January 9, 2025

Steps to Take After an Accident with a DoorDash Driver

Contact a Norristown DoorDash Accident Lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. for Help with Your Case

After getting into a car accident, we might not expect that the other person is a Door Dash delivery driver. They are often in the Norristown area, and when their drivers are negligent or make other errors, the chances of crashes increase. After being involved in an accident with a Door Dash driver, it is important to approach the situation thoughtfully and methodically. Additional concerns come into play that we do not see in other kinds of accidents.

What Causes Door Dash Accidents?

Since Door Dash drivers are working when they are behind the wheel, there are added risks on top of the typical ones (speeding, distractions, inexperience). These include:

  • Working excessive hours can contribute to delivery driver fatigue.
  • Drivers must locate restaurants and customer locations, constantly using a GPS.
  • Multiple customer orders may come up at the same time, causing confusion.
  • Upset and angry customers can leave Door Dash drivers feeling out of sorts and unfocused.
  • The food can also be distracting, especially when it is not properly secured and falls out of its containers.

What Should I Do Immediately After the Accident?

Immediately after the accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Call 911 immediately, and if possible, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic; a shoulder or parking lot will suffice. While you are waiting for help to arrive, snap photos of the scene, including traffic camera locations, skid marks, road signs, and weather conditions. You can also take pictures of injuries and vehicle damage.

If there were any witnesses, you may want to approach them and ask for their contact information if you feel comfortable doing so. When the responders get there, request an ambulance if needed; otherwise, follow up with your medical provider as soon as possible for an evaluation. That will ensure prompt care and document your injuries for a potential claim.

Ask the law enforcement officers about obtaining a copy of the police report; that can take several days or weeks. You can call your insurance company to report what happened but do not elaborate. Providing too many details or opinions could compromise a future claim. Feel free to contact Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. for a free consultation before calling your insurance provider.

How Can I Gather Information from the Door Dash Driver?

Collecting information from the Door Dash driver is vital for future reference. Ask for their name, contact details, and insurance information; if you are uncertain about doing this, ask the responding officers. Asking for the delivery order number or other relevant details may assist in tracking the specifics of their delivery at the time of the accident.

Should I Notify Door Dash?

Yes, notifying Door Dash about the accident is also important. Their claims are handled by third-party insurers, but you can email Door Dash to report what happened. You might need to submit evidence, like photos of the accident and video footage. Then, their insurer should review that information, contact you, and provide a claim number.

From there, you will not be dealing with Door Dash; their insurer will handle the end of the negotiations. Accepting any initial offers from the insurer is highly discouraged because the amount might not be adequate for your damages. Also, refrain from signing anything from their insurer without first consulting a lawyer.    

Contact a Norristown Door Dash Accident Lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. for Help with Your Case

If you have sustained injuries or suffered losses due to an accident involving a Door Dash driver, a skilled Norristown Door Dash accident lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. can provide valuable guidance. For a free consultation, call the Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, offices at 267-861-7100 or submit the provided online form. Clients in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown are gladly served.