The rise of app-based food delivery has put thousands of additional drivers on Florida’s roads. Uber Eats drivers in particular are under constant pressure to pick up and drop off orders as fast as possible, which often means rushing through intersections and checking their phones while driving. These habits create real dangers in terms of car accidents and other kinds of motor vehicle collisions.
What makes these cases tricky from a legal standpoint is the way Uber Eats structures its business. The company uses independent contractors instead of traditional employees, which can create confusion about insurance coverage and liability. If you were injured because of a negligent Florida Uber Eats driver, learning about how these claims work is an important first step toward getting the compensation you need.
How Do Florida Uber Eats Delivery Accident Cases Work?
Since Uber Eats classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, the company will often try to distance itself from responsibility when an accident occurs. This distinction is significant because it affects who can be held liable for your injuries.
That said, Uber Eats does maintain an auto insurance policy that may apply depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Coverage levels can vary based on the driver’s status during the accident:
- If the driver was actively on a delivery, the highest level of coverage typically applies
- If the driver had the app on but had not yet accepted an order, a lower level of coverage may be available
- If the app was off entirely, Uber Eats likely has no coverage at all, and you would need to pursue a claim against the driver’s personal insurance
Florida is also considered a no-fault state for car insurance, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy will usually be the first source of coverage after an accident. However, in some circumstances, you can file an additional personal injury claim against the responsible party. This is an option worth looking into because it could raise the value of your case substantially.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover After a Florida Uber Eats Accident?
The damages available to you after an Uber Eats delivery accident will depend on the severity of your injuries and the specific facts of your case. Broadly speaking, a few examples of the economic and non-economic damages you can pursue include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages/diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Loss of quality of life
State law also allows for punitive damages, but only in rare cases that go to trial and that involve egregious misconduct from the responsible party.
Contact an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyer With Eliott Law Firm
Uber Eats delivery accident cases can be much more valuable than they appear on the surface, but the legal process is usually fairly difficult to navigate. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best way to make sure you are fairly compensated for what you’ve been forced to endure.
Schedule a free consultation with an attorney at Elliott Law Firm today by calling (800) 300-0303. We’ve won over $55 million for our clients so far and are confident we can help you with your case as well.