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Due to the popularity of service apps like DoorDash, more and more delivery drivers are on the road than ever before. Because many of these drivers are forced to rush around town to complete their orders, the risk of being in a serious accident has dramatically increased.
Hit by a DoorDash driver? Call BD&J to talk to a skilled California DoorDash accident lawyer now.
Key Takeaways
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- DoorDash accidents happen when a DoorDash driver collides with another vehicle while making a delivery.
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- These accidents can often happen due to reckless, distracted, or even fatigued driving.
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- Responsibility for the accident can depend on many factors, including whether the driver was logged onto the app, making a pickup/delivery, or was not yet active on the platform.
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- California DoorDash accident attorneys from BD&J can help you understand your legal rights after an accident.
How Do DoorDash Accidents Differ from Other Car Accidents?
DoorDash is a food delivery platform that relies on drivers to get food to clients at all hours of the day. Time, customer response, and opportunities for more assignments means many delivery drivers are constantly on the road, trying to make it from point A to point B in as little time as possible.
Accident Responsibility
The amount of DoorDash drivers on the road plus the platform’s expectations for seamless and quick deliveries means accident risks jump up for other vulnerable drivers. When an accident happens, delivery companies are usually responsible for the driver while they are on the job.
Insurance Complications
A claim can be filed against the company or the driver’s insurance policy, but this can ultimately be a more complicated process compared to other car accidents due to the third-party categorization of drivers and the commercial aspect of the accident. An attorney can help you understand how insurance works in these accidents.
DoorDash Negligent Hiring
While delivery drivers on DoorDash are often considered third-party drivers, there can be cases where negligent hiring makes the platform responsible for an accident. In cases of:
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- Failing to complete a background check
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- Overlooking prior driving violations
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- Ignoring customer complaints of drivers
A food delivery platform can be responsible for negligence.
DoorDash Accident Types
Common DoorDash accidents with other vehicles may include:
Speeding Accidents
Speeding and other reckless acts of driving, like failing to yield, can result in serious accidents involving 1 or more vehicles. These accidents can include rollover collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, and T-bone collisions.
Blind Spot Accidents
Distracted DoorDash drivers can fail to check their blind spots when merging or completing a turn, which can lead to their collisions with other cars, motorcycles, and bicyclists.
Frontal Collisions
Frontal collisions can happen when a dasher is distracted or fatigued while driving, leading to incorrect direction in a one-way street, swerving onto another lane, etc.
Rear-End Accidents
Much like with frontal collisions, a DoorDash worker who is in the middle of a delivery can be speeding or distracted, being unable to stop in time and leading to a collision with the back of another vehicle. If you were rear-ended by a DoorDash driver, contact a BD&J attorney.
Intersection Accidents
Busy intersections can be the enemy of a DoorDash driver who’s trying to beat a delivery timer or is eager to get further assignments. This is where running a red-light, failing to yield, and even trying to beat crossing pedestrians while turning can lead to accidents with serious consequences.
Explaining a High-Frequency of Food Delivery Drivers
As DoorDash and other delivery driver accidents rise, it’s important to understand why there are so many gig workers zooming along California roads to meet delivery standards. A combination of:
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- Convenience
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- Fairly easy application standards
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- No prior experience needed
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- No further college education needed
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- Freedom with working hours
Makes many people take up food delivery driver roles as a main source of income or as a supplemental income source apart from their primary job. In fact, recent data shows the nation employs over 463,000 driver/sales workers, with California being the state with the highest employment level of these drivers.
Unfortunately, with a high percentage of employed gig workers in California, comes the higher risk of accidents while on the road.
Why Do DoorDash Accidents Happen?
DoorDash accidents can happen due to:
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- Fatigued and tired driving
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- Distracted driving, such as while looking down at a phone or GPS directions
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- Speeding while trying to make a delivery on time
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- Failing to yield and other reckless driving maneuvers
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- Failing to check blind spots
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- A DoorDash driver coming to sudden stops or improperly parking while making a delivery
Why did your DoorDash accident happen? Contact a BD&J attorney to learn more today.
Common DoorDash Accident Injuries
Accidents with delivery drivers can result in a wide range of injuries, from mild scrapes and bruises to permanent disability. The injury severity depends on the kind of vehicles involved, the speed drivers are traveling, and the kind of accident (i.e. rear end vs. side swipe).
The DoorDash accident lawyers in California at BD&J have worked with victims that have suffered:
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- Back & neck Injuries ranging from whiplash to spinal cord damage and paralysis.
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- Traumatic Brain Injuries caused by impact to the head (e.g. Concussion, brain bleeding, and inflammation).
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- Facial damage like burns from air bags or scarring from cuts can cause permanent disfigurement.
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- Hand & wrist injuries are often caused by improperly holding the steering wheel.
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- Hearing loss and ear damage is common in these situations but usually also temporary.
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- Knee & ankle injuries like sprains, dislocations, broken bones, or torn ligaments.
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- Nerve damage that can cause permanent or long-term pain or loss of function.
Injured while driving or receiving an order? Speak with a California DoorDash accident attorney before you sign anything.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for My DoorDash Accident?
Seeing who could be held responsible for a DoorDash accident is key to any personal injury claim. Responsible parties could be another driver, the DoorDash driver, or the DoorDash app itself depending on the situation.
Another Driver
Another motorist could be responsible for speeding, driving recklessly, driving impaired, or failing to pay attention while on the road, causing an accident that impacts a dasher and yourself.
DoorDash Driver
A DoorDash gig driver could be responsible when their actions, whether it’s speeding, coming to improper stops, driving distractedly, etc., cause an accident that directly leads to your injuries and other damages.
Don’t let a moment of negligence or recklessness by a DoorDash gig worker go unaccounted for. Call 1-855-906-3699 to connect with the BD&J team now.
DoorDash Application
The DoorDash platform could be responsible for your accident involving their contract driver due to:
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- Negligent hiring
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- Failing to enforce safety measures within the app
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- Unreasonable delivery time incentives
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- Internal negligence or misconduct leading to unsafe driving practices
How to Prove Liability in a DoorDash Accident
To hold a DoorDash driver responsible after a vehicle accident, you must be able to prove that:
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- The driver had a reasonable duty of care to you. All drivers have a duty of care to other motorists and pedestrians while on the road to practice safe driving habits and avoid any reckless choices.
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- The driver breached the duty of care. A driver who drives recklessly, fails to pay attention to other motorists and pedestrians, and commits other unsafe driving practices is breaching the reasonable duty of care expected of them.
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- You sustained damages due to this breach of care. By failing to uphold a duty of care, the resulting accident caused by the DoorDash driver caused you injuries, property damage, and other damages.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured by a DoorDash Driver?
If you are involved in a serious accident with a delivery driver, you should:
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- Call 911 and report the accident as soon as possible. If necessary, ask a witness or bystander to call for help.
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- Provide details about what you remember to the police but avoid speculation or guesses for an accurate accident report.
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- Take photos or videos of your injury and any other damage caused by the accident.
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- Seek medical care immediately even if your injuries seem minor. Medical records create solid evidence of injuries.
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- Copy all personal insurance policies or company coverage from the driver.
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- Book a FREE consultation with one of the BD&J California DoorDash accident attorneys.
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- Work with your legal team to file a personal injury claim with the insurers within the policy deadline.
Are DoorDash Drivers Covered Through DoorDash’s Insurance?
One of the most complex parts of any DoorDash accident is understanding how insurance works. While a DoorDash accident injury lawyer can help you understand how insurance works in your particular accident, the process is pretty much as follows:
DoorDash drivers are considered independent drivers and must have their own insurance coverage (whether personal or commercial) that meets California’s insurance requirements in order to operate on the platform.
While dashing and in the ‘Delivery Service’ period, the DoorDash platform provides coverage of up to $1,000,000 in bodily injury or property damage for third-party drivers if they’re liable in an accident. The Delivery Service period begins when a driver accepts a delivery request on the DoorDash platform and ends until the order is marked delivered, canceled, or unassigned.
Your medical bills won’t wait. Call now to speak with BD&J to find out what your DoorDash claim is really worth.
What if the Driver Was Not Completing a DoorDash Delivery?
If the other driver wasn’t completing a DoorDash delivery or even active on the app at the moment of the accident, then you would file a claim through their own insurance company.
What if the Driver is Uninsured?
If the driver is uninsured or their coverage doesn’t fully cover your damages, your best option would be to go through uninsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is provided by your own insurance company in the case of a hit-and-run accident or an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver. This coverage can help deal with medical expenses and property damage in the aftermath of an accident.
What if I Was a Passenger on an Uber or Lyft at the Time of the Accident?
Just like delivery drivers, drivers on rideshare platforms like Uber or Lyft have a duty of care to their passengers to ensure they reach their destination safely. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
It can be tricky to determine how compensation and responsibility work when you’re injured as a rideshare passenger in someone else’s vehicle but talking with a dedicated Uber or Lyft accident attorney can help you learn what your legal options are.
Available Compensation for a DoorDash Accident
If you were involved in an accident with a DoorDash gig driver, you may be eligible for the following compensation in a personal injury claim:
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- Current and future medical expenses
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- Loss of income while you’re healing from injuries and unable to work
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- Property damage
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- Pain and suffering
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- Decreased quality of life
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- Earning capacity
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- Psychological trauma
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- Punitive damages
Work with a BD&J attorney to get started on the fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are provided to victims of accidents to punish responsible parties if they’ve committed similar violations in the past, or to deter them from committing the same negligent or reckless acts. For example, a distracted DoorDash driver who has caused similar vehicle accidents in the past may be ordered to pay additional punitive damages for their involvement in your accident.
BD&J DoorDash Accident Injury Attorneys Are Here for You After an Accident
After a DoorDash accident, you may be left with serious injuries, piling medical expenses, and uncertainty as to how you can provide for your household while navigating a healing journey. Talking with a DoorDash accident lawyer in California can help you present your personal injury claim to recover compensation.
However, not just any attorney will do. The BD&J law firm is a dedicated legal team that has been working since our establishment in 2007 to obtain our clients and their families the compensation they deserve. Our case results show our commitment to ensure you have the opportunity to share your story and possibly recover the compensation you need.
5 Ways a California DoorDash Attorney Can Help Your Claim
Navigating the legal process of a DoorDash accident case can be difficult, but not when you’re working with a skilled legal attorney. A California DoorDash accident lawyer can help your claim by:
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- Helping you to present your lawsuit in the proper jurisdiction and within the appropriate timeframe for your legal case.
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- Collecting evidence using specialized attorney resources, like accident reconstruction software and interviewing expert witnesses who can attest to the accident severity, injury prognosis, and your psychological state after an accident.
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- Negotiating for a fair settlement on your case that takes into account your injuries, Maximum Medical Improvement, household needs, and other damages related to the accident.
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- Communicating with all other parties on your behalf so you can focus on recovering from injuries and adapting to any lifestyle changes.
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- Being in your corner through every step of the legal process, answering your questions and doubts as they arise.
You’ve dealt with a traumatizing accident, now let BD&J attorneys help you recover. Our team is available 24/7 to get started on your legal claim, call now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know I Have a DoorDash Accident Case?
If a DoorDash accident resulted in serious bodily injury or even death, or if the DoorDash worker was the responsible party for the accident but denies responsibility, you will typically have a case. You can also file a lawsuit if the other party’s insurance company denies or lowballs your compensation amount.
How Long Do I Have to File a DoorDash Accident Claim?
You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim for compensation. It’s best to act as soon as you can to file a claim, while witnesses are still reachable, evidence is still recent, and your memory is still fresh.
What if I Didn’t Discover My Injuries Until Weeks After an Accident?
When an injury isn’t immediately apparent or diagnosed, California recognizes tolling, which temporarily pauses the clock to file a lawsuit until injuries are discovered.How Much Does a California DoorDash Accident Lawyer Charge?
California commercial vehicle accident lawyers typically offer contingency fees for clients. Contingency fees are a portion of your final settlement that is paid to your lawyer after the case is resolved, which means you don’t have to pay anything upfront to get started on your claim. No fees until we win*!
How Do I Prepare for a DoorDash Accident Attorney Consultation in California?
To prepare for your consultation with a DoorDash accident lawyer, you’ll want to prepare all available evidence, prepare your questions for an attorney, and come ready to share the full and honest account of how the accident unfolded. Connect with the BD&J team 24/7 to schedule your free consultation.
What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Crash?
In California, you can still seek compensation even if you are partially responsible for the crash. Thanks to comparative negligence laws in the state, you can still receive compensation despite being somewhat responsible.
Why Should I Hire a California DoorDash Accident Attorney Now?
Corporations like DoorDash have aggressive commercial insurance providers and powerful legal teams. To successfully hold them accountable for their negligence that caused the accident, you’ll need an experienced attorney.
Can I Still File a Claim if I Was a Pedestrian Struck by a DoorDash Driver?
Absolutely. DoorDash accidents don’t just affect drivers and motorcyclists, but they can also affect bicyclists and exposed pedestrians who are traveling on foot. A pedestrian accident lawyer from BD&J will listen to your story and explain legal options.
Are BD&J DoorDash Accident Attorneys Near Me?
Yes, BD&J serves clients throughout California. We have offices located in Los Angeles, Fresno, and Riverside, and if you can’t come to us, our team will come to you for a FREE consultation.
Can I Sue DoorDash Successfully?
If you have strong evidence that supports negligent hiring or other unsafe or reckless platform policies which directly caused your accident, then yes, you can. With the help of a DoorDash accident injury lawyer, you can hold a big company like DoorDash accountable for their role in your accident.
When Should I Speak with a BD&J Attorney to Start My Claim?
As soon as you’re medically cleared from any serious injuries and you’re ready to get started on a legal case. Remember, there is a statute of limitations on DoorDash accident lawsuits, so you don’t want to wait too long to present your case with the help of a lawyer.
How to Prove Fault in a Crash with a DoorDash Delivery Driver
In the event of a collision with a DoorDash delivery driver, the most important factor is proving clear liability and having evidence to prove it. In order to find and preserve critical evidence, follow these steps:
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- Take photos and videos of everything at the scene of the accident. – This includes vehicle damage, road conditions, location, road signs, and injuries.
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- Gather additional evidence. – Talk to witnesses at the scene and get their information; if any cameras caught the accident, request footage from nearby stores, homes, or traffic cameras.
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- Get medical attention immediately. – Don’t delay getting medical attention to document your injuries and also discover any injuries that may not present symptoms at the moment.
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- Talk to a skilled accident attorney. – Schedule a FREE consultation with a lawyer to discuss your case and strategies that can guarantee maximum compensation.
BD&J is the California law firm that fights for you and your loved ones.
Let the Trusted BD&J DoorDash Accident Lawyers Help You Today!
Handling a delivery driver accident claim can be difficult on your own. More importantly, recovering from your injuries should be your primary concern if you’ve been injured, not dealing with a legal claim.
At BD&J, our DoorDash accident attorneys in California have a comprehensive background in personal injury law and have recovered over $3 billion* for our clients. Our motto, “Experience you can trust,” reflects our compassion, track record, and relentless need to fight for justice on your behalf.
Don’t let DoorDash’s insurer decide your future. Schedule your FREE case review and let us fight for what you deserve.
