If you run a company that offers non-emergency transport services, it’s crucial to have all of the right insurance policies in place. There are a lot of risks that come with transporting patients, many of which leave your business, including your employees and drivers, liable for problems that occur. Some of these risks include injuries from getting on and off these vehicles, as well as wheelchair life failures and mistakes made when wheelchairs aren’t properly secured.
Thankfully, with the correct insurance plans, your business won’t have to pay settlements out of pocket. Here’s what you need to know to ensure that you’re properly covered.
Most Common Liability Scenarios
It’s crucial for you to fully understand the many things that can go wrong when transporting wheelchair-bound patients using a vehicle with a specialized lift. These potential problems include slips and falls, while the patient is getting on or off of the vehicle, as well as issues caused by the lift malfunctioning while in motion. For example, the lift can jam, tilt, or drop down, potentially leaving the patient injured.
Once the patient is on the vehicle, their wheelchair needs to be properly secured with straps that can break when worn down. Other problems, like anchor point issues, incorrect tie-downs, and not having the brakes set on the wheelchair can cause injuries.
Who Gets Blamed When Accidents Happen?
Accidents happen, even to those who are extremely careful. Things get overlooked, straps break, and wheelchair brakes don’t get set properly. When someone gets injured or their wheelchair is damaged, the driver and any assistants employed by your company are the ones who are blamed. Insurance companies consider things like training and inspection logs, maintenance records, and supervision and training methods when deciding who is liable for the injury. Insurance companies also examine potential manufacturing errors and the pickup locations when making their decisions.
Coverage That Typically Needs to be in Place
After reading all of this, you’re probably wondering which types of insurance are the most crucial in these situations. Let’s explore the available options. You’ll need:
- Commercial Auto Liability – Some accidents, such as loading and unloading, can be tied to the vehicle itself, making these policies crucial.
- NEMT Insurance – These policies are designed for non-emergency transportation services and cover many specific situations that occur in the course of daily business.
- General Liability – A general liability policy covers many situations, especially those where your business could be found liable for damages and injuries.
- Umbrella Liability – These policies cover more than general liability ones and tend to have higher limits.
- Workers’ Compensation – Your employees need to have coverage should they get injured on the job by moving patients.
- Specialty Policies – There are special policies, like hired or non-owned auto insurance that your business may need.
Have Questions? Contact Charlotte Insurance
Want to learn more about liability insurance for your non-emergency transport service? Contact Charlotte Insurance. Our agents can explore and explain all available options and put together the insurance coverage plan your business needs.