Earlier this year, the Nevada Legislature voted to pass Senate Bill 226, which seeks to revise provisions related to transportation network organizations, including ridesharing entities like Uber and Lyft.
However, the bill was not met without contention – it drew significant fire from ridesharing organizations and allies who argued that the amendment would help monopolize the state’s transportation.
Among the provisions in the contested amendment was a requirement to raise the minimum insurance coverage with ridesharing drivers from $50,000 to $300,000 to cover injuries, death or property damage from incidents.
According to officials, the new minimum would rank Nevada’s ridesharing insurance as the highest in the nation, and would be a significant departure from the coverage that companies like Uber currently offer on passenger trips.
Insurance Coverage for Ridesharing Incidents
Over the last few years, ridesharing and other ride-hailing services have become mainstream transportation options. It is currently estimated that 15 percent of adults in America have utilized ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, with 17 percent of those doing so on a daily or weekly basis.
Although ridesharing demand continues to surge, there is one core problem with ridesharing services, and that is the uncertainty about insurance in the event of an injury-causing event.
Unlike taxicabs, which are required to carry commercial auto liability insurance – an estimated cost of $5,000 to $6,000 per vehicle – transportation network companies (TNC) like Uber and Lyft are able to evade insurance costs by requiring that drivers have their own insurance policy. Because TNC drivers often rely solely on their own personal auto insurance policy, rather than commercial liability insurance, it can be difficult for passengers to have their insurance claim covered in the event of an injury-causing incident.
Ridesharing Incidents on the Rise
Although this problem has existed for several years, little has been done to remedy it. Unfortunately, the more people utilize these ridesharing services, the more frequent injury-causing incidents will become.
In fact, between 2014 and 2016, crashes involving for-hire vehicles more than tripled. And while ridesharing insurance helps to bridge the gap, less than 25 percent of ridesharing drivers are covered by it.
That means – if you have been involved in a ridesharing incident that resulted in an injury – you need to be prepared. Depending on the situation and the extent of your injuries, that may involve seeking the guidance of a skilled personal injury attorney.
Working With a Ridesharing Injury Attorney
In Las Vegas, the attorneys at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen are proud to advocate on behalf of personal injury victims, including those who have suffered injuries while utilizing ridesharing services. Although this is a fairly new facet of law, our firm has a wealth of experience in handling these types of cases. We can work with you to assess the extent of your situation and recommend the best course of action for the recovery of damages owed to you.