If you’re a delivery driver, you might be shocked to learn that you’re not covered under your employer’s insurance policy if you get into an accident. Even if coverage does apply, it’s often limited. In New Jersey, the majority of drivers only carry the minimum insurance required by law. This leaves delivery drivers who are injured in a car accident responsible for paying out-of-pocket for any expenses incurred in an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a food delivery driver in New Jersey, the food delivery injury attorneys at Console & Associates P.C. are here to help. Our experienced team has a deep understanding of the complex federal, state, and local insurance and personal injury laws that govern these cases. We will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 866-778-5500 or fill out our online form to get started.
The pandemic has been a boon for the food delivery industry, with e-commerce booming and delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub experiencing unprecedented growth. Unfortunately, this surge in food delivery drivers has also led to an alarming rise in related accidents, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that fatalities among food delivery drivers have reached the highest level in two decades.
There are big differences in insurance coverage for food delivery drivers between different platforms. While NJ has a law requiring rideshare companies to provide insurance coverage to its drivers, it does not explicitly require food delivery companies to do the same. This means that food delivery drivers may not be fully covered in the event of an accident or injury.
If you are a delivery driver, you may want to consider purchasing business-use coverage. This will protect you in the event of an accident while making deliveries. If the accident victim decides to pursue damages, they can do so from the driver’s insurance. If you are involved in an accident and your coverage is insufficient to cover the damages, the victim may be able to seek compensation from your insurance company through an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim.
There can be a lot at stake in an auto accident, particularly if you are injured. That’s why knowing what kind of insurance coverage is available to you is important. For instance, if you are injured in an accident while getting food delivered, it’s important to know whether the food delivery company or the restaurant has insurance to protect you.
When you’re using Uber Eats as a driver, you can rest assured knowing you’re protected with third-party liability insurance coverage. This insurance coverage will depend on if the driver is actively working on an order or simply waiting for one. For drivers who are just waiting for an order, Uber Eats has third-party liability limits that consist of:
Our drivers are covered by our insurance policy when driving to and from a delivery location. This policy provides $1,000,000 in combined third-party liability insurance, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage if the driver has this type of coverage on their personal auto insurance policy.
You may be entitled to monetary compensation if you have been involved in an accident with a DoorDash driver. This limited liability insurance applies while the driver is delivering your order, but it’s important to note that it only covers accidents that occur while the driver is delivering an order.
When you’re a Postmates driver, you’re covered by liability insurance from the moment you accept an order until you deliver it. There’s no coverage during the waiting period or any other gaps.
As a GrubHub driver, you need to be aware that any damage caused during deliveries is not covered by insurance and is your own responsibility.
These cases can be difficult and complex, especially in the following situations:
The personal injury attorneys at Console & Associates are dedicated to protecting the rights of those who have been injured.
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When it comes to a negligence lawsuit involving a food delivery worker, who is to blame and who should be held liable? It’s not just the driver who may be responsible for the accident—there are often other players who could play a part in it as well. If someone suffers an injury in an accident involving a food delivery driver, they may be able to seek damages from the driver, the driver’s employer, or both. Likewise, if the food delivery driver is injured in an accident, they may be able to sue the at-fault driver or another responsible entity.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident while delivering food, you may be wondering who is at fault since New Jersey is a no-fault state. Determining liability can be complicated, but an experienced New Jersey food delivery accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
In most employer-employee relationships, the employer is usually held responsible for any negligent actions carried out by their employees within the scope of their work. However, this isn’t always the case when it comes to food service companies and restaurants. Delivery drivers for these types of businesses are often classified as “independent contractors,” meaning that the restaurants are not liable for any negligent actions on the part of the driver.
The scope of your duties or the amount of control an employer has can be the determining factor in whether a delivery driver is seen as an independent contractor or an employee. In many cases, NJ courts will rule that you’re in an independent contractor role. Consulting with an attorney can help you figure out the best course of action.
If you or someone you love was injured in a New Jersey car accident while working as a delivery driver, the team of experienced delivery driver accident lawyers at Console & Associates, P.C. can help. We have more than 25 years of knowledge navigating the sometimes-confusing insurance laws and know where to search for coverage to cover your injuries. With our free consultations and no-win, no-fee policy, you won’t be spending money on legal fees without a successful outcome. Get the compensation you deserve for your injury. To learn more and schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced New Jersey delivery driver lawyer, contact us today at 866-778-5500. To submit your information securely, use our online contact form.
