Zum is a transportation service that is an offshoot of Uber, as many companies are. What sets it apart, though, is the fact that it does not transport adults, but instead it focuses on transportation of children. This is because of the growing need for kids to be chauffeured around but the parents have very little time to sit in traffic and take their children everywhere they need to go. It is also not as safe to have kids use public transportation, and school buses will generally only drop kids off at their schools and near home. Zum picks up the slack and allows parents to schedule specific rides for their children instead of having to rely on other modes of transportation. However, as with almost any transportation service, there can be issues if there are any accidents or car crashes. If you were in a Zum rideshare accident, you can contact the Normandie Law Firm for more help filing a lawsuit against the company.
What Is Zum?
Zum functions similarly to Uber in that it is a rideshare app and company, but it lets kids ride in vehicles. This is a fundamental difference; Uber, Lyft, and other apps are not licensed to transport children and they can be heavily fined for the action of doing so. Zum seeks to fill that gap missing in the rideshare industry. They also provide additional services to the families.
As of right now, Zum is available in California, Texas, Illinois, Arizona, and Florida.
How Does Zum Work?
Zum allows parents to schedule rides for their children. All rides must be scheduled by the previous day. Once a rider has been selected for the trip, parents can log on to view the driver’s photo, the driver’s vehicle and license plate number, and a short biography about the driver.
Before the ride happens, a password is generated that allows kids to enter the correct vehicles. Parents can track the rides and ensure that the driver is on the way to the correct location. Children also have a version of the app available to them.
You can set the frequency of the rides, as well. You may need to only schedule on ride for your kid, or you may need recurring rides to bring him to sports practice. You could also simply set up an every-day schedule to bring him to and from school if necessary. There are specific notes available that can allow drivers to sign kids out of school, and there are various perks, like requesting a booster seat.
Additionally, you can select the type of ride, whether a single-occupancy ride with just your child and the driver, or a carpool ride with other kids in the car as well.
What Services Does Zum Provide?
Zum primarily offers driving and transportation services, but it also provides childcare services. These services allow parents to select 15-minute increments before and after rides during which the child is taken care of, whether by being babysat at home or by being chaperoned at an event.
What Are The Costs Of Zum?
Zum rides start at $8 per child for one way rides in the carpool feature, and $16 for kids in single rides. It also costs $6 for every 15-minute block of childcare, with a 2 hour ($48) limit. Zum drivers are purported to make between $16 and $35 an hour, given that the prices of rides will vary according to location, time of day, duration, and more. Drivers are not reimbursed for their gas or cell phone usage.
– Uber Accident Attorney – Rideshare Injury Lawsuit Information
How Are Zum Drivers Selected?
Zum drivers are not chosen as freely as Uber drivers are. There is a strict process and set of requirements that every driver must abide by. All drivers must be over the age of 21 with at least 3 years of childcare experience. Their driving records must be clean from the past 3 years. They must drive sedans made in 2009 or later that are in good condition. Drivers must have ongoing insurance, proper maintenance, and the vehicles must pass a 19-point inspection.
Each driver will be met by Zum in person and will undergo a driving test and ride-along. Zum will conduct numerous background checks through the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They will also look for sex offender records and use fingerprinting and Trustline identification methods. Previous addresses and social security number verifications are required.
What Is The Insurance Coverage For Zum Drivers?
Although Zum drivers must have proof of insurance coverage for themselves, Zum does offer coverage as well. According to Zum’s terms and conditions:
“Zum will provide limited liability insurance covering you and passengers during rides that are part of the Zumer Services. However, Zumers are otherwise responsible for insurance for the vehicles they use to provide the Zumer Services.”
Therefore, injuries are covered in any accident, for up to $1,000,000, as per Zum’s policy limits. Damage done to vehicles, though, is not covered.
How Can I Sue Zum For An Accident?
You can sue Zum for an accident if you can prove that the company was negligent in some way. Generally, rideshare companies try to avoid taking on responsibility in accidents; they will claim that the drivers themselves are responsible and must be held accountable. They try to use the process of self-scheduling as a guise to say that these drivers are not employees.
You can sue Zum if the driver that was hired was negligent or should not have been hired in the first place. For example, if Zum ignored a previous felony or did not verify the age of a driver, the company can be held accountable because the individual should not have been behind the wheel.
Can I Sue Zum For Other Reasons?
Yes, you can sue Zum for other reasons besides car accidents. According to Zum’s terms and conditions:
“Zum Services, Inc. has a zero-tolerance policy for both drug and alcohol use while driving for Z?m. Any driver found to be violating this zero-tolerance policy will have their Z?m account suspended till further investigation. Z?m also has a zero-tolerance policy related to any physical contact with riders, or the use of a mobile device for talking, texting or using phone while driving for Z?m with a passenger in their car.”
Therefore, if a Zum driver is under the influence, touched a rider, was texting, or behaved in a similar manner, you could sue Zum for damages from injuries.
What Should I Do In Case Of A Zum Accident?
You should adequately prepare evidence at the scene and take necessary legal action if you were involved in a Zum accident. Firstly, you should pursue medical help at once to get treatment and to ensure that there is no gap between the incident and the treatment. If there is, the insurance agent can claim that you were hurt elsewhere.
You should then take pictures of the injuries you suffered, the damage to your car, the scene of the accident, and any other pieces of proof you will need. You should also try to acquire dashcam footage if available.
You will want to interview eyewitnesses and bystanders to provide additional perspectives and support to your case with their statements and testimonies.
You will have to file an accident report with Zum; you should also take screenshots of the app, pay history, and anything else to show that you were a rightful driver on a trip.
If the police came to the accident to investigate, you can request a copy of the police report once it has been finalized and submitted to the station.
Lastly, it is highly recommended that you reach out to a skilled Zum accident attorney who can handle your lawsuit.
In order to sue, you must show that the Zum driver or other party was negligent; that is, he owed you a duty of care that was breached, which led to an accident and physical injuries.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Zum Accident?
Yes, you need a lawyer if you wish to sue for a Zum accident. The reason is simple: you may not have any experience whatsoever in this realm, whether it is negotiating with insurance agents or dealing with the intricacies of the law. If you have a qualified attorney on your side, you will have a greater chance of winning your claim and earning compensation.
What Can I Win In A Zum Lawsuit?
If you wish to file a lawsuit against Zum, you can win the following types of compensation:
- Coverage for medical expenses from the past and future
- Reimbursement for lost income from time spent away from your job, as well as future lost income
- Property damage to cover the lost or broken personal items
- Pain and suffering damages for emotional trauma, PTSD, fear, anxiety, and more
You should not be expected to cover your losses and expenses if you were not responsible for the accident. The company should be liable. With the help of our lawyers, you will be able to win the maximum settlement available for your claim.
How Our Firm Helps
The Normandie Law Group has a team of skilled lawyers who are highly rated and have years of experience with Zum accident lawsuits. We know the best methods tow in your case and we will do everything possible to secure you the restitution you deserve. You should not try to go through a lawsuit alone, as the stress will simply complicate matters and the insurance agent will likely toss your claim aside as you will not have the necessary experience and abilities to win it. Let our aggressive lawyers fight for your rights and we will win your lawsuit.
Call us today for a free legal consultation to discuss your case. All your information will be kept confidential and the details of your lawsuit will not leave our office. We will walk through the legal process with you and tell you what we believe we can earn in your case.
If you want us to represent you, we will give you our zero fee guarantee. This states that you won’t have to pay any money at all for our services. We will only get paid by the insurance company in the event that we win, and if we lose, we take no payment at all.
For more assistance with a Zum accident lawsuit, contact our team at the Normandie Law Firm today.
