Uber Accidents Lawyer in New Mexico
In 2016, Governor Susana Martinez signed the “Transportation Network Company Services Act,” a bill that created a regulatory framework for transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft. TNCs are more commonly known as “ridesharing” services, and Uber and Lyft have become incredibly popular alternatives to traditional taxis because people can arrange rides using applications on their smartphones or other mobile devices.
The bill defined a TNC as any business using a digital network to connect passengers to drivers for the purpose of providing transportation. While the idea behind the state laws was to make sure that TNC drivers are subject to insurance requirements that are stricter than traditional automobile insurance requirements, companies such as Uber or Lyft will frequently claim that their drivers are “independent contractors” in an attempt to escape potential liability when one of their vehicles causes a crash.
If you sustained severe injuries or your loved one was killed in an accident caused by a TNC driver’s negligence, you will want to immediately contact Need an Injury Lawyer New Mexico. Our firm will fight to get you the compensation you need and deserve for all of your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
New Mexico Ridesharing Laws
In an insurance compromise reached in March 2015, TNCs agreed to primary insurance requirements of $50,000 for bodily injury to one person, $100,000 for injuries to multiple people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage to be maintained by the TNC, the TNC driver, or a combination of the two during “Period 1,” which is the period in which the driver is logged into the digital system and available but does not yet have a passenger. Period 2 refers to the period in which the driver is en route to pick up a passenger and Period 3 is the actual ride with the passenger.
During Periods 2 and 3, the minimum liability limits are increased to $1 million. Essentially, a TNC is unlikely to be held liable when its driver is not engaged in a prearranged ride, and that driver alone is usually the person who is legally subject to injury claims in such cases. Uber, Lyft, or other TNCs may also argue that they are not liable when a driver who is engaged in a prearranged ride does not comply with certain company requirements of its drivers.
Because so much of their business relies on cell phone communications, accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or other TNC drivers are often the result of some kind of distracted driving. In other cases, people may be involved in crashes caused by these vehicles when a TNC driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs.
New Mexico Uber Accident Lawyer
Did you sustain catastrophic injuries or was your loved one killed in an accident caused by an Uber, Lyft, or other TNC driver in New Mexico? Do not attempt to speak to the TNC or an insurance company without first contacting Need an Injury Lawyer New Mexico.
Our firm handles these cases on a contingency fee basis so you do not need to worry about paying us anything unless you receive a financial award, and we are available 24/7 to answer all of your legal questions. Call us today to set up a free, no obligation consultation that will let our experienced personal injury attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case.