There’s no doubt about it: rideshare services are growing and here to stay. In 2020, it was estimated that there were over 200,000 Uber drivers in California, and over 300,000 Lyft drivers transported passengers within the state. 

Despite their convenience to the general public, vehicle accidents and other safety incidents can and do happen in rideshare situations. Rideshare drivers are subject to the same kinds of issues that cause accidents among the general public who drive themselves—bad weather, poor vehicle maintenance, distracted driving, dangerous driving, and poor roads and infrastructure—so it’s no surprise that accidents occur. 

Uber has issued two Safety Reports, one for 2017-2018 and the second one for 2019-2020. The most recent report stated that safety incidents are statistically extremely rare—99.9% of Uber trips ended without any safety-related issues. Lyft’s Safety Transparency Report essentially reports the same statistics. 

However, according to a 2019 study, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have increased traffic fatalities in California by 2–3%. Between 2017 and 2018, Uber vehicles were involved in 97 fatal crashes in California, resulting in 107 deaths. In these crashes, 21% of victims were riders, 21% were drivers, and 58% were third-party drivers or passengers.

California’s Ridesharing Laws and Regulations

California has passed various ridesharing laws and regulations over the past decade in an effort to improve public safety. Ridesharing services are classified as “Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)” and regulated by the California Public Utility Commission. Under California law and regulations, a TNC is a company that uses an online platform or app to connect passengers with drivers who use their own vehicles to provide prearranged transportation services for compensation. Under the state’s requirements, rideshare drivers are subject to the following:

• Licensing, permit, and certification requirements
• Insurance requirements, including vehicle liability and workers’ compensation    insurance
• Minimum driver age and driving experience requirement
• Mandatory driver training programs 
• Accessibility plans for individuals with disabilities
• Mandatory vehicle inspections once per year or every 50,000 miles, whichever comes first
• Regulations regarding the number of passengers and pickup locations 

This is not an all-inclusive list; other regulations are imposed on these TNCs.

Note that rideshare accidents in California can be more difficult to resolve than standard motor vehicle accidents due to insurance-related issues. The issues can be complex, including the extent to which an injured passenger may seek compensation from the company rather than the individual driver. The rules have changed over the last decade in California, so it’s important to speak with an experienced San Luis Obispo attorney who can help you navigate these issues, prove fault, and guide you to a positive outcome. 

Contact a San Luis Obispo Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, contact the law offices of Earl E. Conaway lll, P.C. We’re knowledgeable about the law, and we care about you. We’re dedicated to helping victims of vehicle accidents obtain the maximum compensation possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.