Employee Vs. Contractor: Why It Matters in Uber Accidents

 Posted on November 11, 2024 in Car Accidents

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services offer convenient transportation options, and companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats bring ready-to-eat meals to your door. Taxi or limo companies also provide rides to paying customers, and some restaurants deliver their food to customers. Although it may not matter in most cases, the distinction between whether the driver is an employee or a contractor is crucial when one of these vehicles causes an accident. The same concept also applies to last-mile delivery vehicles.

You may qualify for compensation if you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Establishing fault and liability when rideshare or last-mile delivery vehicles are involved is often challenging, but an experienced Glenview, IL personal injury lawyer from Gruzmark Law, Ltd. can overcome these challenges.

Vehicle Ownership and Worker Status Matter in Accident Claims

To collect compensation, you must first investigate what caused your car accident and who was responsible. For most collisions involving passenger vehicles, drivers own their cars and are the at-fault parties. However, fault and liability for rideshare, food delivery, and other for-hire vehicles are rarely straightforward.

If a restaurant owns food delivery vehicles and directly employs drivers, that restaurant is probably liable for injuries and related damages if a crash occurs. Similarly, if Amazon, UPS, or FedEx owns a last-mile delivery truck and employs delivery personnel, that company can usually be held accountable for collisions.

Rideshare and Contract Food Delivery Services

Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Uber Eats drivers typically use their personal vehicles and act as independent contractors. Although the company provides liability insurance, the driver’s status at the time of the accident determines whose auto insurance coverage applies. These drivers must carry auto insurance policies that meet state-mandated minimum coverages for times when the company’s policy is inactive. Liable parties in these crashes could be the driver, the rideshare or food delivery company, and other motorists.

Last-Mile Delivery Trucks

When logistics companies cannot meet daily demand, they often contract with third-party companies to make deliveries. If one of these vehicles causes a crash, determining fault and liability can be even more complex. Still, fault must be established to file a compensation claim. At-fault parties might be:

• Drivers

• Third-party employers

• Vehicle owners or leasing companies

• Other motorists

• Parts manufacturers

• The logistics company

• Vehicle maintenance companies

It often takes an investigation to discover why your accident happened and who is liable for paying your damages. When you partner with Gruzmark Law, Ltd., we will investigate your accident, gather evidence to establish fault and liability, and work to help you obtain as much compensation as you deserve.

Call Our Dedicated Glenview, IL Rideshare Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in a rideshare or last-mile delivery truck accident, working with an experienced lawyer from Gruzmark Law, Ltd. can significantly increase your chance of a favorable case outcome. Call us at 847-729-7660 to schedule your free consultation with our determined Cook County, IL personal injury attorneys.