Probably, you may have ordered food through an app at least once these past few days, or maybe more. Whether it’s a late-night craving or a busy weekday dinner, services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates have made it easier to get meals delivered straight to your door. But, behind this convenience is something that you should be aware of: food delivery accidents in Arizona are happening more often than ever before. 

Food Delivery is on the Rise, along with the Risks

Notice how there are more delivery drivers weaving through traffic or parked outside your favorite restaurants nowadays. A few years ago, such service was mostly limited to pizza chains and a few local restaurants. Today, with apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates fueling the gig economy, food delivery has become a daily convenience. But behind that ease is a growing number of accidents involving drivers who are under pressure to deliver quickly, often while juggling multiple apps.

Delivery Drivers Face Higher Injury Rates 

You might think that food delivery is a low-risk job. After all, it’s just driving around town, right? However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of non-fatal workplace injuries among couriers and messengers jumped 42% over the past decade. For local and last-mile delivery drivers (including gig workers), the increase was even worse, at 134%.

Many drivers work long hours, navigate congested streets, and rely heavily on their phones for directions and updates. This combination results in more crashes, injuries, and legal issues, especially in busy cities.

Food Delivery Accidents are not just Car Crashes

Food delivery accidents in Arizona can involve bikes, scooters, or even slips and falls while carrying orders. Drivers report being hit by car doors, forced off the road by larger vehicles, or injured while rushing to meet delivery deadlines. So, if you’re a customer or pedestrian, you too could be affected as these incidents are not limited to drivers alone.

Arizona Law Complicates Liability

Here’s where things get complicated: In Arizona, most food delivery drivers work as independent contractors. They are frequently classified as gig workers. Thus, if you’re injured in an accident involving a delivery driver, figuring out who’s responsible can be confusing. It can either be the fault of the driver, the delivery company, or the insurer. In Arizona, lawsuits question whether platforms like Uber Eats or Grubhub should bear some of the blame. 

Arizona law already requires drivers to carry auto insurance, but food delivery platforms often provide secondary coverage that kicks in only under specific conditions. This can make accident claims complicated. In some cases, plaintiffs are increasingly targeting the companies themselves, arguing that their business models contribute to unsafe driving behaviors.

It’s Not Always Easy to Determine Insurance Coverage

Many platforms offer limited insurance coverage, and it often only applies during specific parts of the delivery process. There are instances when a driver may be covered while actively delivering food, but not while waiting for an order. So, if you’re a driver in Arizona, check your personal auto policy. Some exclude coverage for commercial use, which could leave you financially vulnerable.

Recent Cases are Influencing Arizona Courts

In late 2023, a tragic accident occurred in Maricopa County involving a Grubhub driver who struck and killed a pedestrian while reportedly distracted by his phone. The victim was a judge, and the case sparked a lawsuit that raised serious questions about liability and the role of app-based distractions. The victim’s family cited negligence and unsafe business practices. This has made an impact on how local courts now view liability when it comes to food delivery accidents in Arizona. 

You Have Rights as a Food Delivery Accident Victim

If you’re a food delivery accident victim, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Filing claims however, can be challenging. Arizona’s laws around gig work and insurance are evolving. Act quickly and seek legal guidance following an accident.

Food delivery drivers are under pressure to work quickly. They deal with traffic and navigate in real time while on the road. As a result, food delivery accidents can happen to anyone, including drivers, pedestrians, and other motorists. Knowing how these accidents happen and what Arizona law says about liability can help you stay safe and protect your rights. Let a qualified attorney help you understand your rights, sort through the paperwork, and fight for the compensation you deserve.