California Postmates Accident Attorneys
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- Who Will Pay My Medical Bills After I Am in an Accident With a Postmates Driver?
- Is the Postmates Driver Responsible for My Harm?
- When Does Postmates’ Liability Insurance Coverage Kick In?
- Delivery Drivers Must Have a Commercial Insurance Policy
- What Types of Accidents Are Postmates Drivers Are Typically Involved?
- What Are Some Common Accident Injuries?
- What Financial Recovery Can I Expect After an Accident?
- What Should I Do After an Accident With a Postmates Driver?
Over the past several years, Postmates has been a large part of the growing gig economy. Angelenos have been using this service since 2011 to get anything they need by downloading an app. Postmates has changed the way that Californians get the things they need. Ordinary people can commission workers to deliver almost anything they can think of, like candy, tools, socks, and even a milkshake.
That’s what makes the concept of Postmates different from other delivery services. You can order fast food or bandages, whatever you need, and get it at your doorstep in a flash. With the success of Postmates, there are a lot of opportunities for drivers to make extra money, and people are taking advantage of it. The more delivery drivers that Postmates hires, the more drivers are on the roads in Los Angeles.
An increase in cars on the road and an increase in accidents. California Postmates accident attorneys can help protect your rights if you have been hurt in a wreck. The question on everyone’s mind is: what happens if I get into an accident with a Postmates driver? Well, you may have to file an insurance claim with several entities. You may end up filing a lawsuit against the driver, the company, and your auto insurance policy.
But knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Hiring a California Postmates accident attorney to help you through the process is the best next step after getting into an accident. Our California personal injury lawyers have decades of experience assisting accident victims to get the compensation they deserve. If you have been involved in an accident, call or visit us online to schedule a free consultation.
Who Will Pay My Medical Bills After I Am in an Accident With a Postmates Driver?
Usually, the answer to this question is straightforward. Generally, whoever caused the accident, pays the victim’s damages. That principle holds for accidents with Postmates drivers, too. However, the accident victim must fully ensure enough money to compensate them for their injuries.
Is the Postmates Driver Responsible for My Harm?
The short answer is yes. The more complicated answer is what happens if there is not enough insurance to pay for all the damages they caused? Postmates drivers use their vehicles. To be a driver for Postmates, the driver must have their own auto insurance coverage. California law requires all drivers to have car insurance.
Every driver must have minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person for bodily injury and $30,000 per accident. If the driver causes an accident while on a delivery, the driver’s auto insurance must pay for the damages. However, if the harm the accident victim suffers is greater than the driver’s policy limits, the victim still must be paid. That is when the company’s insurance kicks in to cover the difference.
California has some of the lowest minimum liability insurance requirements in the country. That can make paying for car insurance easier for many Californians. That said, $15,000 is not much money for accident victims to cover their medical bills.
When Does Postmates’ Liability Insurance Coverage Kick In?
If injuries exceed the driver’s liability insurance policy limits, Postmates’ liability insurance coverage covers the difference. Accident victims must know that insurance coverage is available from the company because the companies are usually the party with the deeper pockets. Victims have a more substantial chance of compensation if they sue the company and the driver.
Postmates takes responsibility for the negligence of its drivers in narrow circumstances. Postmates will only accept responsibility for the driver’s accident if the driver is working. The driver must have been picking up an item or delivering an item to a customer. Postmates has been involved in its fair share of lawsuits from accidents throughout its existence.
To help protect its assets, Postmates has moved in the direction of its counterparts, Lyft and Uber, and increased its liability insurance coverage. Postmates now has an insurance policy limit of $1 million. Your injuries might be covered by the financial compensation you are entitled to if a Postmates driver was negligent. It can be challenging to understand who to sue.
An experienced accident attorney does the necessary research to ensure that you have named the correct parties once you file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Arash Khorsandi’s team of California personal injury lawyers at Arash Law have decades of experience carefully litigating injury claims to maximize the settlement amounts for our clients.
Delivery Drivers Must Have a Commercial Insurance Policy
There is a risk that the driver’s insurance company will refuse to pay the victim’s claim if it finds out that the driver was working for a delivery service. The insurance company may not be obligated to pay the victim’s damages if the driver fails to get commercial insurance from their insurance company. The driver may fail to inform their insurance company that they are using the vehicle as a work vehicle, which would void the policy.
Settlement in a bicycle versus taxi cab company accident; client suffered lower leg injuries.– Judd Ross Allen
What Types of Accidents Are Postmates Drivers Are Typically Involved?
Postmates drivers spend a lot of time on the road. By spending so much time on the street, the likelihood of accidents increases. Locations where Postmates drivers can get injured include:
If you have been hurt in an accident, call our talented lawyers in California. We have assisted clients in recovering the compensation they deserve for decades. We are here to help you.
What Are Some Common Accident Injuries?
Postmates drivers who work at similar companies make their money in volume. Postmates drivers do not get paid by the hour. They get paid by the delivery. There is an incentive for drivers to make as many drop-offs as possible to increase their paychecks.
The downside of moving too quickly is the increased risk of making mistakes. Drivers may get careless when moving too fast. They take too many risks. Carelessness leads to accidents. Injuries range from minor to catastrophic. Examples of common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Facial deformities
- Hearing loss
- Cuts and bruises
- Sprained ankles, wrists, and hands
- Nerve damage
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Damage to the spinal cord
If you have been hurt in an accident involving a Postmates driver, you deserve to recover fully in peace. You should use the expertise that a California accident attorney provides. The top-notch accident lawyers at Arash Law led by Arash Khorsandi have decades of experience representing clients who have been in car accidents. We have recovered over $500 million in compensation for clients who need it the most.
Insurance companies aim to settle accident claims quickly and for little or no money. That is how insurance defense lawyers make their money. You need a team on your side that is familiar with the insurance company’s motivation and will not let their legal team take advantage of you. Call our firm’s lawyers or visit us online to schedule a free consultation.
What Financial Recovery Can I Expect After an Accident?
Car accident victims typically receive the same kinds of compensation. Typical damages that are recovered in a car accident case include:
- Reimbursement of medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Loss of income and loss of ability to earn
- Emotional trauma and pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
What Should I Do After an Accident With a Postmates Driver?
There are some critical steps to take after you are involved in an accident. Evidence from an accident scene can deteriorate immediately after the moment of impact. The more evidence you preserve, the greater the likelihood you will have a successful accident claim.
1. Call Emergency Responders
After an accident, you must call 911. You will likely be connected to an operator who will send police, firefighters, and an ambulance to your location. When a police officer arrives on the scene, you will speak to them and give them details of the accident if you are able.
2. Get Medical Attention if You or Your Passengers Are Hurt
You must have solid evidence of your injuries to make a successful claim. You should see a doctor even if you do not believe you are injured or think your injuries are minor. Do not prevent the EMTs from taking your vitals or taking you to the hospital if needed.
The EMTs may not take you to the hospital immediately if your injuries are not severe. However, if you are injured, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible. The insurance company may deny your claim if you don’t follow the advice of medical professionals.
3. Start Collecting Evidence
Collect evidence as soon as possible. After an impact, evidence begins to degrade rapidly. Take the following steps to preserve evidence:
- Photograph and videotape the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your property.
- Interview the other driver and his passengers. Although the other driver’s passengers are not obligated to speak with you, you should still attempt to obtain a statement.
- Make sure you get the names and contact information of the witnesses.
- Copy the license and insurance information of the other driver.
- Observe the scene more closely. Listen to what the other driver and passengers say, even if they are not directly speaking to you. You will want to remember their demeanor for future purposes.
- Keep track of your medical records and your medical bills.
4. Say Nothing
Do not incriminate yourself. It is tempting to let a polite apology out after an event as emotional as a car accident but resist the urge to apologize to the other driver. Remember that everyone involved in the accident, including the other driver, their passengers, and your passengers, may be called to testify about what they remember about the accident at trial. Further, do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company without legal representation.
5. Call Our Prized Law Firm
Getting medical care or compensation for property damage and lost wages after an accident can be difficult on your own. To protect your rights, you may need the assistance of a qualified accident attorney. Our trusted personal injury attorneys have decades of experience negotiating with big insurance companies and faceless defense firms. We have helped our clients recover the money they need. Contact us for a free consultation.
What Is the Process to Sue Postmates for Damages if I Am a Driver?
Postmates drivers are protected from the company’s negligence as well. If you are injured in an accident while working as a driver for Postmates, you must prove that the company was negligent. There are four elements to negligence:
- The driver must prove that the company owed a duty of care to them.
- That the company breached the duty of care.
- Because of the company’s breach, the driver was harmed.
- The incidence of negligence led to the driver’s physical injuries.
Each of these elements must be proven. If they are not confirmed, the driver will not receive compensation for their injuries. Follow these steps after getting into an accident while working as a Postmates driver. How an employee can prove negligence after an accident at work:
Your injuries may worsen if you prolong treatment. Remember, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Being examined by a doctor as soon as possible, even when you do not think you need to go, will help document your harm and identify if you are struggling with a soft tissue injury.
Take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Talk to other driver and their passengers and get their contact information. As time passes, be sure to keep track of your medical records and medical bills, document property damage, and take pictures of your vehicle that show the injury sustained during the accident.
Suppose you are hurt while inside of a business, talk to the manager to get the correct contact information and file an incident report.
You need an experienced advocate on your side when you have been hurt in an accident. Suing your employer can be complicated and intimidating, but you are entitled to recover your damages if you are injured at work. Getting compensation after a workplace injury can be complicated, but the California personal injury lawyers at Arash Law headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. can help.
What Types of Coverage Can You Expect From Postmates Insurance?
As a part of its onboarding process, Postmates informs each of its drivers that their vehicle must carry the minimum amount of liability coverage that the state requires. Postmates also clarifies that drivers are responsible for damage to their cars.
Still, there have been times that Postmates have assisted drivers in paying damages to third parties when they are in an accident while working for the company. Postmates carries some insurance to protect its drivers in an on-the-job accident. The types of insurance that the company carries are:
- Accidental occupational liability coverage – Postmates offers occupational liability insurance for its drivers if they are hurt on the job. Under this policy, Postmates drivers can pay their medical bills up to $50,000 if they are injured while picking up items or making deliveries for the company.
- General liability coverage – If a driver damages a third party’s property, Postmates has general liability insurance coverage available to help pay the damages. Postmates carries a public liability insurance policy of $1 million to cover damages caused by delivery workers delivering products to customers on foot or a bike.
- Excess liability coverage – Postmates insurance coverage pays damages sustained by a third party if they are in an accident with a Postmates driver up to $1 million per accident for bodily injury or property damage.
What Is Covered Under Postmates Occupational Accident Insurance?
Postmates drivers can use the occupational accident insurance available from the company. The occupational accident insurance policy covers medical, disability, death, and survivor payments incurred by a delivery driver while performing their duties. This coverage is automatic as soon as the driver begins working as a delivery driver for Postmates.
Postmates occupational accident insurance policy covers the following:
- $500 per week in temporary disability benefits
- Weekly payments in total disability worth up to $500 per week
- $100,000 for accidental death that occurs on the job
- $100,000 in survivor’s benefits
- $200,000 in accidental dismemberment benefits
If you or a loved one have been injured while working for Postmates, the personal injury lawyer at Arash Law headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. has the expertise to help you collect the benefits that you deserve. We have decades of experience getting our clients the benefits they need to continue with their lives. Our dedicated attorneys have collected over $500 million in compensation for clients who have trusted us during their journey to recovery after an accident.
Postmates Additional Policy Perks
Postmates offers its employees a free membership to a service called One Medical. One Medical gives Postmates workers with same-day appointments with medical providers if they are hurt on the job.
What Won’t Postmates Insurance Cover?
Postmates insurance will not cover damage to a driver’s car caused by an accident while the driver was working. Postmates explicitly states in its agreement with its drivers that drivers must carry auto insurance and use that insurance to pay for damage to the driver’s vehicle.
Recommended insurance coverage for delivery drivers include:
Every driver must have personal auto insurance coverage before they begin to drive for a delivery company like Postmates. Personal car insurance policies generally do not cover vehicles used as business vehicles. If a driver applies for private insurance coverage and fails to state how they will use the car, the insurance company has the right to deny a claim after an accident that happened at work.
A driver can contact their insurance company and add commercial insurance to their existing policy. Commercial insurance covers a driver for any accident while the driver is working. The cost of commercial insurance coverage is dependent on how the driver uses the vehicle.
Business use coverage attaches to a rider in the car. If you occasionally use your vehicle to make deliveries for Postmates, you are covered if you are in an accident that occurs while you are working. If you make deliveries full-time, you may not qualify for this type of coverage.
I am a Postmates Driver Without Adequate Insurance Coverage. What Happens Now?
If a driver is uninsured or underinsured and gets into an accident, they may face significant financial loss. At the same time, they try to pay for the damage to their vehicle themselves. Suppose you caused an accident and the damage to the third party exceeds Postmates’ liability insurance coverage. In that case, you are responsible for paying the balance of the damages amount to the third party.
If you do not have the cash to cover the payments, the court can order your assets seized to pay off a judgment against you. Your wages may also be garnished. Because of the above risks, drivers must have enough insurance coverage before working for Postmates or other similar companies. Do not be afraid to speak with your insurance company to get a tailored policy that will protect you in the long run after an accident.
Call a California Postmates Accident Lawyer
Our California personal injury lawyer at Arash Law led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. have represented numerous clients we have been operating over the decades who have been involved in accidents with Postmates drivers. Our legal team has collected over 500 million dollars for clients across the Golden State. We work in San Diego and all surrounding areas. Our legal team also serves clients in Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside, Santa Clara, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, San Jose, Fresno, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California.
Our clients have trusted us to use the most effective strategies available to maximize our clients’ settlements. We are passionate about seeing our clients get back on their feet after an accident. Call our office or contact us online today for a free consultation. One of our experienced personal injury attorneys will sit with you and evaluate your case during the consultation.
We will give you an idea of what we think your case is worth monetarily and answer your questions about the process. During our meeting, you will learn about our zero-fee guarantee. We guarantee that we will not charge you a dime if you get the compensation you deserve.
We will discuss how our contingency fee agreements work and the terms at your appointment. Contact our California injury firm today at (888) 488-1391 to benefit from decades of experience and knowledgeable attorneys about your rights after a car accident with a Postmates delivery driver.
