DoorDash and Grubhub classify their drivers as independent contractors — a deliberate choice that affects which insurance applies when one of their drivers causes a crash. Whether you were in another vehicle, on foot, or on a bike, understanding how these platforms structure coverage is the starting point for your claim.
How coverage works during an active delivery
Both DoorDash and Grubhub maintain commercial liability policies that apply when a driver is actively on a delivery. DoorDash provides $1 million per-occurrence coverage during active deliveries. Grubhub's coverage structure is similar but requires the driver's personal insurer to deny the claim first. When the driver is logged into the app but hasn't accepted an order, coverage is reduced. When the driver is off the platform entirely, only their personal auto insurance applies — and most personal policies exclude commercial activity, which can trigger a coverage dispute.
The exact coverage that applies depends on the driver's app status at the moment of impact. Delivery platforms retain GPS and order data showing this — preserving and obtaining that data early is part of building a complete claim.
Proving negligence
Regardless of which insurer pays, your claim rests on proving the driver was negligent. Delivery drivers under time pressure frequently check the app while moving, run red lights, make unsafe turns, and back out of driveways without looking. Arizona's pure comparative fault rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505) means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault — but you can still recover even if you shared some responsibility.
After a crash involving a delivery driver
Call 911. Photograph the scene, the vehicle, any food delivery bags visible in the car, and the driver's phone screen if you can see whether the app is active. Get the driver's personal and insurance information. Seek medical care even if you feel okay. Don't give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorney.
The filing deadline
Arizona gives most personal injury victims two years from the accident date (A.R.S. § 12-542). See our post on the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations for exceptions.
Our delivery accident attorneys handle DoorDash and Grubhub crash claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.