What To Do If You’re In A Ride Sharing Accident

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