It’s the time of the year for family gatherings and late-night parties. There’s a hint of rush in the air, and it’s the same in Arizona. Sometimes, people just want to relax. Hence, food delivery apps like DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats, and Grubhub feel like lifesavers (especially if you don’t feel like cooking). The problem is, the season also brings more cars, more stress, and, unfortunately, holiday food delivery accidents. Delivery drivers are rushing to meet deadlines, and you’re sharing the road with them.

Increased Risk of Holiday Food Delivery Accidents 

For example, you order dinner through an app. Your would-be driver might be juggling multiple orders, checking GPS, and trying to beat the clock. Add holiday traffic in Phoenix or Tucson, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Here are some common reasons food delivery accidents happen during the holiday season:

• Time pressure: Drivers are under enormous stress to deliver quickly.
• Distracted driving: They are navigating apps, GPS, and customer instructions while driving.
• Fatigue: Long shifts during peak demand may lead to increased mistakes.
• Congested roads: Holiday shoppers, travelers, and partygoers crowd the streets.
• Weather factors: Even mild Arizona winters can bring rain or icy conditions in higher elevations.

The result? A surge in delivery-related crashes that leave victims wondering who’s responsible. Unlike traditional restaurant delivery (pizza chains, for example), today’s gig economy drivers often work as independent contractors. That means they’re not always covered by the restaurant’s insurance. If they cause an accident, figuring out who should pay can get complicated. These days, it could either be the driver, the delivery company, or your own insurer. 

Arizona Laws on Liability

In Arizona, if you’re hurt in a crash involving a food delivery driver, liability depends on several factors:

• Driver negligence: Was the driver speeding, distracted, or reckless?
• Employer responsibility: Some companies may be held accountable if the driver was “on the clock.”
• Insurance coverage: Companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats provide limited insurance, but only when the driver is actively delivering. If they’re waiting for an order, coverage may not apply.

Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505). That means if you’re partly at fault, you can still recover damages. If you and the delivery driver were both speeding at the time of the crash, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What You Should Do if You’re a Victim

If you’re injured in a food delivery accident, holiday or not, here’s what you should do:

1. Get medical help immediately. When left untreated, even minor injuries can get worse. 
2. Document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries. Ask around for witnesses if you still can. 
3. Collect driver and company details. Ask if they were logged into the app; this will determine liability for insurance.
4. File a police report to create an official record that you can later use when filing for a lawsuit.
5. Talk to a food delivery accident lawyer. Arizona courts recognize the complexity of delivery accidents. Therefore, an attorney can help you deal with insurance disputes.

Food delivery during the holiday season is a blessing, but it comes with risks. With convenience comes the enormous pressure for delivery drivers, so there is always a risk of accidents. By knowing your rights under the Arizona law, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones if the inevitable happens.