Handheld conveniences have transformed the local transportation arena with the growing popularity of ride share services. With just a few clicks people in need of a ride can hail a driver through the companies’ smartphone applications.

Having hit the market about 10 years ago, ride share companies continue to expand their reach, making it no surprise that accidents and injuries involving their drivers are on the rise as well. The quick-response nature of ride share services encourages drivers to check pinging notifications of new ride requests, distracting them from the road and/or causing them to speed or drive erratically to maximize revenue with more fares.

THE DIFFERENCE IN TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS

As far as passengers are concerned, they are paying to be driven by someone from one place to another, whether they use a taxi, limo or ride share company; but ride share companies say that’s where the similarities end.

RIDE SHARING

• Ride sharing companies are categorized as “Ride Share Network Services” under Georgia’s statutory code.

• Ride share companies say they are technology companies who only offer an app that connects passengers with drivers.

• Laws to govern ride share companies are new and have undergone some changes to address issues and protect the passengers they carry.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

• Taxi and limousine companies are categorized as “Transportation Referral Services” or “Transportation Referral Service Providers.”

• Transportation Referral companies book rides, refer clients to transportation services, and collect money for these services.

• Laws were set in stone long ago to govern taxi and limousine companies.

MORE IMPORTANT DETAILS

Ride share companies contend that they are not accountable for accidents caused by their drivers because they are independent contractors, not employees, who use their personal vehicles to perform their duties. However, they are required to carry liability insurance to cover these vehicles – up to $1 million depending on the whether the driver was carrying a passenger secured through the app as codified in Georgia statute O.C.G.A. §33-1-24. These companies are also required to comply with state and federal regulations; so in some injury circumstances, there may be compelling liability arguments when the companies are not in compliance.

According to Georgia statute O.C.G.A. §40-1-193, each Ride Share Network Service doing business in Georgia must be registered with and licensed by the Department of Public Safety, and maintain a current list of their drivers to be available for inspection upon request by proper authorities.

Ride share companies also must ensure each driver has up-to-date licenses and/or permits; has liability insurance coverage as required by law; and has a current for-hire license endorsement or private background check as outlined in Georgia statute O.C.G.A. §40-5-39.

REASONS ‘FOR-HIRE’ LICENSE ARE DENIED