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Ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft have been rising in popularity, and more and more people are using them instead of their own vehicles. Uber and Lyft drivers, though, can make mistakes and cause accidents. It can be confusing trying to determine liability and manage insurance claims if you have been hurt in such an accident.
The state of California has implemented various regulations to clarify these issues, but it can still be a challenge to sort through them. Our attorneys at Ardalan & Associates understand Uber accidents and Transportation Network Company (TNC) laws in Thousand Oaks and can help you navigate the rules so you can recover the compensation you need for your injuries.
The state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates rideshare companies, or TNCs, under the Public Utilities Code Article 7. TNCs must have a PUC license to operate in the state and must comply with several regulations to keep their license in good standing.
This includes submitting annual reports on their operations that detail data such as:
Many of the PUC’s rules are in place since drivers are classified as independent contractors under California law. This is a significant difference because if a TNC driver causes an accident, conventional employer liabilities may not apply. This can make it difficult for you to determine the responsible party, which is why the PUC requires TNCs in the state to have special insurance policies to cover passenger injuries.
Additionally, TNCs must conduct adequate background checks on their drivers. Although they are independent contractors, TNCs may be liable if they allow unreliable or irresponsible drivers to provide rides through their platforms.
The rideshare rules are meant to protect riders in the event of a crash in Thousand Oaks. Still, it is best that you work with an experienced attorney who can handle the legal process so that you can recover the compensation you deserve.
TNC companies are usually not liable if an accident occurs while the driver is offline and not providing rides. In this situation, determining responsibility works the same as any other car crash between two vehicles. Conversely, if the accident happens while the driver is online, the TNC’s special insurance may take effect to cover injuries to passengers.
However, the liability and insurance considerations change significantly if the TNC company knew, or should have known, that the driver was a risk to others. This is why background checks are important, as TNCs should know if a potential driver has, for example, a DUI on their record. If they allow that driver to use their platform, and the driver causes an accident while intoxicated, the company could be held liable for any damages.
Finding fault can be complex and relies on the specific facts. One of our lawyers with knowledge of the TNC regulations in Thousand Oaks could help you determine the responsible party in your rideshare collision.
Getting through the challenges of Uber accidents and Transportation Network Company (TNC) laws in Thousand Oaks can be rigorous. Our lawyers at Ardalan & Associates know how to navigate these challenges to get you the compensation you need.
We start by listening to your story so we can build a personalized strategy. Contact Ardalan & Associates to schedule a free consultation with our team.
