We all love the convenience of DoorDash—and it shows. With double-digit market share growth year-over-year and an estimated total revenue of $8.63 billion in 2023, this delivery app isn’t going anywhere.
However, this means more delivery drivers on the roads and a higher chance that you’ll get in an accident with one. Knowing what to do after an accident with a DoorDash driver can help protect you from costly car repair and medical bills.
Liability in a collision with a delivery driver can get complicated. There may be more factors in play than a crash between two private drivers. Sorting through the aftermath, especially when you’re recovering from your injuries, is stressful. Our Florida car accident lawyers have extensive experience litigating claims involving a corporate third party. We can guide you through the claims process so you get the maximum amount available.
DoorDash’s liability policy for drivers
All licensed drivers in Florida must carry Florida PIP insurance, plus any other required liability coverage. However, these policies may not cover a DoorDash driver when they’re using their personal vehicle for commercial purposes, like delivering food.
This means that their private insurer may try to deny your valid claim if the Dasher was delivering orders when they hit you.
That’s why DoorDash provides occupational accident insurance for its drivers. This insurance covers the driver when they’re actively engaged in a delivery. It accounts for the time between accepting a delivery request through their account to the time of delivery.
If the driver isn’t actively completing an order request, they should be considered private drivers. Their own insurance should cover any damage if they cause a collision.
DoorDash’s insurance coverage covers medical expenses, disability payments, and survivor benefits, although there are maximum allowances for each category. Your lawyer can analyze the Dasher’s policies, both business and private, and determine if and how each one applies.
Steps to take after a crash with a Dasher
The steps after an accident involving a DoorDash delivery driver are similar to those after any other traffic collision.
Call 911
First, call 911, even if you don’t feel hurt or if the other driver tries to talk you out of it. You may be hurt and not realize it. EMS responders can examine you for hidden injuries or spot signs of internal injury or soft tissue damage.
Exchange information
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. While you’re waiting for help to arrive, try to document as much as possible of the scene. Take photos, dictate notes on your phone, and collect the names and contact information of any witnesses. Any evidence you can collect immediately afterward can help protect your claim.
If you’re injured or the other driver is uncooperative, the police can coordinate this exchange when they arrive.
Request a copy of the police report
Make sure to get a copy of the police accident report as soon as you can. It may not be used as evidence in court, but it can provide information for your Florida car accident attorney to start building a case of negligence against the Dasher.
See a healthcare professional
If you didn’t go to the hospital after the accident, get a medical valuation as soon as possible. Your medical records will be a valuable part of your claim. You may be hurt and not immediately realize it. A full exam can reveal injuries you didn’t feel due to the adrenaline from the crash.
Report the crash to DoorDash
Finally, you can report the accident to DoorDash by contacting its 24/7 Trust and Safety team at (855) 431-0459. You can also contact them through the DoorDash app using the “SafeDash” feature.
In either case, you should include details of the accident and the Dasher’s information.
When to call a lawyer after a crash with a DoorDash driver
Filing a claim should be straightforward. Call your car insurance company, tell them you were hit and didn’t cause the wreck, then file your claim with the Dasher’s insurance company.
However, many people run into trouble here, The Dasher may deny causing the wreck, or their insurance company may deny or undervalue the claim.
Your Florida car accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your claim, from filing all the necessary paperwork to properly assessing its value. This includes future economic damages plus the non-economic damages you’re entitled to, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
The attorneys at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath have extensive experience litigating claims involving commercial drivers. We stay current with Florida law changes that can affect claims against delivery drivers. For comprehensive legal representation after a car crash, learn more in a free consultation with one of our lawyers. Call (561) 655-1990 today.
