have been involved in a food delivery accident, it is important that you stay calm, carefully assess the situation, and make appropriate actions. If anyone is critically injured in an accident, it is imperative that you call 911 and have first responders take control of the situation. If nobody requires any medical assistance, you can start exchanging contact information with everyone involved and start documenting the accident by taking photos and videos.
Once you have documented the accident as much as possible, you should file a claim with your insurance company and have them begin an investigation to confirm the details of the accident. If any complications occur or if you believe the opposing party is trying to shift the liability onto you, it is highly recommended to consult with an attorney and file a personal injury case with them to ensure that you recover compensation for your damages and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a food delivery accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses. As food delivery accidents are notorious for determining liability and coverage, it is important to hire an experienced accident attorney who will look out for your best interests.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team personal injury attorneys are ready to serve as your trusted legal counsel and fight for your rights. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of legal experience and our attorneys are well versed in handling auto accidents and rideshare injury claims. As a result of their experience, they are confident that they can get you full and fair compensation for your damages.
We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our deserving clients and we will continue our duty to guide them throughout their case. No matter what kind of food delivery accident you have been involved in, our lawyers are available 24/7 to answer every question and concern you have about your case.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation today, we welcome you to reach out to our legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700ย or by completing our easy online contact form.
