DoorDash is one of the world’s most popular food ordering and delivery platforms. The company became more relevant than ever during the pandemic, as people refrained from visiting their favorite restaurants. Since then, countless people continue to rely on DoorDash as a convenient option when they don’t feel like going out. Working as a DoorDash driver has numerous benefits, including the opportunity to work if and when you want to. However, the likelihood of an injury is very high for these workers, who are susceptible to the following accidents:
- Slip and fall
- Trip and fall
- Car accidents
- Dog bite / injuries from animal attacks
- Being hit with falling objects
- Assault and battery
- Sexual assault
Fortunately, DoorDash has a $1 million insurance policy to help drivers in the event that they are denied by, or max out the coverage limits provided by their insurance company (or that of the at fault party). This is essential if you have serious injuries with long-lasting, maybe permanent, complications. Perhaps you are one of the many drivers that have filed an injury claim with DoorDash. Even if you haven’t, you may have a pending insurance claim that you are waiting to settle. In the meantime, you are struggling with the following questions:
If they find out I was in an accident, am I at risk of being fired from DoorDash?
Do I have to stop working for DoorDash if I file an injury claim?
If I have an active accident case, will I be deactivated?
We know that a lot of food delivery app drivers are afraid to file a claim because they think they will be fired. Facing termination after an accident can have devastating consequences for your health and finances, so it’s important to understand your rights and legal options as an injured DoorDash delivery worker. Contact Normandie Law Firm and schedule a free case review with a DoorDash accident injury lawyer.
Will I be Deactivated by DoorDash if I File an Injury Claim after an Accident?
DoorDash does have the right to suspend or terminate your account if you are at fault for an accident. However, if you are the victim of someone else’s negligence, like another driver or a property owner, then you cannot be terminated for seeking the compensation you are owed. This includes filing a claim with DoorDash if the accident occurred while you were making a delivery. Unfortunately, rideshare and food delivery apps often use this as an excuse to deactivate a driver’s account. That way, they can avoid paying your claim and keep that money for themselves.
Please be aware that DoorDash cannot automatically assume that you are at fault without investigating the incident. In addition, they must give you a chance to appeal the deactivation and supply evidence that proves your innocence. If these actions were not taken after your accident and your account was terminated by DoorDash, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.
In some cases, workplace discrimination may be the real reason for why you were deactivated by DoorDash. It is illegal for employers to discriminate or harass their workers based on protected characteristics, such as:
- Gender or gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Race / ethnicity
- Political affiliation
- Religious beliefs
- Disability
- HIV or AIDS status
- Pregnancy
In these situations, DoorDash may have been looking for a reason to fire you, and the accident serves as a convenient excuse. If you believe that you are a victim of workplace discrimination, contact our law firm right away. We have experienced labor law violation attorneys who can fight for your rights and ensure that DoorDash is held accountable for their actions.
Do I Need to Stop Working for DoorDash if I have an Active Accident Claim?
Technically, the answer to this question is no, since you are not barred from resuming your work duties just because you’ve filed an insurance claim for your injuries. Furthermore, there is no specific timeline for how long you must stay out of work in order to qualify for compensation. Thus, if and when you resume driving for DoorDash is really up to you. In the meantime, DoorDash cannot deactivate your account unless you’ve clearly violated the terms of their Deactivation policy.
However, when you should resume your work duties is not a decision you should make lightly. A possible consequence is that you can end up exacerbating your injuries or having another accident by going back to work too early. The problem is, you will not be able to seek compensation for these injuries / complications, since they were not included in your accident claim. Going back to work too soon can also be used against you by the insurance company, who may insist that your injuries are not that serious since you’re able to resume working.
Again, going back to work does not invalidate your right to monetary damages if you got hurt while making a DoorDash delivery. On the other hand, it can certainly cause complications that will increase the amount of time it will take to recover your settlement award. That’s why you should always consult your doctor, as well as an experienced accident injury lawyer before you go back to working for DoorDash.
DoorDash Accident Lawsuit Settlement Values
The value of a DoorDash accident settlement depends on a variety of factors, including the victim’s injuries, their financial losses due to the accident, and the defendant’s actions that led to or contributed to the incident. On the lower end, these cases are worth around $25,000 to $60,000. But cases with severe, long-term injuries or those with permanent complications can easily exceed the $1 million mark. This is particularly true with car accidents, slip and falls, and assault and battery claims. However, the value of your own case remains to be seen, so please contact us if you’re interested in figuring this out with guidance from one of our attorneys.
How long do I have if I Want to File a Lawsuit?
It’s essential to begin the legal process right away, since you have a limited amount of time to file a compensation claim. The clock starts ticking from the date of your accident, and in most cases, you have two years to sue an individual or entity for the harm they’ve caused you. However, you should not take it for granted that the two-year rule applies to every situation. If you are suing a government employee or agency, for example, you only have 6 months to initiate an injury claim. Keep in mind that you are unlikely to qualify for an extension if you exceed the statute of limitations. Please consult an experienced personal injury lawyer right away, who can ensure that your claim is filed on time.
Length of Time to Settle a DoorDash Accident Injury Case
Just like case values, there is no such thing as a set amount of time when it comes to how long it takes to settle a DoorDash injury claim. We have been situations where a settlement was reached in just a few weeks, but most cases take around a few months to one year to resolve. Typically, payments are negotiated directly with the insurance company, but that will not be possible if the other side is engaging in bad faith tactics. A lawsuit may be the best option in these situations, though chances are, your case will be settled without the need for a trial. If a trial becomes necessary, however, it may take 2 or more years for a jury to rule on your case.
Free Second Opinion
If you have questions about an accident case that’s being handled by another law firm, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free second opinion. Perhaps you disagree with your attorney’s advice, like whether or not you should accept the insurance company’s settlement offer. Or, you are dissatisfied with the lack of time and attention from your lawyer, which can be very stressful when you are trying to recover from an accident. First and foremost, we are here to educate you on your legal rights, which is why we never charge for a second opinion. Our second goal is to offer advice that can improve your chances of a successful outcome. This may include switching your lawyer, but that is completely up to you.
You have nothing to lose by coming in to speak with us, so please schedule a second opinion if you have a pending DoorDash accident claim.
Hire us for Free with the Zero Fee Guarantee
You have enough to worry about right now and adding to your financial woes is the last thing we want to do. If you decide that we are the right law firm to represent you, there is no upfront cost under the Zero Fee Guarantee. Essentially, you pay nothing for the entire duration of your case, since we ask the defendant to cover our expenses. Our fees are paid at the same time you receive compensation, which means the only way we get paid is if you get paid.
We hope you’ll take the opportunity of reaching out to us and learning about the ways we can assist you. You can count on the members of our legal team to fight tirelessly on your behalf and ensure that you receive every penny of the damages you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation, where you can learn about the legal actions that are available to you.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
DoorDash Account Wrongful Deactivation Lawsuit Attorney
DoorDash Accident Lawsuits – Injured on Customer’s Property
Doordash Accident Injury Attorney
