Ride Sharing Accidents


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From 2010-2014, ride sharing use worldwide has increased close to 4X!

  • 2010: 1.16 million
  • 2014: 4.94 million
  • What Are Ride Sharing and Ride-Hailing Services?
    • Ride sharing companies connect regular drivers to people that need a lift
      • Ride sharing services (e.g. BlaBlaCar, Zimride, etc.)
        • Multiple groups, similar to carpooling
        • Strangers share one car and are dropped off at different locations along a route
      • Ride-hailing services (e.g. Uber, Lyft, etc.)
        • Single group, similar to a taxi
        • Drivers pick up rider(s) and deliver them to a decided destination

Most people interchange ride sharing and ride-hailing, so many reports consider these services to be one in the same

  • Why Are People Using Ride Sharing Services?
    • More Convenient
      • Easy pickup and drop-off
      • No searching for parking spots
    • Less Expensive
      • Cost less than a taxi
      • No parking fees
    • Environmentally Responsible
      • Reduces emissions and traffic

Ride-sharing services are predominantly only available in and around urban areas, making them unavailable to many Americans

  • Who is Using Ride Sharing Services?
    • Only 15% of American adults
      • Weekly: 14%
      • Daily: 3%
    • Age
      • 18-29: 28%
      • 30-49: 19%
      • 50-64: 8%
      • 65+: 4%
    • Income
      • $75,000+: 26%
      • $30,000-$75,000: 13%
      • $30,000 and less: 10%

From 2014 to 2016, for-hire vehicles crashes more than tripled increasing from 534 to 1,672!

  • Would you be covered in the case of a crash?
  • Ride Sharing Insurance and Coverage

Period 1 is when the app is on, a trip hasn’t been accepted, and there are no passengers in the car

  • Drivers Only
    • Personal insurance
      • Used by most ride sharing drivers
      • Likely to fall short, as many companies don’t cover drivers that are earning a profit
    • Ride sharing insurance
      • Supplements a driver’s personal insurance and covers during Period 1
      • Only 23% drivers purchased additional ride sharing insurance coverage
    • Commercial insurance
      • Typically used by taxi drivers and available for ride sharing drivers
      • But costs 10X more than personal insurance
    • Drivers, Riders, and Other Parties
      • Liability coverage and uninsured motorist injury coverage
        • Promised by ride sharing companies for drivers and riders
        • Up to $1 million for each

From 2012-2014, Uber was involved in at least 173 U.S. lawsuits, while Lyft was involved in 66 cases

  • Legal and Safety Gaps of the Ride Sharing Industry
    • Ride Sharing Drivers Aren’t Employees
      • Drivers are classified as “independent contractors”
      • Ride sharing companies can avoid claiming damages if the driver is to blame for the accident (e.g. drunk, distracted driving, etc.)
    • Period 1 Is a Grey Area for Drivers
      • Drivers must file a personal insurance claim for accidents during period 1, unless state law/ride sharing policy specifies otherwise
      • If the claim is denied, a ride sharing company must help fill in personal insurance gaps
    • Not Subject to the Same Rules as Other Transportation Services
      • Many regulations on taxis have yet to be applied to ride sharing companies
      • Should Ride Sharing Services Have the Same Regulations as Taxis?
        • 42% of all adults feel that ride sharing companies don’t need to follow the same rules as taxis
      • Laws Change from City-to-City
        • Ride sharing companies must meet certain insurance coverage requirements
        • Some cities or areas require more coverage than others
          • Minnesota: $1.5 million in coverage during periods 2 and 3
          • California: $1 million in liability coverage during periods 2 and 3
          • New York City: Requires commercial coverage
  • Riders Should Be Prepared in Case of an Accident
    • Accident Site
      • Get Assistance
        • Call the police and get any needed medical attention
        • Move cars to a safe place if accident is minor
        • Signal with hazard lights or cones
      • Compile Information
        • Gather details about your driver (e.g., their contact information, ridesharing company, and insurance agencies)
      • After the Accident
        • Consider Options
          • Evaluate whether you want to pursue a claim, as it could take a long time and cost a lot of money
          • Compile accident claim costs (e.g., medical, repair, work loss, and any other important details)
        • Contact a Lawyer
          • Helps you receive claims from ride sharing and insurance companies
            • Free consultations
            • No fees until they make your expenses back
          • Assists you with differences in state-to-state laws