Delivery apps like DoorDash have changed how we eat and move through our communities. But with more delivery drivers on the road, accidents involving gig workers have become more common. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a DoorDash driver—whether as a pedestrian, another motorist, or even as a driver yourself—you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and confusion about who’s responsible. These cases are often more involved than a standard car accident, which is why it’s important to understand your legal rights from the start.
At Kiefer & Kiefer, we help people injured in app-related delivery crashes understand their options and pursue the compensation they deserve. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been involved in this kind of accident.
How Delivery Driver Accidents Are Different
When an accident involves a DoorDash driver, there are more factors at play than in a typical collision. That’s because delivery drivers are considered independent contractors—not employees. This changes how liability is determined and whether DoorDash’s insurance policy will apply. In most cases, whether the driver was actively delivering an order at the time of the crash is a key factor in deciding what coverage is available.
DoorDash does provide some insurance coverage, but it only applies in certain situations. If the driver was logged into the app and on an active delivery, a policy may be available to cover damages. If they weren’t on a delivery, their personal auto insurance would usually apply instead.
Who May Be Financially Responsible
In these accidents, the liable party could be the DoorDash driver, a third-party driver, or even multiple parties. If the DoorDash driver was at fault while on an active delivery, their own auto insurance is usually the first source of coverage. If that coverage is insufficient or denies the claim due to the commercial nature of the trip, DoorDash’s liability policy may step in—up to certain limits.
For injured victims, identifying all potential insurance policies is one of the most important early steps. This often includes looking at the DoorDash driver’s personal policy, DoorDash’s coverage, and any other drivers involved. It’s also possible that additional parties—such as a vehicle manufacturer or a local business—could be involved depending on the circumstances of the crash.
Why Legal Support Matters In These Cases
Gig economy accidents like these involve more than just filing a claim. They require reviewing app activity, identifying when and how the accident happened, and analyzing multiple insurance policies. These aren’t always straightforward tasks, and insurance companies may dispute responsibility—especially when a driver is working on an app at the time of the crash.
We’ve worked with clients who were seriously injured in delivery-related accidents and needed help figuring out what kind of insurance applied and who would cover their costs. We know how to approach these claims in a way that builds a strong case, starting with getting clear evidence and securing the right records early on.
What You Can Do Next
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a food delivery driver, the steps you take now can affect your ability to recover compensation later. Seeking medical attention, keeping records, and talking to our lawyer early on can all help protect your interests. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’re here to help with these steps and more. As your trusted New Orleans, LA DoorDash accident lawyer, we work with injured clients to help them understand their rights and recover what they’re owed.
Contact us today for a consultation. We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.
