A pending bill at the Senate seeks to require ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft to ensure that their drivers have valid state business registrations before they can drive in Nevada. Proponents of the legislative measure say that it’s a logical requirement following the ride-sharing companies’ stand that their drivers are independent contractors, not their employees.
Around 57,000 drivers currently operate vehicles for transportation network companies in Nevada. But there is no assurance that all of these drivers have business registrations. Lawmakers recall that when the ride-sharing companies were authorized to operate in Nevada in 2015, the companies agreed to ensure compliance with the business license requirements.
The latest bill requiring the transportation network companies’ assurance of registration compliance should be expected.
Who Is Responsible for Ride Sharing Injuries?
Ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft typically use a smartphone app to connect people who need a ride with drivers. These rides are cheaper and faster to obtain than traditional taxicabs. Their increasing popularity, however, brings out other issues such as legal responsibility in case of injury to passengers or third parties.
Unlike taxi drivers, drivers on the ride-sharing platforms are considered independent contractors. While Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage, their policies only begin to apply when the driver is on the way to picking up a passenger. When a ride-sharing driver collides with another vehicle or hits a pedestrian after a driver has turned on the app to indicate availability but has not yet received a request, the driver’s personal auto insurance should apply.
Anyone injured in a collision involving a ride-sharing vehicle should consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can sort all the legal issues and determine legal responsibility for their injuries.
Claiming Compensation for Ride Sharing Injuries in Nevada
Ridesharing apps continue to gain popularity and state laws are expected to evolve as the government aims to regulate these services. While ride-sharing apps are easy to use, determining liability when things go wrong during the ride can be complicated due to the complex relationships of the transportation network companies, their drivers, and the riding public.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, the personal injury lawyers of Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen are constantly updated on the latest regulations affecting ride-sharing networks. Contact us online or call us today at (702) 505-8115 to learn more about your options for claiming compensation.
Related Links:
Taxis Remain Popular Transit Option In Las Vegas, Nv: Accidents Continue
Proposed Amendment to State Senate Bill Includes Strict Provisions for Ride-Sharing Companies
Ride-Sharing Companies Personal Injury Liability in an Accident