Uber Eats and Deliveroo riders: what are their legal rights?

In recent years, and particularly over recent months as we were confined to our own homes, online food delivery services have become increasingly popular. The most popular, Uber Eats and Deliveroo, use self-employed workers to deliver our favourite dishes via bicycle or motorbike. So what rights do delivery riders have if they’re involved in an accident?

Deliveroo and Uber Eats riders are classified as self-employed. They are not guaranteed a minimum wage, nor a pension, holiday or sick pay. They also have to cover their own equipment costs, tax and national insurance.

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With an increase in these bikes and motorbikes using our roads to make deliveries quickly, without having to sit in traffic, accidents are bound to happen.

What rights does a rider have if they are injured in a road traffic accident?

As these riders are self-employed, if they’re injured and need time off work, they will not be entitled to any pay during that time. They will not covered for equipment damage, nor the cost of any medical treatment or rehabilitation.

The idea of flexible working, use of their own vehicle or bike, and the security of knowing people will always want food delivered, lures many couriers in. However, they may not consider whether the company they work for will help them should the worst happen. Something those employed by companies can take for granted.

How can a rider claim compensation for personal injury?

A rider may be entitled to pursue a claim against another party if they are unable to work because of injuries sustained in a road accident. They can claim for their pain and suffering, and/or their financial losses sustained as a result of the accident.

The Claimant must be able to prove these losses using evidence. For example, records of pay before the accident and receipts for any equipment repair work.

What are a delivery rider’s rights if the accident was their fault?

If a self-employed rider damages someone’s vehicle or collides with a pedestrian, they are likely to be liable. This differs to someone who is employed, where the employer is likely to cover the costs.

However, it’s not as simple as saying the courier is fully liable, and there are various options to consider. A specialist personal injury solicitor can consider their rights, the position of the company they work for, and guide them on next steps.

Further information

If you’ve been the victim of a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, our personal injury solicitors can help. To discuss a personal injury, call 0117 325 2929 for a no win, no fee consultation.

For advice and guidance on your employment rights, or to discuss an employment-related issue, contact our specialist employment lawyers by calling 0117 325 2929 or complete our online enquiry form.