When the California Public Utilities Commission met at the end of 2015, one of the goals was to examine how well ridesharing companies met state safety regulations. However, the data presented at the meeting also pointed out a dangerous trend – the fact that collisions among ridesharing vehicles are climbing.
The commission also expressed concern over the increased frequency in all-too-common incidents, like rear-end collisions and fender bender mishaps that commonly result in some sort of injury.
Though the report detailed a variety of other ridesharing-related incidents, including pedestrian accidents, data also revealed the average insurance cost per incident for ridesharing organizations. For example, in the report, ridesharing giant Uber was estimated to have spent an average of $6,500 per incident.
The report came on the heels of an increasingly testy year for ridesharing companies versus traditional taxis, as concerns grew over driver and passenger safety. This has seen a number of states take individual measures to close existing loopholes in insurance policies that protect drivers and passengers in the event of an accident.
Unfortunately, many of the facts surrounding accident or injury in a ridesharing vehicle are still very unclear. That’s why, when these types of accidents occur, it is always best to consult with a qualified attorney.
Understanding Ridesharing and Personal Injury
The first thing to understand about ridesharing companies like Uber, Lyft or other options is that, unlike traditional taxis, these are not transportation companies. Instead, they are known as transportation network companies (TNC). These services are operated from mobile applications that connect drivers with passengers and manage payment, so there is no cash exchanged.
The second thing to understand about this type of transportation is that drivers are independent contractors. And while they must qualify and meet criteria set by the organization, drivers also face uncertainty when it comes to liability and insurance. As a result, many states, including California and Nevada, have fine-tuned insurance guidelines to better protect drivers and passengers alike, in the event of a crash or personal injury.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident while utilizing a ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft, you may be entitled to damages or other compensation stemming from your personal injury.
In Las Vegas and the surrounding areas in Nevada, the attorneys at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen represent victims of personal injury, including those dealing with injuries after a ridesharing incident. Our legal team is well-versed in the newest and most relevant state statutes regarding ridesharing services, and can advise you regarding the best strategy for recovering any and all compensation as quickly as possible.
You deserve to have your rights protected under the law. Let us assist you on the road to recovery. To schedule your initial consultation, call our friendly and professional legal team at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen at (702) 505-8115.