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Ridesharing services—formally known as Transportation Network Companies—have become a major fixture throughout New Jersey. They connect drivers with passengers seeking a ride, which directly competes with traditional taxi cabs. The important difference is that many of the strict regulations facing the taxi industry do not apply to these drivers.
In recent years, there has been an effort to regulate this industry more carefully. A knowledgeable Uber/Lyft crash attorney at our firm could answer any questions you have about rideshare accidents and Transportation Network Company (TNC) laws in Hackensack.
Much like taxi businesses, TNCs are required by law to perform background checks on each of their drivers. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure the safety of passengers and other motorists by weeding out high-risk individuals. These checks are made across national databases not only for prior traffic convictions but also for more serious offenses. This includes checking the National Sex Offender Registry.
An applicant is not qualified to serve as a rideshare driver if they have certain criminal convictions in the past seven years. These include DUI, sex offenses, acts of violence, or fraud.
This does not mean dangerous applicants can never slip through the cracks. Large companies are imperfect, and mistakes happen. When the negligence of a rideshare or TNC company results in someone’s injuries, they can be held liable through legal action with the help of a Hackensack attorney.
One of the most important rideshare regulations in Hackensack and throughout the rest of New Jersey involves liability insurance. These companies are required to provide coverage to their drivers in different situations, with the goal of covering losses that would exceed the driver’s individual limits. All drivers—including rideshare operators—must have their own policy any time they get behind the wheel.
The maximum available coverage varies depending on the circumstances. If a rideshare operator has opened the mobile app and is actively seeking a passenger, the company must provide at least $50,000 for bodily injuries or death per person and $100,000 per accident. Likewise, they must also offer $25,000 in property damage claims per accident.
The amount of coverage mandated by law increases dramatically once an operator accepts a passenger. From the moment they agree to offer the ride until the point the customer arrives at their location, the company has to offer coverage up to $1.5 million for injuries, death, and property losses. There are additional mandatory limits of $1.5 million for uninsured motorist policies.
A rideshare operator has additional obligations beyond carrying the mandatory amount of liability insurance. First and foremost, drivers have to display an identifying marker that makes it obvious to the public that they work for a company like Uber or Lyft. These logos are usually provided by the company, and they typically light up so that they are visible at night.
A vehicle must also be inspected for safety purposes before it can be used as a rideshare. This inspection must occur before a vehicle is initially used and then again every two years.
If you have been hurt in a collision with an Uber or Lyft operator, now is the time to seek legal help. Rideshare accidents and Transportation Network Company (TNC) laws in Hackensack are complex, so getting help from experienced legal counsel is a good idea. Call the O’Cathain Law Group Personal Injury Law Department right away to learn more.