During the hard economic times due to the coronavirus, there are many delivery drivers picking up extra shifts and spending more time on the road than usual. This increases the chances of them being involved in an accident. In the event that they cause an accident, injured parties can pursue legal action to recover compensation for their suffering. However, if the delivery driver is uninsured, this can cause many questions to arise. Continue reading below to learn more and contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney for assistance with your case.
Can a Delivery Driver Use Their Own Car Insurance?
In the state of New Jersey, auto insurance is mandatory. There are many delivery drivers who believe they can rely on this coverage when they are using their vehicle for work. However, it is important to be aware that this is not the case. Personal insurance policies cover damages that are sustained during the personal use of a person’s vehicle. When the vehicle is used for business purposes, the personal insurance policy can become void.
What is Commercial Auto Insurance?
Commercial auto insurance exists to provide coverage for physical damage and liability coverages for situations not covered by a personal auto policy. Individuals who use their automobile for their occupation, profession, or business must have a commercial policy. This can cover bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, combined single limit, medical payments, collision coverage, and more.
What Happens if I am Hit by a Delivery Driver Without Commercial Insurance?
New Jersey is a no-fault auto insurance state. This means that if a delivery driver hits you and they do not have commercial insurance, you can go through your own auto insurance company to receive compensation for any injuries or damages you sustain. In the event that you sustained serious or permanent injuries and you reach the limit on your own policy, you can file a claim against the negligent driver to recover the remaining losses. If their insurance company cancelled their coverage because they did not have commercial insurance, you may use your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Depending on the company the delivery driver works for, they could also be covered through their employer’s auto insurance.
Contact our Firm
Retaining an attorney after an injury-causing accident is the most effective way to ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are legally entitled. To learn more about how we can help you, call the Wilton Law Firm today at 732-275-9555 or send us an email through our online contact form.
