Dear Chandler,
I drive for GrubHub full time. I feel like I never stop going. Sometimes I’m out making deliveries until 3 o’clock in the morning.
Last week, I had worked all night delivering for everybody watching the UK Wildcats basketball game. During one of my evening deliveries, I got hit by another car. They totaled my vehicle and I left with some painful injuries myself. I haven’t been able to work since the accident and now I’m not sure how I can pay my rent. I have also been getting bills and collection notices in the mail. I was living paycheck to paycheck and now all of my savings have dried up.
I know since I was an independent contractor, I don’t have the same rights as other employees. But, I feel like there must be something I can do to get money to pay my bills. Can I file for workers’ comp? Please help!!
Signed,
Grubby Hub Henchman
Dear Grubby Hub Henchman,
Great name. Companies you work for can oftentimes be super grubby. They focus so much on the speed of delivery and quantity of drivers that they forget about the individual drivers that make their company work.
In this situation, it’s time for you to reach out for what you deserve – fair benefits and pay to take care of your injuries and get you back on the road. I’ll help walk you through the process.
Luckily, the accident was the fault of another driver and not your own. In this instance, you very well may be able to make a claim through their car insurance. This is by far the best route to go since you likely cannot make a workers’ compensation claim.
In the meantime, I can deal with the bill collectors for you and try to get them off of your back. The most important thing right now is to get the treatment you deserve, and not worry about the cost of that treatment. Delaying care or waiting to go into the ER or primary care doctor could lead to permanent injuries. I have seen this time and time again. Don’t wait until it is too late. Even if it is after 5:00 PM, you can still call or text me and I will start working to help you and answer your questions.
Best,
