DoorDash Accidents in Alabama

While DoorDash drivers have much in common with Uber and Lyft drivers, they face additional adversities. Each DoorDash order must be delivered under a strict deadline, meaning the driver is always in a rush. In turn, this rushed driving increases the likelihood of an accident. Like many Uber and Lyft drivers, this is often a second job to make extra money for DoorDash drivers. This results in fatigue, which further increases the likelihood of an accident. Finally, in larger cities, there is no way a DoorDash driver can know the entire city by heart, making them more vulnerable to accidents as they deliver in unfamiliar areas. A DoorDash accident can be complex, necessitating the legal services of a DoorDash car accident attorney.

According to rideshareguy.com, DoorDash, originally created in California in 2012, is now a publicly traded company, active in more than 4,000 cities. As of 2020, DoorDash was valued at $16 billion, had more than 20 million users, and dominated the food delivery market.  By 2021, Door Dash had 56 percent of monthly meal delivery sales—more than double that of its closest competitor, Uber Eats. With all the DoorDash deliveries going on, a rise in accidents must surely be an outcome.

As with Uber and Lyft, there is a lack of reporting on those accidents, so statistics are virtually non-existent. When a DoorDash accident occurs, although the company carries a million dollars in liability insurance, it is extremely limited, and may not apply in many situations. If you have been injured in a DoorDash accident, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable DoorDash car accident attorney from Martinson & Beason, P.C. who can help you determine your options for recovery. 

What Happens If I Get into an Accident While Driving for DoorDash?

Drivers for DoorDash must be aware of the limitations of the liability insurance provided by the company. While DoorDash does provide liability coverage up to a million dollars, there are significant gaps in the policy. For this reason, it is crucial that DoorDash drivers have their own business coverage in case of an accident. DoorDash will only cover their drivers when they are on a food delivery on behalf of the company—and there is food in the car to be delivered.

There is no coverage from DoorDash on the way to pick up a meal and personal insurance companies are likely to deny the claim, counting the pick-up trip as a business trip. Business-use coverage can be added to most auto insurance policies, usually for only a few more dollars per month. This can protect you if you use your vehicle for DoorDash deliveries. Be aware that DoorDash liability insurance only kicks in once your own policy’s coverage has been exhausted; DoorDash coverage is considered secondary coverage, meaning it only applies to costs above and beyond what your insurance pays.

What Happens If I Am Injured by a DoorDash Driver in Alabama?

Under DoorDash liability insurance, if a DoorDash driver is responsible for an accident while the driver is actually delivering food, the company will cover your bodily injury, damage to third-party property, and damage to other parties involved in the accident. If you are hit by a DoorDash driver that was on the way to pick up food or is waiting for an order, you must file against the driver’s insurance. Even if the driver was delivering food at the time of the accident, you are likely to face a steep uphill battle to get the company’s insurance to pay for your injuries and other damages. For this reason, the best course of action is to speak to an experienced Martinson & Beason DoorDash car accident attorney as quickly as possible.

What Should You Do if Injured While Driving for DoorDash—or Injured by a DoorDash Driver?

Whether you are a DoorDash driver injured in a car accident or another individual injured by a DoorDash driver, you should follow the basic rules for what to do following an accident—along with an extra step or two.

• Get everyone out of harm’s way, then call 911.
• If anyone has any injuries, ensure they receive medical attention.
• Make sure there is a police report on file.
• If you are physically able, take photos with your phone of the location, vehicle damages, and potential witnesses. Obtain witness contact information when possible.
• Exchange information with the other driver.
• Once you are home, contact your own insurance company to report the accident and take the time to sit down and write down every single detail you can remember about the accident.
• Fill out a DoorDash accident report form at: https://doordash.formstack.com/forms/doordashautoclaims
• No matter whose insurance you think will be paying your expenses, contact an experienced DoorDash car accident attorney as quickly as possible.

Who is Liable for a DoorDash Accident?

As detailed above, unlike most food delivery services, DoorDash does provide basic liability car insurance to its drivers. Unfortunately, this insurance is generally limited to liability that protects the company from being sued if the DoorDash driver is at fault for an accident. In this case, DoorDash insurance will cover the basic repairs for the other driver’s vehicle, as well as medical expenses for those injured in the accident. DoorDash insurance is, however, considered secondary insurance so collecting can be quite difficult. 

What Types of Damages are Available Following a DoorDash Injury in Alabama?

Whether you file against the DoorDash driver’s insurance or DoorDash, you should be entitled to collect the following damages:

• Medical expenses, both current and future. This includes expenses for the hospital, ambulance, physicians, prescription drugs, and rehabilitative services.
• Current lost wages and future lost wages if your injuries will keep you from returning to work for a significant period of time.
• Pain and suffering, including damages for physical pain as well as emotional and psychological trauma.

How an Experienced DoorDash Car Accident Attorney from Martinson & Beason Can Help

Being involved in a car accident—no matter the circumstances—can leave you injured and unable to work, facing medical expenses, and possibly even unable to pay your normal monthly expenses. The Martinson & Beason attorneys have been helping those in a similar situation for over 85 years. We care deeply about our clients, therefore, always go the extra mile to ensure they receive the care they need and that they receive a fair settlement for their injuries and other damages. We want to help you get your life back to normal following your car accident and move on with your life. We will work with you to get the compensation you need and deserve while ensuring your rights and your future are properly protected. Contact Martinson & Beason, P.C. today for a free consultation.