Injured by a Food Delivery Driver? What Steps To Take
Many food delivery drivers rush to deliver meals within their promised deadlines, and the resulting hurried or erratic driving maneuvers can lead to serious injuries.
If you have been injured by a food delivery driver, knowing what steps to take next can preserve your right to compensation. The skilled personal injury attorneys at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC can develop a clear, practical plan to follow while you are facing the aftermath of a collision.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical help immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to appear, and prompt medical treatment creates an official record linking your injuries to the accident involving the food delivery person.
Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report
After a collision, you should dial 911 to report the incident to local law enforcement. A police report can play a key role in proving liability and protecting your right to compensation when you are injured by a meal delivery driver.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
If you can do so safely, take photos of the vehicle damage, your visible injuries, the roadway, and the weather conditions if applicable. You should also photograph any food or delivery bags in the driver’s car. This can help show that the driver was actively working for an app such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, which may affect how the company’s insurance covers your injury claim.
Step 4: Exchange Information
In the aftermath of a collision, it is critical to collect the delivery driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license details, and auto insurance coverage. You should also note which food delivery platform the driver was using when they injured you and ask whether they were on an active delivery.
Step 5: Speak to Witnesses
Speaking to witnesses is important after a food delivery accident because it can establish unbiased proof of fault. This testimony may also confirm whether the driver was actively on shift, which can be necessary to access commercial insurance. You should attempt to collect contact information from anyone who observed the crash as soon as possible.
Step 6: Notify Insurance Providers
Notifying insurance providers immediately after an accident is critical because independent contractor laws can complicate liability, especially if the courier was using multiple food delivery apps. When you report the accident to your own insurance company, you should simply state the facts and avoid making statements about who was at fault.
Step 7: Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you are pursuing an injury claim, food delivery app insurance policies can be complex. An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate your claim and fight for maximum compensation. In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury action. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to recover damages entirely, making it important to act quickly.
Contact Us About What Steps To Take When You Are Injured by a Food Delivery Driver
At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, we provide the small-firm attention you expect while utilizing big-firm resources. We are here for you, and our many positive reviews confirm our accessibility and responsiveness.
If a food delivery driver injured you or your loved one and you are unsure what steps to take next, call our office today to schedule a free consultation and pursue the compensation you deserve.