With services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, the business of food delivery has expanded well beyond ordering pizza. The rising popularity of food delivery means more delivery service drivers on the road. If you were in an accident with a food delivery service driver or restaurant delivery employee, their employer might be financially responsible for your damages.
To learn more, contact Bader Law Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888 to find out how a South Fulton food delivery car accident lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation.
Vicarious Liability
Delivery drivers are under pressure to deliver their customers’ orders as quickly as possible, especially if they rely on tips for part of their income. The temptation to make fast deliveries may lead to negligent and reckless driving, such as speeding or running traffic lights or signs.
Other examples of negligent driving include:
- Using a cell phone to talk, text, access an application, or use the internet
- Failing to yield
- Failing to signal a turn
- Driving while intoxicated
- Weaving between lanes of traffic
- Following too closely
- Driving aggressively (road rage)
When these dangerous maneuvers lead to a crash, a delivery driver’s employer may bear some legal responsibility under the principle of vicarious liability. According to the Legal Information Institute (LII), vicarious liability is the idea that a supervisor, such as an employer, may be responsible for an employee’s negligent actions. This may hold especially true if the demands of the employer somehow encourage or incentivize dangerous behaviors.
For a free legal consultation with a food delivery car accidents lawyer serving South Fulton, call (404) 888-8888
Delivery Drivers and Insurance
At a minimum, every driver on Georgia’s roadways must have up to $50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance coverage per accident—and at least $25,000 in coverage for property damages, according to the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Fire Safety (OCI). Severe accidents and injuries may exceed these amounts, which is why many employers protect their businesses with additional coverage for food delivery drivers.
A Company Might Have Coverage for Their Employees or Contracted Drivers
For example, DoorDash provides drivers with an additional $1 million in protection for injuries or property damages caused to a third party. This coverage kicks in when the driver is on an “active delivery,” meaning they are in possession of the product they are delivering. Uber Eats also provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. Uber’s policy covers the time period from when a driver accepts a delivery request through the completion of the delivery.
In most instances, drivers who work for a restaurant or restaurant chain are not covered by their personal automobile insurance policy while making deliveries. These drivers may choose to carry additional coverage that protects them at work, or their employer may have business vehicle insurance.
This sounds complicated, but a South Fulton food delivery car accident lawyer can help you determine liability for your accident and begin the insurance claims process. If you are ready to get started, call (404) 888-8888 to speak to a member of the team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers.
South Fulton Food Delivery Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Taking Action After an Accident
Car accidents can lead to brain injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, whiplash, and more. While some injuries are apparent immediately following your crash, others may take days to present themselves. If you have not already done so, seek medical treatment as soon as you experience any signs of injury. You should also ensure your accident is reported to the local police department, sheriff’s department, or highway patrol as required by O.C.G.A. §40-6-273.
The next thing you should do is file an insurance claim. An attorney can assist you with this process. A lawyer may be able to help you negotiate a settlement that includes awards for:
- Hospitalizations
- Emergency treatments
- Long-term nursing care
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Vehicle and property damages
- Past and future physical suffering
- Past and future mental anguish
- Back pay and loss of earning capacity
If your spouse, parent, or minor child died from injuries suffered in a car accident, you might be able to pursue compensation for their wrongful death. This may include awards for medical expenses incurred because of the accident, as well as funeral and burial expenses. Survivors may also seek awards for the loss of their loved one’s support, companionship, and financial contributions.
If your lawyer is unable to secure a settlement outside of court, they can represent you in a lawsuit. Civil actions are bound by the statute of limitations, which is two years for personal injury claims, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. This means that you or your attorney must file your case with the court within two years of your accident. If not, you may not be able to seek compensation.
Another statute to be aware of is O.C.G.A. §51-12-33. This outlines the state’s rule regarding comparative negligence. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence model. If you are less than 50 percent at fault for your accident, you can receive compensation from the other party or parties involved. Your awards are reduced by the amount of fault the court assigns your actions. So, if you are awarded $100,000 and are 15 percent at fault, you would receive a settlement of $85,000.
Helping Victims and Their Families
At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, we only handle personal injuries, automobile accidents, and worker’s compensation cases. If you suffered injuries in a crash with a food delivery driver, you can rest assured that our team has the knowledge to help with your case. We understand how devastating car accidents can be, and we know how accident injuries can impact a victim’s life. We want to work with you to fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Call Bader Law Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888 to learn more about how a South Fulton food delivery accident lawyer can help you seek financial awards. A member of our team can get you started with a free consultation of your case.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
