Riverside Food Delivery Accident Lawyer

According to DoorDash, Riverside has one of the largest networks of food delivery options. As users may order food from thousands of restaurants in the comfort of their own homes, the popularity of food delivery services continues to grow. However, there are many who have concerns regarding that the sudden increase of food delivery companies will also lead to an increase of traffic accidents on the road.

Considering how food delivery drivers have to meet time constraints in order to receive good reviews and tips, they may develop a tendency to cut corners and commit traffic violations in order to stay on schedule. Doing this is not only breaking California road rules, but it also creates a dangerous environment for the food delivery driver and other drivers nearby. In some of the worst case scenarios, multi-car accidents occur and it leads to a complex personal injury lawsuit with multiple parties and insurance companies involved.

If you or a loved one were injured in a food delivery accident, it is important that you seek legal representation as soon as possible. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of personal injury attorneys are ready to represent you and take on your case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves. We are a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases and with over 20 years of legal experience, our talented team of attorneys are confident that they can get you fair compensation for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our deserving clients and we continue to do our due diligence to ensure that they are properly represented in the California legal system. As accidents involving a food delivery service tend to take longer than standard car accident cases to process, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our 24/7 legal team is available 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) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Are Food Delivery Drivers Employees or Independent Contractors?

App-based food delivery drivers operate differently when compared to traditional delivery drivers such as pizza drivers. In California, app-based drivers who work for companies like Uber Eats, Doordash, Postmates, and Grubhub are classified as independent contractors according to Proposition 22.

This means that independent contractors must drive a certain amount of hours and meet certain requirements in order to be eligible for benefits and insurance policies. However, this also means that the liability insurance for an independent contractor is going to be dependent on a number of factors that the food delivery company sets and should they get into an accident it may affect their ability to properly compensate damages to the victim.

For example, 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 company’s 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.

However, if a driver gets into an accident when the app is not online then the driver will be entirely responsible for all damages. As such, motor vehicle accidents with food delivery drivers can become complicated depending on who is involved because the insurance coverage for ridesharing companies are handled differently than standard car accidents.

Common Causes of Food Delivery Accidents

When it comes to determining the most common causes of food delivery accidents, there are a number of factors that are required to be looked at. However, from what is commonly seen in Riverside, negligent driving behavior such as distracted driving and speeding are the most prominent in these cases. As such, it is vital to understand the nuances between each cause in order to have a better grasp of what is to be expected in your accident case.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is defined as the act of driving while diverting a portion of your attention away from the road. Distractions such as checking your phone, changing the music, eating/drinking, and even talking to someone in your car are all things that can lead to a car accident if the driver is not paying enough attention.

According to the NHTSA’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign, 8% of all fatal traffic accidents are caused by distracted drivers. As 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 that you seek a food delivery accident attorney in order to properly hold the one responsible liable for their actions.

Speeding

One of the most common causes of traffic accidents in the United States, speeding is when a driver goes over the speed limit in the area. 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, and considering the work that delivery drivers do, they may feel compelled to speed in order to avoid receiving negative reviews.

However, it is important to note that a delivery driver can be hit by a negligent third party driver who was speeding for whatever reason. In these cases, whoever has caused the accident by speeding then they would become liable for all damages. Whether you are an Uber Eats driver or another driver on the road, it is imperative that you follow all traffic rules to avoid getting into an accident and becoming responsible for all damages.

Common Injuries in Food Delivery Accidents

Much like any traffic accident found in Riverside county, head and spinal cord injuries are some of the most common types of injuries sustained in food delivery accidents. Whether you are a delivery driver or a random driver on the road, if you have suffered injuries in a delivery accident, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent your condition from worsening.

In addition, should you choose to file an accident claim against the delivery driver, a third party driver, or even the delivery companies, it is vital that you understand the extent of injuries a person can sustain so you can properly discuss your case with an experienced Doordash accident lawyer or a personal injury attorney.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are defined as bumps and blows to the head as a result of a sudden impact. Depending on the severity of the injury, head injuries can be fatal but it entirely depends on whether the injury was a penetrating or non-penetrating injury. 

However, no matter what kind of injury a person or a delivery driver sustains, it is recommended to see a medical professional to remedy it. If you do not seek medical attention for your head injury, then you risk the chances of suffering long-term health complications such as deteriorating physical and cognitive functions.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is referred to as damage onto the spine and the bundle of nerves that sends and receives signals from the brain. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has classified the spine as one of the most delicate parts of the body due its limited ability to absorb impact and force. 

As a result, anyone who suffers injuries to the spine can potentially experience permanent injuries such as paralysis and the loss of physical and organ functions. Depending on the severity of the accident, the victim would require extensive medical care and treatment in order to properly live their day-to-day lives, but it is important to mention that recovery takes a significant amount of time.

What Kind of Compensation Is Available for a Food Delivery Accident Victim?

The awarded compensation for a food delivery accident is going to be dependent on the nature and severity of the accident, and, as a result, the compensation range is going to vary widely. For instance, moderate delivery accidents where the victim has sustained minor injuries can expect to be awarded anywhere within the five figure range. However, accidents where the victim has sustained a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury can expect a figure anywhere within the six figure range to accommodate them for medical expenses and any quality of life adjustments.

What Damages Are Available in a Food Delivery Accident?

From what is generally seen in food delivery accidents in the Riverside area, economic and non-economic damages are available for victims in these types of accidents. Generally, victims would be able to recover one or a mixture or both, however, it will be heavily dependent on the scale and severity of the accident in question. So if you are filing a claim with an attorney, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with how these damages differ from each other to serve as a point of reference.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are defined as calculable losses designed to financially restore accident victims for any unexpected costs that suddenly arise in an accident. For example, medical bills, property damage, lost wages, physical therapy, and quality of life adjustments are things that can be compensated when a person has suffered serious injuries in a food delivery accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are defined as incalculable losses designed to compensate accident victims for losses that are subjective by nature. As a result, the total value of non-economic damages will vary on a case-by-case basis. 

For example, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress are very subjective emotional injuries that will vary widely from person to person in an accident. Due to the subjective nature of these damages, there needs to be definitive proof that the accident in question has had a profound impact on accident victims for non-economic damages to be awarded.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here To Help

If you or a loved one were injured in a food delivery accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries and any other sustained damages. As filing a personal injury claim can be a long and confusing process for those who are unfamiliar with the legal process, it is vital that you hire an experienced food delivery attorney to represent you and your best interests.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of experienced lawyers are ready to take on your case and give you the legal representation that you are looking for. With over 20 years of legal experience, our team of experienced attorneys are well versed in the California court system and they are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our due diligence to give them proper legal representation. As determining liability in food delivery accidents is notorious for being complex and time consuming, our legal team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE initial consultation today, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Food Delivery Accidents in Riverside

How Can a Food Delivery Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A food delivery accident lawyer can help you with a variety of different tasks that are essential for your case. From filing your personal injury claim to negotiating with opposing counsel and insurance adjusters on your behalf, food delivery lawyers are there to help you throughout the entire legal process and serve as an objective source for all of your legal questions and concerns. While you can choose to file a personal injury and insurance claim without lawyers, however, you risk the possibility of losing your case or receiving a lower offer from opposing counsel and the insurance company representing them.

Can I Sue if a Doordash Driver Crashed Into Me?

Yes, you can sue for compensation if a Doordash driver crashes into you, because whether the driver was delivering food or picking it up, they still need to abide by all traffic laws and rules. Any acts of negligence and recklessness is no excuse for causing a car accident and depending on the scale and severity of the accident, the victim can sue for economic and non-economic damages.

Who Is Liable in a Food Delivery Accident?

Generally speaking, whoever has caused the accident in question is going to be held liable for all sustained injuries and damages. However, in more complex accidents caused by numerous parties, liability may be shared and split among multiple parties as per California Civil Code 1431.2.