Food delivery apps like DoorDash have changed the way people get their meals. However, with thousands of Dashers driving across Florida every day, accidents involving delivery drivers are becoming more frequent.
If you were injured in a collision caused by a Florida DoorDash driver, figuring out who is responsible for paying your damages can be surprisingly complicated. Continue reading for more information regarding your legal options in these circumstances and how a car accident lawyer can help you.
How DoorDash Classifies Its Drivers in Florida
One of the biggest factors in any Florida DoorDash accident claim is the driver’s employment status. DoorDash does not treat its drivers as employees. Instead, Dashers are classified as independent contractors who use their own vehicles and set their own schedules.
This classification matters because it limits DoorDash’s direct liability. In a traditional employer-employee relationship, the company would typically be responsible for accidents caused by its workers. Since Dashers are independent contractors, DoorDash often argues it should not be held legally responsible when one of them causes a crash. However, that does not mean the company avoids all liability.
DoorDash’s Insurance Coverage Depends on the Driver’s Status
DoorDash provides different levels of insurance coverage depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the Florida accident:
- If the Dasher was not logged into the app, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. DoorDash has no coverage obligation in this scenario.
- If the Dasher was logged in but waiting for a delivery request, DoorDash may offer limited contingent liability coverage. This generally only kicks in if the driver’s personal policy denies the claim.
- If the Dasher was actively picking up or dropping off an order, DoorDash provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage for injuries and property damage.
Establishing which phase the driver was in at the moment of the crash is critical to determining which insurance policy applies to your claim.
What Should I Do After a DoorDash Delivery Accident in Florida?
Taking the right steps after a crash with a DoorDash driver can make a real difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim. Here is what you should keep in mind:
- Call 911 right away so law enforcement can respond and create an official accident report. This document will serve as key evidence later on.
- Get the other driver’s contact details, insurance information, and ask whether they were making a Florida DoorDash delivery at the time.
- Document the scene by taking photos and videos of the vehicles and any injuries.
- Seek medical attention promptly, with or without an obvious injury. Some injuries take hours or days to produce noticeable symptoms, and medical records will help connect your injuries to the crash.
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing at the scene. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, even a small admission could be used to increase your share of blame.
After taking these steps, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney who handles DoorDash accident cases in Florida. Your lawyer can investigate the facts of your case and help you pursue maximum compensation from there.
Contact a Florida DoorDash Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
DoorDash delivery accidents involve layers of complexity that go beyond a typical case. Pursuing fair compensation on your own can be an uphill battle in these cases and is likely not in your best interest.
If you were recently injured in an accident involving a DoorDash driver, set up a free consultation with Elliott Law Firm today at (800) 300-0303 or by reaching out online. We’ll do everything we can to help you make the most of your claim.