Rideshare Roulette: Tech and Torts Collide in the Courtroom

This course explores key legal issues practitioners face when litigating against rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. Topics will include rideshare arbitration agreements, independent contractor liability, insurance coverage issues, and the applicability and interplay of various state and federal statutes.

• Understanding Rideshare Regulations: Differentiate between "Upstate" New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law Article 44-B and New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) regulations, learning how location of pickup dictates applicable laws and insurance requirements.
• Navigating Insurance Coverage Issues: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the varying insurance coverages mandated at different phases of a rideshare trip, including specific limits for logged-on vs. prearranged trips, and how these differ between NYC and other regions.
• Arbitration Concerns and Strategies: Analyze the impact of "click-wrap" arbitration agreements, particularly in light of the impactful Wu v. Uber Technologies Court of Appeals case. Discover strategies to challenge or navigate these mandatory arbitration clauses.
• Employee vs. Independent Contractor Status: Examine the critical distinction between employee and independent contractor classifications for rideshare drivers, exploring the implications for vicarious liability claims against TNCs and key factors courts consider, including the significant Matter of Vega case.
• Litigation Strategies & Other Considerations: Learn effective discovery techniques, including requesting app metadata and dashcam footage. Understand the potential applicability of the Graves Amendment in cases involving leased vehicles and explore emergent legal considerations for future claims involving digital service agreements.

This course equips you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to effectively litigate rideshare cases, providing clarity in a rapidly evolving legal domain.