When a delivery driver accident causes serious injuries, you are entitled to compensation. Due to the popularity of delivery services, such as DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, and Postmates, there is an increasing number of delivery drivers on the road. Unfortunately, many of these drivers are in a rush to complete their orders and make poor decisions that result in serious car accidents.
The Dangers Of Delivery Driving
Las Vegas residents and visitors have a growing number of delivery options. Whether you want takeout, groceries, or office supplies, there is probably a delivery company that will meet your needs. And, many people are attracted to the flexibility of the delivery “gig economy.” However, due to the fast pace of delivery work, these drivers are often distracted and reckless.
Delivery driver accidents are frequently caused by driver negligence, such as:
- Speeding to avoid a late delivery,
- Distracted driving when using a company-related app or GPS device, and
- Sloppy driving due to fatigue and other factors.
In fact, Domino’s Pizza ended its “30 minutes or free” guarantee due to a series of multi-million dollar delivery driver accident claims in the 1990’s. (Personal injury lawyers argued successfully that the delivery guarantee encouraged reckless driving.)
Who pays for my injuries
After an Accident
Under Nevada law, a negligent driver (or his or her insurance company) is financially responsible for injuries caused in a car accident. Delivery drivers typically have multiple insurance policies, including:
- Personal auto insurance,
- Company-based liability insurance, and
- Occasionally, the driver’s own commercial or delivery insurance policy.
Each insurance company’s financial responsibility will depend on the circumstances surrounding your accident.
When Is The Delivery Company’s Insurance Responsible?
The delivery company is typically responsible for a driver’s negligence while he or she is driving to and from a delivery. If the driver was within the course of his or her employment, you typically will file a claim against the delivery company or the driver’s commercial policy. Since delivery companies typically have larger insurance policies than their drivers, you have a better chance of getting full and fair compensation in these cases. And, most delivery drivers must complete a background check before hiring. If the delivery service did not properly investigate the driver’s background, you may also have a claim for negligent hiring. An experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate your case and determine what legal claims you have under Nevada law.
When Is The Drivers Personal Insurance Responsible?
However, a driver’s personal insurance is responsible for injuries that occur when the delivery driver is off work. For example, the driver’s personal insurance should cover injuries that occur while the delivery driver is logged or clocked out, or on a personal errand. But most, if not all, personal auto insurance policies clearly exclude commercial activities such as delivery driving from coverage.
Since insurance companies are for-profit businesses, they often dispute coverage of a delivery driver accident. Due to the complicated relationships between drivers and delivery companies, they point their fingers at other insurers, arguing that someone else is responsible. If an insurance company denies coverage for your injuries, contact a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer immediately. Delivery driver accident lawsuits involve a detailed analysis of the facts surrounding your accident, the insurance policies’ language, and the law.
What should I do if I Am Injured by a Delivery Driver
If you or a loved one is seriously injured by a delivery driver, you should:
- Immediately call 911 and report the accident,
- Provide the police with accurate information for the accident report,
- Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries,
- Seek necessary medical care,
- Get copies of all of the driver’s insurance policies, including company-owned policies, and
- File a prompt personal injury claim with these insurers.
It can be difficult to handle a delivery driver accident claim on your own. This is especially so while you are healing from serious injuries. If you need assistance, call a Las Vegas car accident attorney. A lawyer can ensure that your claim is fully investigated and properly filed.
Speak With A Delivery Driver Attorney Today
Due to competing insurance policies and factual disputes, it’s probably in your best interest to hire a delivery driver accident lawyer. Craig Drummond has represented injured motorists and pedestrians for over a decade. We put our clients first and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.