The Rise of Gig Economy Accidents: How Uber Eats and DoorDash Are Changing the Legal Landscape

The Rise of Gig Economy Accidents: How Uber Eats and DoorDash Are Changing the Legal Landscape

Uber Eats and DoorDash have changed the legal landscape of personal injury cases in Tennessee by introducing new factors for the courts to consider. When a delivery driver causes an accident, it is essential to determine who will be responsible for your damages.

While both companies do offer limited insurance coverage for their independently contracted drivers, accident victims should understand the nuances of those policies. The gig economy’s structure often complicates legal matters, so read below to learn more from the knowledgeable team at Ponce Law.

Company-Provided Insurance

Both Uber Eats and DoorDash offer their food delivery drivers a $1 million liability policy. However, there are some limits to this coverage. For Dashers, this coverage is only in effect while the driver is on a delivery, from pick up to drop off.

Uber Eats provides the same coverage during active deliveries. It also provides limited coverage when the driver is logged on the app but not actively engaged in a delivery.

The Gig Driver’s Personal Insurance

The insurance provided by the company does not cover Uber Eats or DoorDash drivers who are offline. In that case, the gig worker’s personal auto policy would likely pay your claim. These transportation network businesses require that every non-employee driver maintain a personal automobile insurance policy that meets or exceeds Tennessee’s mandatory minimum limits. The driver must provide proof of coverage to work with Uber Eats and DoorDash.

However, many of these personal policies exclude commercial operations. This means that coverage can be denied if the driver causes an accident while working in this gig. Adding a rideshare endorsement is essential to ensure adequate coverage in the event of a crash, as well as filling in other gaps in coverage.

Comparative Fault

Just like other accidents, victims of collisions related to food delivery gigs are entitled to compensation when the driver was at fault. Our experienced legal team can help you determine who caused the crash through a thorough investigation of the evidence. Our goal is to collect a payout from the company’s insurance, particularly if the driver’s personal insurance denies coverage or when your damages exceed their policy limits.

Tennessee’s comparative fault system states that everyone involved in the wreck can be partially negligent. If that is the case, it would reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault.

Speak With an Attorney About Gig Economy Accidents

Accidents caused by gig workers have created a new dynamic in personal injury cases by introducing new factors regarding auto insurance. It is important that you understand the specifics of each company, such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, and their insurance after an accident.

Ponce Law is an award-winning personal injury attorney firm in Nashville, and our team can pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us today to work with a community-minded firm that strives to secure the highest possible compensation.

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