OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Cory Petersen faced a devastating financial setback when a hit-and-run driver struck his car while he was working as a DoorDash delivery driver, trying to pay off his newly purchased vehicle.
“The damages are estimated at around $17,000,” Cory reported.
Eyewitness Mike Koley stayed at the scene to assist.
“I wanted to help because it was a clear hit-and-run with no license plates,” Mike recounted.
Mike told police that the hit-and-run driver wasn’t alone. “The guy looks around, jumps back in his car and realizes it will go,” he explained. “Then, a 12-year-old dives into the car just in time, and they both take off.”
Cory was left shocked but fortunately uninjured.
However, the aftermath of the incident brought another surprise for Cory. Despite having full coverage insurance, his claim was denied by USAA because he hadn’t informed them of his food delivery activities.
“I’ve learned that there’s an additional insurance called ‘ride share gap protection’ needed for such work,” Cory said. “Since I didn’t have that, they’re telling me my full coverage won’t cover the damages.”
USAA explained that customers using their personal vehicles for delivery services should request a policy review to ensure they have adequate coverage. Cory’s mother, Maggie Petersen, suggested he seek compensation from DoorDash.
“Now DoorDash is pushing back,” Maggie said. “It’s unclear if the need for special insurance was clearly communicated, but they keep referring him back to USAA. He’s stuck between a rock and a hard place.”
DoorDash’s policy indicates that damages to a driver’s vehicle are the driver’s responsibility, although a hit-and-run driver caused the crash. Mike hopes his eyewitness account will support Cory in seeking justice.
While DoorDash provides occupational insurance to cover medical expenses if a driver is injured in an accident, vehicle repairs must go through the driver’s auto insurance.
Without a car, Cory is relying on family and friends for rides to his full-time job and is considering an appeal to the Nebraska Department of Insurance regarding the denial of his claim.
[inline_related_posts title=”You Might Be Interested In” title_align=”left” style=”list” number=”6″ align=”none” ids=”2633,2631,2629″ by=”categories” orderby=”rand” order=”DESC” hide_thumb=”no” thumb_right=”no” views=”no” date=”yes” grid_columns=”2″ post_type=”” tax=””]
