Workers compensation is a type of insurance that acts like a safety net for employees and workers in case of a job-related injury or illness. However, workers compensation is typically available only to full-time employees. For most independant gig workers like rideshare drivers, getting injured on the job means paying for medical bills out of pocket, which can be extremely expensive.
In New York, the situation is a lot better. The Black Car Fund makes workers’ compensation benefits possible for rideshare drivers.
To help rideshare drivers better understand these benefits and how they address their unique needs, it is beneficial to understand how The Black Car Fund’s workers’ compensation and traditional workers’ compensation compare.
The Comparison
The Black Car Fund is a workers’ compensation program specifically designed for rideshare and black car drivers. Here’s how it differs from traditional workers’ compensation:
- Tailored to Independent Drivers. The Black Car Fund’s workers’ compensation is uniquely tailored to gig workers, including rideshare drivers. Traditional workers’ compensation is designed with traditional full-time employment in mind, making it unavailable for rideshare drivers.
- Universal Coverage. The Black Car Fund provides coverage to all eligible rideshare drivers in New York. Traditional workers’ compensation coverage can vary by employer, industry, and state, leaving some workers without protection.
- Funding System. The Black Car Fund is funded by a surcharge on every ride provided by the rideshare passengers. Traditional workers’ compensation is typically funded by employers, with workers having no direct involvement in the funding process.
- Accessibility. Rideshare drivers should access The Black Car Fund’s benefits with the help of an expert workers’ compensation lawyer, with a good understanding of what The Fund is and how these claims work.. The program is designed to simplify the claims process for rideshare drivers, reducing the administrative obstacles often associated with traditional workers’ compensation.
- Portability. The Black Car Fund’s coverage is portable, meaning that drivers can maintain their protection regardless of which rideshare platform they work for. Traditional workers’ compensation coverage is tied to specific employers, and switching jobs can disrupt coverage.
Workers’ Compensation Support from IDG Legal
If you have been injured while working, we can connect you with our workers’ compensation lawyer, who knows and understands The Black Car Fund, and is skilled in filing these claims for our drivers.
Tap below to fill out a form for immediate assistance.
