Los Angeles Uber Accidents and Transportation Network Company (TNC) Laws

Rideshare services such as Uber have transformed how we get around LA. With a few taps on your phone, you can get a ride almost anywhere. Unfortunately, when accidents occur, things get complicated quickly. Uber accidents require an aggressive, tech-driven approach and a deep understanding of both personal injury and employment law.

Under California Law, transportation network companies (TNCs) have to follow specific laws to operate legally. They must carry minimum insurance to cover accidents while drivers are on duty. They also have to comply with specific laws for their drivers, which impact recovery in rideshare accidents. At My Guy Cy, our legal team excels in those areas, making us the perfect choice when you have a claim that involves Los Angeles Uber accidents and Transportation Network Company (TNC) laws.

What Is a Transportation Network Company?

TNC is the formal term for rideshare companies—businesses that connect passengers and drivers via a digital network to arrange rides for compensation. TNCs are not the same as other types of transportation companies, such as taxicabs, limo services, vanpools, or carpools. TNC laws also do not apply if the driver’s fee is less than the cost of providing the ride.

In addition to well-known Uber and Lyft, some examples of TNCs include:

• HopSkipDrive
• Curb
• Flywheel
• Grab
• Kango
• Wingz
• Blacklane

To legally operate in Los Angeles, these companies must follow the state’s TNC laws.

TNC Regulations

To qualify as a rideshare driver in California, drivers need to be at least 21 years old. Lyft requires its drivers to be 25 years or older, but that is not a state requirement. Drivers must have a valid California driver’s license and be able to pass both a criminal and driving background check. Drivers must have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the United States.

There are also rules for the vehicles TNC drivers use. These include the following:

• The vehicle must be a four-door vehicle in good condition, with no visible damage
• The vehicle cannot be a salvage vehicle, regardless of its condition
• The vehicle cannot display advertising; however, it must display decals for the rideshare service on the front and back passenger side windshields—at least while working
• The vehicle cannot be a full-size van
• The vehicle must exhibit California license plates

Rideshare companies must carry insurance to cover their drivers while on duty. This insurance is one of the best parts of the law for victims of Uber or other rideshare accidents in Los Angeles.

Insurance Requirements for TNC

State law requires TNCs to carry minimum insurance to cover drivers while on duty for the rideshare company. By holding a large tech company like Uber liable for the crash, there will likely be more resources available to cover your losses than an accident with an individual who only has personal car insurance coverage.

The state divides coverage into three different periods. Period 1 is when the driver’s app is open, but they have not accepted a ride request. For period 1, the rideshare company has to provide coverage, but it is less than the coverage required for other periods.

Periods 2 and 3 occur after a driver accepts a trip. During those trips, the TNC must have a higher policy amount for death, personal injury, and property damage. In addition, TNCs must have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

The combination of these various types of coverage helps protect passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motor vehicle operators when a rideshare driver gets into an accident.

At My Guy Cy, our experienced legal team understands the intricacies of rideshare insurance and liability. We work diligently to investigate all potential avenues of compensation and ensure you secure the maximum recovery available. Our trustworthy attorneys deliver extraordinary results for our extraordinary clients.

Learn More About How TNC Laws Can Affect Your Uber Accident Case

Obtaining fair compensation after a wreck depends in part on the relationship between your specific Los Angeles Uber accident and Transportation Network Company (TNC) laws. At My Guy Cy, we have the necessary knowledge and skills, along with a proven track record of success in holding big tech companies accountable for accidents involving rideshare drivers. We often face top law firms hired by big tech companies and win.

Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, and discuss your case with one of our experienced legal professionals. We take all cases on contingency, meaning you pay zero attorney fees to our firm unless we win your case.