What is DoorDash and How Does it Work?
DoorDash is a popular meal delivery service like Uber Eats and Grubhub. When consumers use the DoorDash app, they can order food from a local restaurant for delivery. Then, a contract driver, using their own personal car, goes to the restaurant to pick up the food and deliver it to your selected address.
2023 data analysis shows that DoorDash (and its subsidiary Caviar) is now the dominant food delivery company in the United States, making up for over 60% of all meal delivery sales. In second place is Uber Eats, followed by Grubhub (and its subsidiaries) and ASAP.
What Should You Do Directly After an Accident with a DoorDash Driver?
If you’re ever in a collision with a car, whether they’re DoorDash or unaffiliated with any delivery company, the very first thing you must do is check yourself for injuries. Then, check your passengers for injuries. If everyone is well enough, check other motorists or pedestrians for injuries.
At this time, you or someone else should have called 911. You may need medical attention, and law enforcement is required at the scene of the car crash, regardless of how hurt someone may or may not be. While awaiting the arrival of police and paramedics, document the accident with photographs, videos, and recordings with eyewitnesses. Do not let the DoorDash driver leave before law enforcement arrives. They may claim that there was no significant damage and that they’re still bound by a delivery time, but they must not leave, or it will be considered fleeing the scene of an accident.
When the police arrive, they will want you to complete a police report. The police report will be valuable evidence when you file your car accident claim.
Next, contact your insurance company. While you are doing that, the DoorDash driver is likely doing the same thing. Ohio law requires that DoorDash drivers carry a minimum amount of personal car insurance. The DoorDash company also carries insurance for each of its approximately 2,000,000 drivers, covering excess liability beyond the DoorDash driver’s insurance policy cap.
You should seek medical treatment, even if you think you feel fine. Some injuries may only appear later. Please seek medical aid early to ensure your chances of recovering compensation for your accident claim.
Next, fill out an accident report on the DoorDash official website.
Finally, if you have not done so already, speak with experienced car accident lawyers. Your attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of your car accident case and help you recover maximum compensation for your DoorDash accident case.
What Causes DoorDash Car Accidents?
DoorDash drivers are expected to dash from a restaurant to the delivery address. Speed is implied in their name. DoorDash drivers may drive over the speed limit to make as much money as possible. While there is no denying the breaking of a law, it must be said that DoorDash drivers do not make as much money as they deserve, so one can understand where they feel this drive to perform faster.
DoorDash drivers are also constantly referring to their phones or other electronic devices for directions, new orders, and notes from consumers. This can lead to distracted driving, which may result in an accident.
What Are Common DoorDash Accident Injuries?
DoorDash accident injuries are similar to any other auto accident injuries. They may include the following:
- Broken bones.
- Burns.
- Catastrophic injuries.
- Disfigurement.
- Internal bleeding.
- Loss of limbs.
- Paralysis.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Whiplash.
- Wrongful death.
Do You File a Claim Against DoorDash or the Driver?
The answer to this question depends on whether the DoorDash driver was on duty during the accident.
If the at-fault DoorDash motorist was not on duty at the time of the collision, then their personal car insurance policy will be responsible for covering all damages. The DoorDash company is not held liable when one of their drivers is in an accident during their off hours.
If, however, the car wreck happened while the DoorDash driver was on duty, either in transit to the restaurant or delivery address, then the DoorDash company’s insurance coverage will kick in. The company’s insurance may step in if you sue the driver and their policy does not cover all your damages. You may elect to sue DoorDash, which has a $1 million insurance policy covering medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.
What is the Importance of Hiring an Experienced Car Accident Attorney?
With a car accident involving a company like DoorDash, there exists multiple liable parties which you may be able to file a lawsuit against. However, DoorDash also has a team of lawyers on staff to represent their interests. While you may be in the right, it may be a more complex legal case.
That’s why it is crucial that you retain professional legal counsel to be in your corner every step of the way.
Our personal injury law firm has experience representing clients with DoorDash accident claims. To learn more, please contact our law offices.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
The Attkisson Law Firm has extensive experience representing clients across Ohio in personal injury and car accident cases. To discuss your DoorDash accident case, please contact our legal team to schedule a free consultation.
Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win. Please take advantage of our no-obligation free case evaluation today and call us at (937) 918-7555.
