In the past, if we wanted fast food it was up to us to hop in the car or call the pizza delivery place. Now you can get food from just about anywhere dropped off right on your doorstep. Our stomachs are usually very happy with this convenience. But the drawback to the seemingly unlimited food delivery options near Philadelphia can be seen any time you get behind the wheel. DoorDash accidents happen far more often than you think.
DoorDash Dangers Around Philadelphia
Companies like DoorDash send drivers out on Philadelphia streets every day to deliver food orders to customers. All that business not only adds more traffic to our busy streets, but many of those drivers also have more reason to be distracted than the normal driver. Distracted driving is a major cause of injury accidents throughout the United States.
This increased traffic and distracted driving contribute to increased hazards for anyone out on our already jam-packed Philly roads. A motorist can be practicing safe driving and still wind up in a dangerous situation due to the negligence of a distracted driver. The victim may be forced into a collision and left with severe injuries.
Victims may hope to get compensation for their injuries from at-fault drivers and, if the drivers were working for someone like DoorDash, may explore suing their employer as well. An experienced Philadelphia accident attorney with The Pearce Law Firm can help you determine who might be held liable in your accident and the best way to get proper compensation for your recovery.
DoorDash Driver Distractions
The CDC reports that each day in the United States, approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.
DoorDash drivers, or “Dashers,” as the company calls them, use local roads as their office, waiting on food requests and trying to locate those favorite Philadelphia restaurants we send them to. This all adds up to lots of distraction, no matter how skilled the “Dasher” might be.
Those drivers may have their minds on some of the following:
- Customer orders – A new order is up. Waiting for the next customer. Multiple orders may come in at once. An order with special instructions.
- Locating destinations – The driver will need to find the restaurant to pick up the order and then figure out how to reach the customer’s location. Delivery drivers utilize GPS systems but even the guidance those devices provide has been known to suggest unsafe traffic movements.
- Speeding to make their deadlines for delivery – Customers prefer their food to be fresh and tip accordingly.
- On-the-road driving distractions – From inclement weather to construction, and everything in between.
- Driver fatigue – Working too many hours or other life circumstances can contribute to fatigue in delivery drivers.
- The food itself – It is incredibly distracting, and can be outright dangerous if something spills or bags tumble.
Frequently Asked DoorDash Accident Questions
How Does Insurance For Philadelphia DoorDash Drivers Work?
DoorDash requires drivers to have their own auto insurance. In general, it’ll be the driver’s insurance you’ll make a claim against if you’re in an accident with a DoorDash driver.
If DoorDash can be found liable for the accident, perhaps after a faulty background check didn’t reveal its employee had a record as an unsafe driver, the company insurance may be brought into play. DoorDash covers up to $1,000,000 in bodily injury and/or property damage to third parties arising out of accidents while on an active delivery.
Keep in mind, to qualify as “on an active delivery” a driver must be in possession of the goods to be delivered. This means if a driver isn’t delivering the food his or her DoorDash insurance won’t cover any accidents.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim if I’m in a DoorDash Accident Near Philadelphia?
If you’re in an accident involving a DoorDash driver, you have 2 years to file an accident claim.
Pennsylvania allows accident victims to file a claim for up to two years from the date of an accident. However, it is not recommended that you wait until the end of this deadline to file. The longer you wait to file a personal injury claim the harder it will be to gather evidence, contact witnesses, and collect documents you’ll need to build a strong case against DoorDash and the driver.
Should I Talk to a Representative From DoorDash if I’m in an Accident With One of Their Drivers?
You should exchange information with the DoorDash driver if you get into an accident, but never make any statement about the accident to that driver or anyone representing DoorDash. DoorDash insurance agents or lawyers will use any statement you make to try to discredit your account of the accident and your claim for damages.
Seeking Compensation After an Accident With a DoorDash Driver
If a company like DoorDash is found liable for your accident you can receive compensation for many of the hardships you might have experienced since the collision.
Damages that accident victims are entitled to recover from an at-fault driver and any company they work for many include:
- Hospital and medical expenses
- Past and future lost earnings
- Past and future permanent physical disability such as a limp, scars, loss of a limb
- Emotional distress, such as depression and anxiety
- Damage or destruction of property
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact a Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyer Today
DoorDash wants to send out record numbers of deliveries every day, but they owe us to hire safe drivers who drive safe cars. If you’re struck by a Doordash driver and left with injuries you’ll need to take steps to hold that driver and the company responsible for your recovery and financial losses.
After an accident involving a serious injury, contact a highly rated Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyer such as Edith Pearce. Unlike the huge law firms with many different attorneys handling your case, Edith Pearce is personally involved in every case that we handle. She genuinely cares about her clients and you will not be treated like just another case or file.
