With more than 150,000 app-based delivery drivers on the road, accidents are bound to happen. When they do, both the delivery driver and the injured party need to be prepared to handle the accident properly. That’s why we put together this guide explaining what to do after a delivery accident.
Analyze the Damage
After any car accident, the first thing you should do is check for injuries. If you see blood or suspect broken bones, contact emergency services immediately.
Next, you should meet the other driver, take pictures of both vehicles, and exchange insurance information. That usually means getting all the information on their insurance card and driver’s license. You may also want to take steps to verify the information with a police report.
File A Police Report
A police report creates a solid public record that the accident occurred. It also serves to verify the other driver’s information and insurance coverage.
Often, a police report is the strongest piece of evidence for determining fault in a car accident. It verifies the accident, describes the damages from an unbiased perspective, and statements made to police may provide insight determining fault.
Notify the Company
While waiting for police, ensure that the driver reports the accident to their delivery company. A proper report is beneficial for both parties as the delivery driver receives coverage, and the injured receive the compensation they need to recover.
However, each delivery company has different insurance coverage rules, and they typically only apply when damages exceed the delivery driver’s personal insurance coverage. For example, DoorDash only offers insurance coverage when the driver has an order in the vehicle. That means those drivers only have additional coverage for a very small portion of their total driving time.
Regardless, reporting the accident to the company is another way to verify the accident occurred and to begin the process of recovering a fair settlement for the damages.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries at the hands of a delivery driver, you might need an attorney who puts people first. If you’d like an experienced Sacramento injury lawyer from Piering Law Firm to evaluate your case, please send us an email or call (916) 476-2399.