The Independent Drivers Guild represents more than 300,000 transportation network company (TNC) drivers in New Jersey. Lyft and other rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, making it difficult for you to know what to do if you are in an accident with one, whether as a passenger or as a motorist.
Lyft and the law follow the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act. At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, we are familiar with Lyft accidents and transportation network company (TNC) laws in Paramus. If you sustained injuries in a Lyft crash, our skilled rideshare accident attorneys can assess your case and advise you of your options, beginning with a complimentary consultation. Reach out to our team today to learn more.
What TNC Driver Checks Are There?
State law currently requires thorough background checks for potential rideshare drivers. This regulation aims to curtail the rising number of assaults, especially sexual assaults, by drivers against passengers. The checks include a driver’s criminal record and driving history. This law also requires rideshare drivers to apply for and carry a special TLC license from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Drivers must:
- Show proof of residency
- Be at least 21 years old
- Provide a valid Social Security number
- Pass a criminal background check
Drivers must prominently display an identification plaque so passengers know they are getting into the car they ordered. To further enhance safety, the rideshare driver must also undergo periodic inspections that are more stringent than general state inspections. Failing to follow TNC laws in Paramus can lead to a Lyft or other rideshare collision. If this happens to you, you need an aggressive, caring attorney who will take the time to guide you through the compensation process.
Insurance Requirements for Lyft Drivers
The state operates a complicated auto insurance system that requires all motorists to carry 35/70/25 coverage. This coverage is the minimum amount acceptable for personal use of a vehicle. It is also what a rideshare driver relies on when using an automobile for personal purposes. Although Lyft and other TNCs provide levels of commercial insurance when the rideshare driver is working, there have been many disputes about which party is responsible if there is an accident when the driver is waiting for a fare and interacting with the rideshare app.
The driver’s personal insurance covers liability at a minimum of $35,000 per person and $70,000 per accident, along with $25,000 for property damage. However, this only covers other parties that sustain injuries in a Lyft accident, not the rideshare driver’s losses. The driver’s expenses for medical treatment and lost wages fall under the required personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, with a required minimum coverage of $15,000. New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means every driver relies on their own PIP coverage, whether they caused the wreck or not.
If the accident involves another driver who is not carrying insurance or is carrying inadequate insurance, the state-required uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage goes into effect. This form of insurance carries the same minimum limits as liability 35/70/25. To find out how TNC regulations apply to your Paramus Lyft wreck case, schedule a consultation with our team today.
Contact Us To Learn More About Paramus Lyft Crashes and TNC Laws
Laws and customs continue to evolve in the rideshare industry as it responds to safety issues for drivers and passengers. Our lawyers are adept at applying these rules to personal injury cases to prove negligence and win you as much compensation as possible.
We can employ an abundance of resources to assess how Lyft accidents and transportation network company (TNC) laws in Paramus affect your situation. Contact Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC today to schedule your free consultation.
