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Distracted Driving Is a Major Cause of Crashes for Delivery Drivers

Delivery drivers spend long hours on the road, managing tight schedules and constant order demands. With half of U.S. consumers relying on takeout and 51% placing orders through third-party apps, the number of delivery vehicles on the road has surged.

From Amazon vans to Uber Eats cars and local courier motorcycles, these drivers juggle apps, messages, and route updates while trying to meet fast delivery times. Every glance at a screen or split-second distraction increases the risk of collisions, putting other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in danger.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month highlights the serious impact of these risks. Learn how delivery driver distractions affect road safety and how skilled St. Louis car accident lawyers can help prove negligence and fight for fair compensation.

How the Gig Economy Contributes to Distracted Driving

App-based delivery services have changed how drivers operate. Unlike traditional restaurants, companies like Amazon, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart pay drivers per delivery, not per hour. This creates pressure to complete as many orders as possible, often leading them to check apps, accept new requests, and adjust routes while driving.

Many drivers also work across multiple platforms at once, constantly switching between apps to maximize earnings. Every glance at a screen, tap to accept an order, or quick route adjustment takes their attention away from traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Common Distractions Facing Delivery Drivers

Delivery drivers rely on apps to manage orders, navigate routes, and communicate with customers. Unfortunately, these same tools create constant distractions like:

  • GPS Navigation: Checking directions, rerouting due to traffic or road closures, or adjusting destinations pulls focus from driving.
  • Delivery App Notifications: Alerts about promotions and time-sensitive offers encourage drivers to glance at their screens.
  • Accepting New Orders: Many apps give drivers only seconds to accept an order, pushing them to interact with their devices while in motion.
  • Order Updates: Notifications about delays, cancellations, or restaurant wait times lead to unnecessary phone interactions.
  • Customer Messages: Requests for updates, drop-off instructions, or gate codes prompt drivers to read and respond while on the road.

If a delivery driver causes a crash while using their phone (which is illegal in Missouri), they can be held liable.

Who Is Liable When a Delivery Driver Causes an Accident?

Insurance payouts in a delivery driver crash can get complicated. Many businesses classify their drivers as independent contractors, meaning the driver is personally responsible for any damages.

While a driver’s personal liability insurance may cover damages, most policies exclude commercial activity like deliveries. Drivers usually need to get additional rideshare coverage or a commercial policy to cover themselves.

However, some delivery companies also provide insurance for damages, including DoorDash, Uber, and Amazon Flex.

Still, it can get complicated trying to hold a delivery driver responsible after an accident. An experienced car accident attorney can help gather key evidence, prove fault, and seek compensation.

How Accident Victims Can Prove Distracted Driving

Proving a delivery driver was distracted at the time of a crash requires gathering solid evidence.  Sources of proof include:

  • App Activity Logs: Delivery apps track when drivers accept orders, check messages, or adjust routes. These logs can show if the driver was using the app just before the crash.
  • GPS and Route Data: GPS data can reveal sudden stops, sharp turns, or erratic driving patterns. Unexpected slowdowns or route changes may suggest driver distraction.
  • Communication Records: Phone record messages, app notifications, or texts at the time of the accident can also be evidence.
  • Traffic and Security Cameras: Footage from nearby businesses, intersections, or dashcams may capture drivers looking at their phones instead of the road.

Gathering this evidence can be difficult without legal assistance. The experienced attorneys at Cofman Townsley can help you strengthen your claim and pursue a fair settlement.

Get the Financial Recovery You Deserve With Cofman Townsley

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a crash caused by a distracted delivery driver, Cofman Townsley’s legal team can help. Our attorneys will collect crucial evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn your legal options.