Who Is Liable for a DoorDash Car Accident in Indiana?

DoorDash drivers are generally liable for accidents they cause and must use their auto insurance to cover others’ injuries. While DoorDash provides supplementary insurance that can cover victims’ medical bills, this coverage applies only if the driver was on the clock at the time of the accident.

Pursuing an insurance claim for a DoorDash car accident in Indiana can be difficult due to the complexities of determining which insurance coverage applies. If you have injuries from a collision with a DoorDash driver, a car accident lawyer can investigate your claim and determine liability for a DoorDash car accident in Indiana.

What Are Some Possible Causes for a DoorDash Delivery Car Accident?

DoorDash drivers, or dashers, are paid per delivery, so they have a financial incentive to take as many orders as possible and complete them quickly. The pressures of the job can cause some dashers to engage in unsafe driving behaviors:

• Dashers may be distracted by checking their GPS app for directions or the DoorDash app to accept orders.
• Dashers might speed and run red lights if they are trying to complete deliveries quickly.
• Dashers may work long shifts and be fatigued behind the wheel.
• Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause severe accidents while out on delivery assignments.

Can DoorDash Be Held Liable for Its Drivers?

DoorDash drivers are independent contractors and must maintain personal auto liability insurance on their vehicles. If an at-fault driver was logged into the DoorDash app and was available to accept delivery requests or was providing delivery services when the crash occurred, DoorDash may also have financial responsibility for the collision.

Does DoorDash Provide Insurance to Its Delivery Drivers?

Yes, DoorDash provides dashers in Indiana with supplemental auto liability insurance, but the amount of coverage depends on the circumstances of the accident.  When a DoorDash driver is logged into the app and is available to accept delivery requests, DoorDash provides the following liability insurance coverage:

• $50,000 for injuries to one person
• $100,000 for all persons in the accident
• $50,000 in property liability coverage

Once the driver has accepted a delivery order, DoorDash offers enhanced coverage of $1 million combined for injuries and property damage. The driver’s personal auto insurance coverage applies if they weren’t logged into the app at the time the crash occurred.

Who Do I File a Claim Against if I Am Involved in a DoorDash Driver Accident?

After a DoorDash driver accident, you would generally first file a car accident claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance policy. Dashers must maintain the minimum required auto insurance and may have to purchase a separate policy to cover their vehicle while making deliveries.

If the driver’s insurance policy is insufficient to cover your injuries or the insurance company denies the claim, you may need to file a personal injury claim to proceed.

If the DoorDash driver was making deliveries at the time of the accident, you may file a claim against DoorDash’s commercial liability policy. To file a claim, you would fill out DoorDash’s insurance-related incident submission form.

You may also be able to file a claim against other drivers whose negligence contributed to the car crash. For example, other negligent motorists might have contributed to an accident involving you and the DoorDash driver.

It’s best to consult an experienced lawyer to discuss your legal options and whether you have a personal injury case.

How Do You Prove the DoorDash Driver Was on Duty When the Accident Happened?

DoorDash might try to deny that the driver was on duty at the time of the accident. A personal injury attorney can help car accident victims gather evidence that the at-fault driver was making a delivery when the auto accident occurred.

The following types of evidence can be used to show that a DoorDash driver was providing delivery service when the crash occurred:

• Screenshots of the dasher’s phone showing them logged into the app
• Delivery order confirmation messages or receipts
• Timestamps and GPS records from delivery orders
• Eyewitness accounts and personal testimony
• Delivery orders inside the dasher’s car
• Photos or video footage showing the dasher transporting orders
• Police reports from the accident scene

A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence needed to help injury victims pursue full and fair compensation for hospital bills and other medical costs after a motor vehicle accident in Fort Wayne. If an insurance company refuses to accept responsibility for a car accident claim, the attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit.

What Steps Should You Take Immediately Following a DoorDash Accident in Indiana?

If you have been in an accident with a DoorDash driver, you need to take steps to preserve evidence. Take pictures of vehicle damage and your injuries, and save any confirmation messages or emails showing a delivery was in progress. You should get the driver’s contact and auto insurance information and report the incident to DoorDash.

After taking photos of the scene, seek medical attention to diagnose and treat your injuries. A prompt medical assessment documents the link between your injuries and the collision. Delays in seeking medical care can jeopardize your claim, so don’t hesitate to make an appointment.

Contact a car accident attorney in Indiana to evaluate your accident and discuss the next steps in the claims process. Your attorney can organize your documents and ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. An experienced attorney can guide you through the car accident settlement process and seek a fair settlement. Most car accident cases are resolved without going to trial.

What Compensation Can You Seek in an Indiana DoorDash Car Accident Lawsuit?

When pursuing a DoorDash accident lawsuit, accident victims may seek compensation for any injury-related losses, including the following:

• Emergency medical bills, hospital bills, medications, and the cost of future medical expenses
• Lost income, including hourly pay, bonuses, tips, commissions, and other forms of lost employment compensation
• Differences between pre- and post-injury earnings
• Miscellaneous injury-related expenses, such as childcare and transportation
• Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and scarring/disfigurement

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a DoorDash Car Accident Claim?

Indiana places a two-year time limit on filing civil actions for personal injury, including car accident lawsuits. Once the two-year deadline passes, you will no longer have the right to file a legal claim to recover financial compensation. Building a strong case can take months, so the best option is to contact an attorney as quickly as possible to get started.

Contact an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer

DoorDash accidents raise complicated questions about coverage and insurance limits, so you need an experienced attorney on your side. The legal team at Truitt Law Offices has over 40 years of experience in personal injury law and a track record of satisfied clients. Our car accident attorneys can stand up for your rights and help you seek the money you need to move forward after a delivery driver accident. As former insurance insiders, we have a perspective that helps us anticipate and counter insurance company tactics effectively.

Contact our offices online or call today for a free consultation with a DoorDash delivery driver accident attorney in Indiana.

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