Many delivery drivers are on the road with many people ordering food and using delivery apps and services throughout the day. Depending on their company, the drivers for delivery services either use their vehicles with their insurance or the ones provided by the delivery company. All drivers need auto insurance when they are on the road regardless of whether it is for business or personal use.
You may be wondering who is liable and how you can file a claim if you are ever in an auto accident with a delivery driver. Since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, it is essential to know what can and cannot be done in this situation. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our attorneys are readily available to help you learn your rights and file a claim in an auto accident.
How Common Are Accidents with Delivery Drivers?
Delivery drivers are commonly involved in accidents. This is because many delivery drivers are on the road for long hours, and they are often in a hurry to get to their destination. If they are receiving orders from apps and using their phone during the day, they may be distracted and in a hurry in an effort to gain more income. This poses a threat to many drivers on the road. Although most apps and services have a process for hiring safe and eligible delivery drivers, many people find themselves in an accident because of the stress from driving for deliveries. Some of the most common reasons for delivery drivers getting into accidents are:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving or getting lost
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
When a delivery driver gets hired by their company, they must provide proof of insurance or obtain auto insurance before accepting the job. Companies like DoorDash, UberEats, and Postmates also offer coverage for their drivers, which takes some liability while a driver gets a delivery and until it is delivered. However, not all companies offer this for their delivery drivers. GrubHub, for instance, does not provide any coverage, and drivers are responsible with their insurance to handle an accident claim.
Who Is Liable for an Accident with a Delivery Driver?
Since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, it can be challenging to determine who is liable in an auto accident with a delivery driver. Typically, your own PIP and collision insurance will cover any damages caused by the accident. However, if the driver was not using their vehicle or was using a car provided by the company, its company insurance coverage may likely be responsible.
It is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to help you determine who is liable and how to file a claim. The driver’s insurance policy and coverage may not cover all the expenses and damage the crash caused you. A legal team with a successful history in personal injury claims can help you feel at rest.
Can I File a Lawsuit for a Crash with a Delivery Driver?
Depending on what their coverage entails, a driver may be using their own auto insurance for their car or the business coverage they can opt for. If the company they work for provides basic or limited liability insurance, like DoorDash and Postmates, the policy may cover the claim.
If a driver’s insurance covers accidents during deliveries, the claim will also be covered by their policy. If any damages go beyond these policies, you may be able to use your underinsured motorist coverage, since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. There is little room to file a lawsuit, depending on your insurance policy. In the case of severe injuries resulting from the accident, with full tort coverage, you can seek compensation for your injuries and suffering.
Insurance policies and coverage information can be confusing and stressful to handle independently. Seeking an experienced personal injury attorney that can maximize your compensation rather than dealing with a lawsuit or insurance companies on your own will help you get through the process. We understand how troublesome and frightening auto accidents can be, and you can count on Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. to support your rights and help you seek compensation with a personal injury claim.
Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. For Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Pennsylvania
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we are eager to help our clients no matter the severity of their injuries. Our experienced legal team provides legal representation to clients in Pennsylvania. If you have been involved in an auto accident and suffered injuries resulting from the crash, give us a call at (215) 822-7575 or contact us using our contact form. We are here to help you schedule a free consultation.
