Car Accidents and The Gig Economy: Legal Implications for Delivery Drivers

Delivery drivers spend most of their work day on the road and are at a high risk of getting into car crashes. Bad weather, busy city streets, and tight schedules all compound the risks. In 2018, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 36 incidents of traffic-related injuries for every 10,000 delivery drivers.

Legal implications for delivery drivers in road accidents are different. An experienced car accident attorney can help you evaluate all possible legal options and get you the financial compensation you are entitled to.

What Happens When an App-based Delivery Driver is Involved in an Accident in Alabama?

If you are delivering for an app-based service such as Grubhub, Doordash, or Instacart, and meet with an accident, you should follow the same steps as you would in a conventional car accident. You should check for injuries, ensure your safety, call 911, gather evidence, and exchange information. You should try and file a police report by calling the police to the scene of the accident.

Your next steps will be determined by the following factors:

• Which service were you working for when the accident took place?
• Does your app’s insurance policy extend to your job role?
• Are there any local laws applicable to delivery services?
• Do you have car insurance covering commercial activities?
• Who was at fault for the accident?

You may have a hard time getting the replies you need from the service provider you work for if you are one driver among the several thousand contracted. Most delivery service companies try to shirk their responsibility. Or they may offer a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your medical expenses or other losses.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, your health and livelihood may be on the line. You shouldn’t settle for less than you deserve. Get in touch with a personal injury attorney with experience in handling delivery accident claims. Your attorney will help you navigate the legal process and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Pursue Compensation from the Delivery Service Company

There are many delivery service apps that offer insurance coverage for their contracted drivers. However, insurance coverage may only become available under specific circumstances. For instance, Doordash offers a $1 million insurance coverage for driver accidents. This coverage is applicable to any delivery person that is on the way to delivering an order. It doesn’t cover drivers that are on the way to pick up the food.

This is just one instance. Different delivery apps have their own policies in regard to liability insurance. You should speak with a competent and knowledgeable personal injury attorney to determine all available legal options.

You may also be able to file a workers’ compensation if you were using the employer’s vehicle to perform a job-related task when the accident occurred. Workers’ compensation is mandatory employer-held insurance, which will cover your lost wages and medical expenses regardless of fault.

Claim Damages from the Other At-fault Driver

Delivery drivers can sue other drivers if they caused the collision. You can obtain damages from the other driver in addition to filing a workers’ compensation claim or using the delivery service company’s liability insurance. However, third parties may only be held liable for additional losses, such as long-term medical care and pain and suffering if your initial medical expenses are covered under workers’ compensation.

There are statutes in place that prevent individuals from collecting twice for the same injury. You should speak with a skilled personal injury attorney to maximize your financial recovery. Knowing how to proceed after a meeting with an accident can help you get the compensation you deserve for covering medical expenses and other damages.

Personal Auto Insurance Policy for Delivery Drivers

Cars used by businesses as compared to personal use are usually classified as a higher risk by insurance companies. If you are using your own vehicle for making the deliveries, you may not get covered by a regular personal auto insurance policy. In fact, if you failed to inform your insurance carrier about using the car for delivery services, they may outrightly deny your claim. The insurance company may also cancel your policy.

You need to be straightforward while speaking with the insurance company to identify the type of coverage required for making commercial deliveries. This is the only way of ensuring you remain covered in the event of a car accident. You may need to shop around till you find a policy that suits your interests and budget.

Involve a proven personal injury attorney right after the accident. This will help you take the right steps toward obtaining maximum compensation.

Choose a Results-Driven Personal Injury Law Firm with a Record of Large Settlements and Verdicts

If you or someone you care about was involved in an accident while working as an app-based delivery driver, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the law offices of Frank M. Wilson can help you get the compensation you deserve. Our extensive knowledge of Alabama injury laws combined with a dedication to helping injured clients allows us to obtain favorable outcomes. Schedule your free case review with our lawyers today. Call us at (334) 420-2931 or contact us online.