Transportation Network Companies (TNC), or rideshare companies as they are often called, are an increasingly common mode of transportation for many people in Connecticut. Services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way for people to travel locally, and they are often cheaper than taxi companies and faster than public transportation. Accidents involving TNC drivers, however, present complex legal challenges for injured motorists and passengers.

The legal landscape of a car accident claim involving a TNC driver is fraught with obstacles, from the drivers’ independent contractor status to the multiple insurance policies. How you approach a rideshare accident case depends on a number of factors, which is why consulting a TNC accident attorney is recommended. Our personal injury attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC have extensive experience helping our injured clients seek compensation after a rideshare accident.

LIABILITY AND TNC ACCIDENTS

Because Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers may be considered independent contractors, it is incredibly difficult to hold TNCs liable for their actions. These companies consistently claim that they are not responsible for the actions of people who are not technically viewed as their employees. Even filing insurance claims can be challenging because the drivers and the companies have different insurance policies.

There are varying procedures for TNC accidents that occur when the driver is on duty versus off duty, and the insurance coverage that drivers have will also be impacted by this. The minimum insurance requirements for rideshare drivers in Connecticut are as follows:

  • $50,000 per person minimum when the driver is available to receive ride requests
  • $1,000,000 per person minimum when the driver has accepted a ride request

If a TNC driver is not logged into the transportation app and is not available to receive requests, the rideshare company does not provide any insurance coverage. Accidents in this scenario would involve the driver’s personal insurance company.

LEGAL GUIDANCE AFTER A TNC ACCIDENT

The complicated nature of rideshare or TNC accidents means that injured victims face an enormous hurdle in their path to recovery. Having the financial compensation you deserve after an accident contributes to your ability to heal physically and mentally. Our car accident attorneys have helped clients across Connecticut receive the damages they are entitled to.

If you are facing a complex legal process after a rideshare accident, contact the lawyers at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC for guidance. We are honored to be able to help injured motorists and passengers reach a favorable outcome in their accident case because we understand that financial recovery goes hand-in-hand with physical and emotional recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.