What if I Get in an Accident While Delivering Food for DoorDash or Uber Eats? How the Gig Economy Will Protect You in 2025.
In the gig economy, delivering food has become one of the most popular services for workers.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, apps for delivering food grew exponentially. In 2021, DoorDash contributed $68.9 billion dollars to the United States Gross Domestic Product.
Between different apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, delivering food from some of the most popular restaurants has never been easier. From Tsukemen Dipping Noodles at Silverlake Ramen to Potato Balls from Porto’s, drivers are now delivering food to people’s doorsteps during all hours of the day and night. A majority of food delivery workers use their car to transport food from restaurants.
Studies show there are an average of over 21,000 car accidents per year in Los Angeles. It’s undeniable that gig economy jobs like delivering food have increased the number of cars on the road.
What if a food delivery driver gets into a car accident? Each delivery service offers their own coverage regarding accidents.
DoorDash offers Occupational Accident Insurance which includes:
- Medical expenses: Up to $1,000,000 with no deductible or co-pay
- Disability payments: 50% of average weekly wage up to a maximum allowance of $500.00 per week minus other income
This insurance only covers injuries to the driver, and not any damage to the vehicle.
Uber Eats coverage terms are a bit different: If you are offline or the Driver app is off, your personal insurance coverages apply.
If you are available or waiting for a delivery request, Uber has the following auto insurance on your behalf in case of a covered accident:
- Third-party liability if your personal auto insurance doesn’t apply
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
If you are on your way to pick up a delivery, or during trips, Uber has the following auto insurance on your behalf in case of a covered accident:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Contingent comprehensive and collision up to actual cash value of car with a $2,500 deductible
In California, Uber Eats offers Injury Protection Insurance which may help you recover:
- Disability payments of up to $1,324 dollars per week.
- Medical bills up to $1,000,000 dollars with no copay or deductibles
- Survivor benefits of up to $320,000 dollars for dependents
If you plan to or are already delivering food for one of these services, it’s recommended that you look into changing your personal auto insurance to include coverage for food delivery accidents. Many insurance companies already offer different packages.
If you get into a car accident while delivering food, your safety is most important. Be sure you are OK, and call 911 for any emergency.
Other steps you can take following a car accident include:
- Use your phone to take photos, videos, and notes of any damage to your vehicle.
- Use your phone to take photos, videos, and notes of any damage to areas surrounding the accident including any other vehicle or vehicles involved, as well as property damage.
- Collect the other drivers information. Be sure to include their name, phone number, drivers license, registration, and license plate number.
- Contact the delivery app and notify them of the accident.
- Get in touch with a Los Angeles food delivery accident attorney to help with your case.
California has many benefits for drivers that other states do not have. However, making sure you are fully compensated for any injuries and damages from an injury after delivering food is an important piece of the puzzle for returning to a more normal life.
Insurance companies are almost never on your side. They will fight tooth and nail to ensure you receive the smallest amount of benefits available. You shouldn’t have to settle for anything other than what you rightfully deserve.
Our team of LA car accident attorneys at C&B Law Group are prepared to help you gain control of the situation.
We will do everything within our legal power to help you recover the maximum compensation possible. We’ll review the laws and regulations regarding food delivery apps, and make sure you aren’t being duped by another company.
If you were injured delivering food for an app service in LA areas like Burbank, Van Nuys, or Pasadena, contact our Southern California personal injury attorneys today about your free consultation.
