If you are a DoorDash driver – or a “Dasher” – but have been unable to drive for DoorDash due to a deactivation, this article is for you. We want you to know that there are steps you have options with respect to how to respond to the deactivation.
Dashers rely on DoorDash for the DoorDash jobs that provide income. The deactivation has likely resulted or soon will result in substantial professional and personal consequences. While DoorDash has the right to deactivate dashers for various reasons – including low customer ratings, multiple late deliveries, violations of safety protocols or accidents, and failed background checks – you also have the right to appeal or dispute the deactivation.
This article provides the basics of how to appeal a DoorDash deactivation and how to dispute a DoorDash wrongful deactivation. This article will guide you through the appeals process and highlight the importance of seeking professional legal assistance from a background check attorney, especially when you identify an inaccuracy in your background check.
Learn Why You Were Deactivated
If you’ve been deactivated from DoorDash, the next steps you take will depend on why DoorDash deactivated you. You get that information directly from DoorDash. Here’s how:
- Contact DoorDash support. Visit the DoorDash website’s support page. Find the “Contact Us” section. This will provide ways to get in touch with DoorDash, such as email, a contact form, or live chat. If you still have access to the DoorDash app, you can also request help in the “Support” section.
- Request information. When you talk to Dasher support, clearly say that you want to know the reason for your deactivation. You will need to give them your relevant information like name and email associated you’re your Dasher account, and whatever other information they ask for. Write down the name of whomever you spoke with and ask them when you can expect a reply.
- Review the DoorDash deactivation policies. While you wait for DoorDash to get back to you, Read and become familiar with DoorDash’s deactivation policies. You can find these on their website. While this will provide some context for when you hear their decision, this will also prompt you to think about potential reasons why you were deactivated.
- Follow up. If you don’t receive a response within a week or two, follow up with DoorDash. If after reviewing the policies and not finding anything you might have done to warrant deactivation, you still have received no reply from DoorDash, you should contact Сonsumer law Аttorneys.
DoorDash should provide you with the reason for the deactivation. It’s essential for transparency and understanding any potential issues that prompted the decision. If they have given you the reason and the reason is for some violation of the independent contractor agreement, or for fraud, abuse, or safety violations, you can appeal. If you were deactivated for a reason like star rating or completion rates, then you cannot appeal.
The Appeal Process
If the reason they gave you is appealable, then begin the appeal process.
- Gather evidence. Collect any relevant documents, screenshots of texts, screenshots of delivery records, or customer reviews that support your case. This documentation will help your appeal.
- Submit an appeal. DoorDash provides a channel for submitting appeals. Follow the instructions and when prompted, present your case clearly and concisely, attaching all relevant evidence. Be professional and thorough.
- Follow up. After submitting your appeal, ask them when you can expect a decision. Follow up with them near that time. Keep track of all the dates you submitted information and with whom you spoke.
Common Background Check Errors
Sometimes DoorDash deactivates people for failing background checks. Recall that you had a background check when you first applied to be a Dasher. DoorDash also does periodic background checks to make sure dashers are still suitable. Sometimes these background check failures are legitimate; other times they are the result of background check errors.
Like many companies in the gig economy, DoorDash uses a third-party company called Checkr to conduct its background checks. Checkr scours the vast number of criminal and motor vehicle records databases in the country looking for your name. Sometimes Checkr finds legitimate issues. Sometimes Checkr makes a mistake, sends a report with the mistake on it to DoorDash, and DoorDash deactivates the dasher. Common issues include:
- A clerical mistake on the part of Checkr.
- Identity theft.
- Outdated information or just plain wrong information in a database, like a crime that has been expunged or a misdemeanor incorrectly labeled a felony.
- A misspelling or some switched numbers in a social security number.
- Mistaken identity.
This can happen with both motor vehicle records and criminal records.
Disputing Background Check Errors
This is different than appealing a deactivation with DoorDash. If Checkr made a mistake in your background check report, then you dispute that with them. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (or “FCRA”) a federal law that governs background checks, you have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information in your background check. The process involves:
- Review your background report. You can request your background check report from DoorDash. Once you receive it, review it. Closely. Look for errors, misreported crimes, expunged crimes that still appear, misreported traffic violations, and misreported automobile accidents, outdated information.
- File a dispute. If you find an error, you have the right to dispute it. Follow the requirements outlined on Checkr’s website to file a dispute. We advise that you file the dispute with a letter you send through the U.S. mail along with evidence disproving the inaccuracy.
- Talk to an attorney. In some instances, the whole deactivation process warrants legal action. When the error in your background check causes you damage and embarrassment, talk to Consumer Attorneys. Sometimes, Checkr’s noncompliance with the laws will warrant legal action. Talk to an attorney as soon as you are able so they can assess your case and take necessary steps.
- Follow Up. Checkr typically has 30 days to investigate and respond. If they don’t follow up, you might have additional grounds on which to file a lawsuit.
- Document Everything. Maintain detailed records of everything you do, everyone with whom you speak, and all the evidence you have submitted.
The Role of a Background Check Attorney
If your deactivation stems from a background check issue, consulting a background check attorney becomes essential. An attorney specializing in background checks can:
- Assess the accuracy of the report. We can help determine whether the background information is up to date.
- Assess FCRA compliance. Laws offer specific and significant protections regarding background checks. Our attorneys will explain your rights under this act and make sure Checkr adheres to the laws.
- Assist you in filing disputes. If there are errors in your background check, we can assist you in filing a formal dispute. We can also help you fix it.
- Provide legal representation. If your rights under the FCRA were violated or if the background check error suggests Checkr was negligent, we will represent you.
We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients who have been wronged by background check companies. While every case is different, we know the laws that govern these cases and can assess your case to see if you have a case.
We can also negotiate an appeal with DoorDash and a settlement with Checkr. When you go up against big corporations, you must understand your rights and the relevant laws. We do. You can initiate the appeal and the dispute processes by yourself, but working with Consumer Attorneys significantly increases the chances of a favorable outcome. We offer the expertise and legal knowledge necessary to challenge inaccuracies and advocate on your behalf.
When it comes to DoorDash deactivation remember: act quickly, talk to a lawyer, and use your right to a fair and accurate background check.