The phrase transportation network companies (TNCs) is used to describe ride-sharing companies such as Uber, Lyft, Sidecar, or others that provide carpooling services. Ride-sharing is typically arranged by passengers through smartphone or social networking applications that are also utilized by TNC drivers.
When an Uber or other ride-sharing driver causes a traffic accident in Maine, a personal injury claim stemming from the crash can be impacted by whether the driver had any passengers at the time of the collision. Whether a driver was logged on to a TNC’s digital network or engaged in a prearranged ride can be very important in determining whether the TNC itself may be liable for the victim’s injuries.
Maine Ride-Sharing Laws
In 2015, the Maine Legislature enacted LD 1379, otherwise known as “the Transportation Network Company Insurance Act.” The law defines a TNC as a business entity operating in Maine that uses a digital network to connect TNC riders to TNC drivers.
The TNC Act established the following minimum insurance requirements for drivers while on a digital network—defined in the Act as the online system (such as an application, software, or website) that a TNC uses for prearranged rides. When a TNC driver is logged into the TNC digital network but is not engaged in a prearranged ride, the primary automobile liability insurance must be maintained in the following amounts:
- $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person; $100,000 for death and bodily injury per incident; and $25,000 for property damage;
- The minimum amounts of insurance coverage for medical payments under Maine state law (equal to or greater than $2,000 per person); and
- Uninsured vehicle and underinsured motor vehicle coverage required pursuant to Maine state law.
The Act states that primary automobile liability insurance must be maintained in the following amounts when a TNC driver is engaged in a prearranged ride:
- $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage,;
- The minimum amounts of insurance coverage for medical payments under Maine state law (equal to or greater than $2,000 per person); and
- Uninsured vehicle and underinsured motor vehicle coverage required pursuant to Maine state law.
If a TNC driver is neither logged into the TNC digital network nor engaged in a prearranged ride, then his or her own personal automobile insurance policy limits will apply.
Contact a Maine Uber Accident Attorney
Uber and other TNCs typically treat their drivers as independent contractors in an effort to avoid possible liability. For a person who has suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one because of a TNC driver’s negligence, it can be extremely frustrating trying to determine which insurance company a claim should be filed with.
Need an Injury Attorney Maine understands how provisions of the TNC Act apply to these types of incidents and works to hold the negligent parties accountable so victims can obtain all of the compensation they are entitled to. You can call our firm 24/7 to set up a free, no obligation consultation that will allow our personal injury lawyers to review your case and help you understand your legal options.