Delivery drivers use cars and trucks to deliver food in Miami. This is in response to the increased food delivery applications that have come up over the years. Just like any other motorist on the road, this delivery driver stands the risk of sustaining injuries while on the road, and since he is on duty, the employer should compensate him for the losses.
In the wake of the Covid pandemic, delivery services became an essential part of the economy. People preferred the indoors, and this made it an essential service. Delivery drivers help small restaurants and fast food companies stay in business.
“There are over 1.3 million delivery drivers in the US alone.”
Increased demand for delivery services equals an increased risk of accidents both on the road and during the delivery of the food. We look at what happens when a delivery driver is involved in an accident or gets injured while delivering the food to a client. Most notably, who is at fault for the potential injuries to the driver when making a delivery?
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The Job Category of the Driver
Most restaurants and fast food joints regard the driver as an independent contractor. Under the law in Miami, an independent contractor is liable for their injuries, and they aren’t considered employees of the company.
However, most companies use this categorization to avoid paying compensation when the driver gets injured. This is why you need a qualified Miami delivery driver injury lawyer to help you determine your categorization and fight for your rights.
Before you go ahead and work as a delivery driver, ensure you clarify your insurance policy or the employer covers you for an accident that occurs while delivering the food.
What Happens When You Get Injured
If you sustain injuries while delivering food and the other party is at fault, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits from the driver’s insurance policy or the employer’s policy.
The key to the decision relies heavily on what the delivery application shows and whether you were in the course of delivering the package. A third-party eyewitness can be crucial to help you substantiate your claims.
Make sure you put all the coverages on notice, and you explore all the options. Working with a qualified lawyer helps you handle all the aspects of the claim the right way.
Slip and Fall Accidents During Delivery
If you are the driver and during the delivery, you slip, trip, or fall and sustain injuries, you can opt for workers’ compensation. Just because the delivery company regards the injured driver as an independent contractor, the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act might consider him an employee.
Working with a Florida delivery driver injury lawyer helps you find answers to any questions you have. The lawyer assesses the relationship between the two parties and whether this gives rise to an employer/employee relationship.
The Benefits You stand to Gain
When injured at work, you stand to get medical benefits and compensation for losing a body part after the injury; in the event, the driver is permanently disabled, it is possible that he can receive lifetime benefits as per the Florida workers’ compensation laws.
Get Your Compensation Process Right
Working with a lawyer helps you get the best solution to your claim. Take time to find the right Miami delivery driver injury lawyer for your needs to get the compensation you deserve.