Victims of accidents involving Instacart drivers could have difficulty being compensated for their damages, including medical costs, loss of income, and property damage. Instacart requires their drivers to carry commercial insurance. But if they fail to verify such coverage, they should be held liable for damages.
Independent Contractors Are Responsible for Their Own Insurance
Unlike Lyft or Uber that transport people instead of goods, Instacart does not cover their drivers with commercial insurance. Every driver on the road is required to have a minimum amount of auto insurance. Those drivers who use their vehicles for work are required to have a commercial policy, too. If an Instacart driver is involved in an accident, their personal auto insurance will not cover the damages that are caused.
Instacart Drivers at Increased Risk of Causing Accidents
Car accidents happen every day and for a variety of different reasons. However, Instacart drivers may be at a higher risk for causing accidents because of the nature of their work. They can be distracted while trying to navigate their delivery routes on their GPS systems when they are delivering to unfamiliar areas. A driver may be distracted by being on their phone to check order details. Taking their eyes off the road with these actions increases their risks of causing an accident.
Because Instacart drivers are paid per order, they may attempt to squeeze as many deliveries as possible into their schedules. Drivers may engage in dangerous and aggressive driving behaviors to make their deliveries on time, including:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Unsafely switching lanes without turn signals
- Driving while under the influence
What Should Accident Victims Do If Involved an Accident
When drivers are involved in an accident with an Instacart driver, they should proceed as they normally would with any other accident. If injured, they should immediately seek medical attention. They should contact the driver’s insurance directly in addition to contacting their own insurer. If they are informed that their damages and injuries are not covered because the driver does not have commercial coverage, they may need to file a personal injury claim. A car accident lawyer can explain what rights the accident victim(s) have for receiving compensation for their injuries and other damages. This may include filing a claim against Instacart for their failure to ensure their independent contractors are properly insured.