King of Prussia Uber Eats and DoorDash Accident Lawyers

The popularity of food delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash has surged in King of Prussia, and they are certainly convenient. However, the rise in delivery vehicles on the road has also led to an increase in traffic accidents involving these drivers. When an accident occurs with a food delivery vehicle, questions arise regarding liability, insurance coverage, and potential compensation for those injured.

Determining who is responsible for a delivery-related accident can involve layers of insurance policies and other parties who may share some responsibility. The  King of Prussia Uber Eats and DoorDash accident attorneys at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. can explain your options for compensation and fight to protect your rights.

 What Should I Do After an Accident Involving an Uber Eats or DoorDash Driver?

Following an accident involving an Uber Eats or DoorDash driver, there are specific actions that can help protect your legal interests. The first priority should be calling 911. Even if injuries do not appear severe at first, a medical evaluation is prudent, as some injuries may not show immediate symptoms. Filing a police report is also important; an official record of the incident may be needed later when dealing with insurance claims.

We also recommend documenting the scene. Examples include taking photographs of the accident location, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any injuries. Also, remember to exchange information with the delivery driver, including contact and insurance information. It is also essential to confirm whether the driver was working at the time of the accident, as this may affect which insurance policies apply.

Finally, notify the delivery company to establish their driver’s involvement in the incident. Uber Eats and DoorDash each have procedures for reporting accidents that occur during a delivery; those are found in their apps and websites.

Who Bears Liability in King of Prussia Uber Eats and DoorDash Accidents?

This answer typically depends on the driver’s work status at the time of the crash.

• If the driver was actively on the clock (picking up or delivering an order), then the delivery company’s insurance policy may apply.
• If the driver was not working or between deliveries, their personal insurance would likely be the primary coverage.

Other factors may also influence liability. If another driver contributed to the accident or unsafe road conditions played a role, third parties might share some responsibility.

Besides that, Uber Eats and DoorDash classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. While this status generally limits the company’s liability, there are exceptions where the delivery service may still be held accountable.  Our King of Prussia Uber Eats and DoorDash accident attorneys can evaluate your case to determine how different parties contributed to the accident.

What Insurance Policies Apply in Delivery Driver Accidents?

Generally, these companies provide various levels of coverage that change based on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.

• When a delivery driver is not logged into the app, only their personal auto insurance will apply.
• If the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a delivery request, the delivery company typically provides limited liability coverage.
• Once a driver accepts delivery and until the order is completed, Uber Eats, and DoorDash generally offer commercial insurance coverage of up to $1 million for bodily injury and property damage.

However, personal auto insurance policies often exclude accidents while the policyholder is engaged in commercial activities like food delivery. The delivery company’s insurance policy may serve as the primary coverage in such cases. Additionally, coverage may be available through uninsured or underinsured motorist provisions, depending on the circumstances.

Can I Pursue a Claim Against the Delivery Company?

While pursuing a claim directly against Uber Eats or DoorDash is possible, it is not always straightforward. Because delivery drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, proving that the company bears responsibility may require establishing that it was negligent in some way. For example, if the company fails to conduct appropriate background checks on drivers or neglects to implement adequate safety standards, it might be liable for accidents involving its drivers.

Other scenarios where company liability may arise include situations where unrealistic delivery schedules or other company practices encourage unsafe driving behaviors. These cases often require a detailed examination of the circumstances leading to the accident.

What Compensation May Be Available in Uber Eats or DoorDash Accident Cases?

If you are involved in an accident with an Uber Eats or DoorDash driver, several types of compensation may be available, depending on the details of the incident:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation may cover immediate medical costs, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: If injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost income.
• Property Damage: This covers repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or other damaged property.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress can be pursued based on the injuries’ severity.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If injuries limit your future ability to earn income, you may seek compensation for this loss.

Determining the value of a claim involves evaluating economic and non-economic damages. Our King of Prussia Uber Eats and DoorDash accident attorneys can clarify the compensation available in your case.

What Are the Common Challenges in Uber Eats and DoorDash Accident Cases?

Several challenges may arise when pursuing a claim involving delivery drivers. Insurance coverage disputes are not uncommon, especially when there is ambiguity regarding whether the delivery company’s policy applies. Because the companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, demonstrating company liability often requires more than just showing the driver’s fault. The company’s policies or practices may need scrutinizing for potential negligence.

Moreover, some drivers may work for multiple delivery services simultaneously, making it difficult to determine which insurance policies apply or whether the driver was working during the accident. The legal process may involve navigating these factors to build a compelling case.

The Skilled King of Prussia Uber Eats and DoorDash Accident Lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Can Fight to Protect Your Rights

If you have been injured in an accident involving a food delivery driver, the King of Prussia Uber Eats and DoorDash accident lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. know how to handle these cases. For a free consultation, call our Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania offices at 267-861-7100 or complete our online form. We serve clients in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.