A California court will soon decide whether Uber drivers should be considered employees or independent contractors. The settlement, which is awaiting approval in a San Francisco federal court, focuses on whether Uber exercises enough control over its drivers to be considered an “employer” or whether Uber’s relationship with its drivers is more hands-off – i.e. it is just the provider of an app that helps them obtain clients. This determination may have a significant impact concerning employment rights – affecting issues such as minimum wage and reimbursement of expenses. Many legal observers believe that for these purposes, the courts will find that the drivers are independent contractors.
However, when it comes to responsibility for accidents caused by Uber drivers and personal injuries, courts tend to find the drivers are employees, and thus Uber may be found liable and required to pay damages and expenses that arise out of accidents.
For more information or if you or a loved one has been involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, please contact the dedicated San Francisco personal injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.