top of page

30 Minutes or Less

Does pineapple belong on pizza? The question is an age-old culinary debate. I fall solidly on the "NO WAY" side. No matter what toppings you prefer, there is a a good chance that you'll have it delivered by a pizza delivery driver. Pizza delivery drivers are often employed as 'independent contractors" instead of hourly employees. This is, in part, an attempt for large pizza companies to avoid liability in case the delivery driver is in a car wreck. But, if a delivery driver crashes into you while working, you are entitled to coverage under the commercial policy carried by the company.


--INSURANCE FOR DELIVERY DRIVER WRECKS--

Why go after the commercial policy? The answer is two-fold: First, most pizza companies require drivers to carry their own insurance on their delivery vehicle. But, insurance companies are excellent at including a variety of "exclusions" in policies so that coverage will not apply. One of these exclusions is the "business use exclusion." This exclusion means if the driver is using his vehicle in the course and scope of his work without specifically negotiating for coverage, then there will be no coverage extended when he slams into your vehicle.


The second reason to go after the commercial policy is simply the AMOUNT of money available to compensate you for your injuries and pain & suffering. Arkansas requires minimum policy limits of $25,000.00. Many delivery drivers opt for a "minimum-limits policy" because it keeps their premiums low. But, if you sustain serious injury, your medical bills alone could be far greater than the $25,000.00 available. Commercial policies can have any amount of coverage, but most fall in the range of $500,000.00 to $1 million. Larger policies such as these give me more room to negotiate a fair settlement that will compensate you for your injury and help take care of any future medical bills you might have.


--VERDICTS AGAINST PIZZA COMPANIES--

Sometimes, the pizza company, itself, is negligent in some way and an even larger award could be possible. For instance, if the company sets unreasonable delivery-time goals on drivers that encourage them to drive recklessly (think: "30 Minutes or Less" in a heavy-traffic location), a jury might award you far above the commercial policy limits. Additionally, if the company knows that the driver has a poor driving record, or fails to maintain his vehicle in a safe manner, the company could be on the hook for a large amount of money.


--CALL 479.782.3434 - ASK FOR JACKIE--

Have you been in a car accident involving a delivery driver? Give me a call at Sexton & Sanders Law Firm: We're Here For You. Follow me on Facebook for blog updates and pictures of my pizza orders (which will NEVER include pineapples):


*Want to know more about large verdicts/settlements against pizza companies?Check out these articles:

 
Single Post: Blog_Single_Post_Widget
bottom of page