Philadelphia Uber Eats and DoorDash Accident Lawyers
The growth of food delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash has significantly changed how people access meals, providing the convenience of having food delivered right to their homes. However, it is no surprise that the increase in delivery drivers on ours roads has also led to a rise in accidents involving these drivers.
This happens often in busy cities like Philadelphia and King of Prussia. The legal and insurance implications for those affected, including drivers, pedestrians, delivery recipients, and other motorists, differ somewhat from those of other kinds of crashes.
Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esq. is listed as a contact for Uber Eats and DoorDash accident victims in Philadelphia. Anthony understands the legal challenges and can help you pursue compensation and protect your rights.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Uber Eats and DoorDash Accidents?
Several factors can contribute to accidents involving food delivery drivers. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Delivery drivers may use their phones to navigate or communicate with customers, which can lead to distraction and reduce their ability to react to road conditions.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: To meet delivery timeframes, some drivers may exceed the speed limit or take risks compromising safety.
- Fatigue: Many delivery drivers work long hours or juggle multiple jobs, leading to fatigue that impairs reaction time and judgment.
- Unfamiliarity with the Area: Drivers who are unfamiliar with local roads might struggle to find delivery locations, leading to last-minute lane changes or other erratic driving behaviors.
- Weather Conditions: Poor weather, like rain or snow, can make roads slippery and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Who Is Liable in an Uber Eats or DoorDash Accident?
One key factor for determining liability in these accidents is the driver’s status at the time of the collision. If they were actively making a delivery—such as on the way to pick up or drop off an order—then the delivery service may have some degree of liability. Both Uber Eats and DoorDash provide insurance coverage for their drivers during active deliveries. Our Philadelphia Uber Eats and DoorDash accidents can explain those policies to you in detail.
When the driver uses the vehicle for personal reasons and is not actively delivering, the responsibility typically falls under the driver’s personal insurance policy. However, multiple parties may be involved in some cases, which could complicate the determination of fault.
What Insurance Coverage Is Available in These Cases?
Insurance coverage for Uber Eats and DoorDash drivers is structured differently than traditional car insurance policies. The available coverage depends on whether the driver was actively engaged in a delivery:
- Period 1 (App On, No Active Delivery): The company may offer limited liability coverage when a driver has the app on but is not assigned to delivery.
- Period 2 (En Route to Pickup): If the driver is on their way to pick up food, coverage typically includes liability insurance up to $1 million.
- Period 3 (Active Delivery): When delivering the food to a customer, the coverage may include liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
What Should I Do if I am Involved in a Delivery Driver Accident?
If you find yourself involved in an accident with an Uber Eats or DoorDash driver, contact emergency services to report the accident and seek medical attention if anyone is injured. Gathering information from all parties is also important, so get names, contact details, and insurance information. Try to document the scene, including photographs of the vehicles, any visible injuries, skid marks, and traffic signs.
If possible, note whether the delivery driver was actively making a delivery at the time of the incident, as that can impact the insurance coverage that applies. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident.
How Do Philadelphia Laws Impact These Cases?
Philadelphia’s laws regarding car accidents, liability, and insurance apply to delivery driver accidents, but there are additional considerations for rideshare and delivery service incidents. Pennsylvania operates under a “choice no-fault” insurance system, allowing drivers to select between limited or full tort coverage.
Limited tort coverage restricts the ability to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, except in cases involving serious injuries. In contrast, full tort coverage allows injured parties to seek compensation for pain and suffering, regardless of the severity of the injury. If the allegedly at-fault driver was driving on personal time, you would want to know which option they have.
What Challenges Might Arise When Dealing With Insurance Companies?
Negotiating with insurance companies following a delivery driver accident can be challenging. Disputes over liability may occur, particularly in cases where multiple parties share responsibility for the incident. Coverage limitations can also pose difficulties, as Uber Eats and DoorDash drivers’ insurance policies have certain caps that may not fully cover all damages.
Insurance companies may also use delay tactics to prolong the claims process, aiming to pressure claimants into accepting a lower settlement. In other cases, insurance claims are denied.
How Can a Philadelphia Uber Eats and DoorDash Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Legal representation can be invaluable when dealing with accidents involving Uber Eats or DoorDash drivers. We can assess the details of your case, advise on liability issues, and recommend a course of action based on the circumstances. We can also prepare your legal documents and communicate directly with insurance companies to negotiate a fair settlement. We can represent you in court if an agreement cannot be reached.
Get Legal Help From the Philadelphia Uber Eats and DoorDash Accident Lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C.
If you have been involved in an accident with a food delivery driver, speak with the Philadelphia Uber Eats and DoorDash accident lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Call 267-861-7100 or submit our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.
