We live in a fast-paced society that wants everything delivered, and delivered fast. The pizza delivery guy used to be the only one out there dropping off meals, but in the last decade, a host of delivery services have emerged, and they’re willing to bring you almost anything you can think of. But what happens when those drivers cause an accident? Here’s what you need to know if you’re hit by a deliver driver.
Why Being Hit by a Delivery Driver Happens
Whether you were in an accident with a GrubHub driver, Waitr driver, Amazon delivery driver or other delivery service, the person behind the wheel might have caused the accident due to one or more of the following:
- Little driving experience – Delivery driver jobs are known for low pay and night and weekend scheduling. Typically those roles are filled by high school and college kids who don’t have a lot of driving experience. Because they’re relatively new to the road, they’re more likely to make beginner mistakes that cause accidents.
- Time-related pressure – Companies often track their drivers, requiring them to make deliveries as quickly as possible. People who deliver food also receive tips based on how quickly food arrives and how many stops they can make in a shift. That means delivery drivers are in a hurry and feeling pressure, which encourages them to drive faster than they should and behave more recklessly than they otherwise might.
- Long hours behind the wheel – Delivery drivers spend their entire shift behind the wheel, and often a number of those hours are in low-light situations on unfamiliar roads.
The Challenge of Receiving Compensation
Unfortunately, receiving compensation if you’re hit by a delivery driver can be more complicated than it is after a “regular” car accident, if there is such a thing. If they were in a company vehicle, their employer most likely has coverage that will provide compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage if their driver is at fault.
However, that’s not always the case. Most delivery drivers use their own vehicle for the job. Most personal auto insurance policies have exclusions that protect the insurance company if their driver is using the car for work. And the company for whom they were delivering considers them “independent contractors,” which means they might not be liable either. That’s why it’s so vitally important to work with a personal injury lawyer if you’re hit by a delivery driver and become injured.
What to Do if You’re Hit by a Delivery Driver
Immediately after any car accident, the most important thing is to make sure you and your passengers are safe and tend to any medical needs. You should also always call the police, even if the accident appears minor. Then, once you and the others involved are secure, obtain the following:
- Identifying information for the other driver that includes his or her name and insurance
- The identity of the other driver’s employer
- Photos of the accident scene including all vehicles involved, debris in the road and any other contributing factors
- Contact information for any witnesses
Door Dash, Grub Hub, Waitr and other employers all handle accident liability differently. For example, Uber Eats covers drivers when they’re on their way to pick up food and when they’re out delivering orders. Door Dash covers drivers when they have food in their vehicle, but not when they’re on their way to pick it up from the restaurant. Grub Hub provides no coverage at all.
Hire an Attorney if you’re Hit by a Delivery Driver
Virtually no employer or insurance company wants to pay for an accident if they don’t have to. It’s just human nature. But even in cases where delivery services call drivers independent contractors, there’s often much an experienced attorney can do to make sure you receive the compensation you’re due after being hit by a delivery driver. Monsour Law Firm attorneys are known for being tireless investigators who find evidence to support claims when victims feared they might be fighting a lost cause. Schedule a free consultation and let’s talk about how we might be able to help with your claim.
